Steven Knight, the creative force behind “Peaky Blinders,” is back with “A Thousand Blows,” a new period drama hitting Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally on February 21, 2025. This twelve-episode series transports us to the rough-and-tumble streets of London’s East End in the 1880s, an era still reeling from the Industrial Revolution. This isn’t a tale of lords and ladies; instead, it’s a look at the lives of those struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Based on real-life accounts, the show centers on the interconnected stories of a few key characters. Malachi Kirby plays Hezekiah, a Jamaican immigrant who, with his friend Alec, finds himself tangled in London’s violent underbelly. They soon cross paths with Mary Carr, portrayed by Erin Doherty, the tough leader of an all-female gang known as The Forty Elephants. Further complicating things is Sugar Goodson, a criminal kingpin and boxer played by Stephen Graham. Their paths collide within a criminal boxing scene, with their personal stories taking center stage amid the grim backdrop of London’s underbelly.
Those familiar with Knight’s work on “Peaky Blinders” will recognize his penchant for gritty storytelling and morally grey characters. This time, he focuses on a world of bare-knuckle boxing and street gangs, populated by individuals fighting for survival any way they can. The series also marks another collaboration between Knight and Stephen Graham.
Beyond the main trio, the supporting cast also includes Jemma Carlton, Ned Dennehy, Ziggy Heath, Daniel Mays, James Nelson-Joyce, and Jas, fleshing out the world of the show. With its focus on real-life narratives and a cast that seems more than capable of bringing these tough characters to life, “A Thousand Blows” has the potential to become a notable drama for fans of period crime stories.
A Thousand Blows is a Hulu and Disney+ production.
