“This Town,” from “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, is set in Birmingham and tells of ska music and youth in the 80s – now streaming on HBO Max.
“Peaky Blinders” is currently experiencing a new hype. The main trigger is the movie “Immortal Man”, which was released on Netflix and is intended to serve as the grand finale to the gangster saga about the gangs in Birmingham. This time the focus is on the main character’s son Tommy Shelby.
However, there are four years between the production of the film and the series, and the makers of “Gangs of Birmingham” have successfully used this break.
New projects
In the meantime, creator Steven Knight has devoted himself to new projects – including the series “A Thousand Blows” and “House of Guinness”, available on Disney + and Netflix. Both series have a similar character to “Peaky Blinders”. “House of Guinness” also revolves around a famous family business: the Guinness brewery, in which a power struggle over the inheritance breaks out after the father’s death, peppered with intrigue and love affairs. Set in late 19th century Dublin, where the Guinness brand was created. “A Thousand Blows” also catapults viewers back to the Victorian era and illuminates the dark world of illegal boxing in London’s East End. Both projects led by Knight were released in 2025.
“This Town”: Back to the Roots
His series “This Town” faded into the background a little. Although it premiered in 2024, it has not yet been broadcast in Germany. The action takes place in Birmingham and Coventry in the late 70s and 80s. The director Knight is returning to his roots, as his successful series “Peaky Blinders” also took place in the same region.
The series tells the story of four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music. Bands like “The Specials”, “The Beat” and “The Selecter” shaped this music scene, which originated in these same British cities. The sound combines Jamaican ska with influences from punk and new wave. A musical style that emerged in response to the social tensions under the Thatcher government.
The characters
The focus is on Dante, an aspiring poet and college student. With his girlfriend Jeannie he tries to find a place in the world; Together they combine their talents of poetry and music making. Cousin Bardon also fights against the influence of his tyrannical father and the IRA. Their stories gradually interweave into a captivating drama.
The trailer already shows: Steven Knight’s style is also unmistakable in “This Town” – power struggles, fights, political backgrounds, friendship and family ties. The creator of “Peaky Blinders” remains true to himself; the series combines thriller and emotional family saga.
Cast and availability
The cast includes Michelle Dockery, known from “Downton Abbey” and “The Gentlemen,” as well as Levi Brown, Jordan Bolger, David Dawson and Nicholas Pinnock.
The series is now available to stream on HBO Max. The first episode is already available, new episodes appear weekly on Tuesdays.
