The Shelby family will ride again as Steven Knight’s globally acclaimed Peaky Blinders franchise expands with two new six-part series commissioned by the BBC and Netflix, set to chronicle a new generation of Birmingham gangsters in post-war Britain. The announcement confirms the crime drama’s return to its spiritual home, with production set to take place at the newly established Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham.
Set in 1953, the new series will explore Birmingham’s massive reconstruction following the devastation of World War Two, as the next generation of Shelbys navigate an era of unprecedented opportunity and danger. Creator Steven Knight promised fans are in for “a hell of a ride” as the younger members of the notorious crime family take control of their destiny in a rapidly changing Britain.
The two new series, each comprising six 60-minute episodes, will be produced by Kudos (SAS Rogue Heroes, House of Guinness, Grantchester) in partnership with Garrison Drama, the production company behind the original six seasons and the upcoming Peaky Blinders film. Cillian Murphy, who immortalised Tommy Shelby across the original run, will serve as executive producer alongside Knight.
Post-War Birmingham Setting Promises Fresh Chapter
The new instalments will transport viewers to 1953 Birmingham, nearly two decades after the original series concluded. “After being heavily bombed in WWII, Birmingham is building a better future out of concrete and steel,” reads the official synopsis. “In a new era of Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders, the race to own Birmingham’s massive reconstruction project becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions.”
This temporal leap allows the franchise to explore a dramatically different Birmingham from the inter-war period that defined the original series. The 1950s setting places the new generation of Shelbys amidst the teddy boy era, post-war reconstruction, and the early stages of what would become modern Britain.
Knight, who has consistently championed his hometown throughout the franchise’s success, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Birmingham’s streets. “I’m thrilled to be announcing this new chapter in the Peaky Blinders story,” he stated. “Once again it will be rooted in Birmingham and will tell the story of a city rising from the ashes of the Birmingham blitz.”
Production Returns to Birmingham Roots
The decision to film at Digbeth Loc. Studios represents a significant homecoming for the franchise, which despite being set in Birmingham, has often filmed in other locations including Yorkshire and Liverpool. The new state-of-the-art facility, backed by Knight himself, promises to establish Birmingham as a major production hub for British television and film.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, welcomed the announcement as a major boost for the region. “Peaky Blinders is a worldwide phenomenon that’s boosted our tourism and global reach,” he said. “We’re proud to be working with the team bringing the production back to the Shelbys’ home of Birmingham and job opportunities will follow for local people to become part of this story.”
The production marks the first commission under a new BBC partnership agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Create Central, aimed at expanding BBC and partner production investment in the region. This strategic alliance underscores Birmingham’s growing importance as a creative hub outside London.
Netflix and BBC Join Forces Again
The collaboration between the BBC and Netflix continues a successful partnership that helped transform Peaky Blinders from a British cult hit into a global phenomenon. The original series, which began on BBC Two in 2013 before moving to BBC One for its final two seasons, found an enormous international audience through Netflix’s platform.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised the enduring appeal of the franchise. “This game-changing show made a huge impact when it first came to our screens 12 years ago and it is one of the BBC’s most-loved dramas,” she noted. “Steven has worked his magic once again and I can’t wait for his scripts to be brought to life when filming begins in Birmingham.”
Netflix’s commitment to the franchise extends beyond the new series, with the streaming giant also backing the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, which recently wrapped production. Mona Qureshi, speaking for Netflix, expressed the platform’s excitement: “There are few modern storytellers to match Steven Knight and we will be on the edge of our seats as he returns to the streets of Birmingham and to the next generation of the Shelby family.”
New Generation Takes the Reins
While casting announcements remain under wraps, Knight’s emphasis on “the new generation of Shelbys” suggests a significant shift in focus from the original series’ core characters. This approach allows the franchise to evolve whilst maintaining continuity with its established mythology.
The original series concluded with Tommy Shelby’s apparent death to the outside world, leaving the Shelby Company Limited with a clean slate. The upcoming film is expected to bridge the gap between the original series and the new instalments, potentially introducing the younger generation who will carry the torch forward.
Murphy’s involvement as executive producer, rather than necessarily as the lead actor, indicates a passing of the baton whilst maintaining creative continuity. His presence behind the scenes ensures the new series will honour the legacy of the original whilst charting its own course.
Creative Team Assembles
The production brings together a formidable creative team, with Karen Wilson and Martin Haines from Kudos partnering with Jamie Glazebrook from Garrison Drama. This combination of fresh perspective and institutional knowledge promises to maintain the distinctive aesthetic and narrative complexity that defined the original series.
Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK, which owns Kudos, emphasised the cultural significance of the franchise. “Peaky Blinders is one of the most iconic, era-defining dramas of our time,” he stated. “Made by a brilliant new production partnership, the story of the next generation of Shelbys will grip Peaky fans old and new.”
The involvement of multiple production companies and broadcasters reflects the franchise’s evolution from a modestly budgeted BBC drama to a global entertainment property with significant commercial appeal.
Film Bridges the Gap
The announcement comes as production wraps on The Immortal Man, the feature film that will serve as a bridge between the original series and the new instalments. Starring Murphy alongside Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, and Stephen Graham, the film is expected to provide closure to Tommy Shelby’s story whilst setting up the new generation’s adventures.
Knight recently revealed that filming concluded on 13 December 2024, with early footage proving promising. “The stuff that I’m watching, the rushes, the assemblies, no one will be disappointed,” he told BBC Breakfast. “It’s a very fitting way to end this part of the Peaky story.”
The film’s narrative importance to the broader franchise cannot be understated. Set during World War Two, it will likely establish the circumstances that lead to the younger Shelbys taking control of the family empire in the 1950s.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Since its debut in 2013, Peaky Blinders has transcended its status as a television drama to become a genuine cultural phenomenon. The series sparked fashion trends with its distinctive flat caps and three-piece suits, influenced modern menswear, and turned Birmingham into a tourist destination for fans worldwide.
The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, with tie-in books, clothing lines, a video game, ballet adaptations, and immersive theatre productions. Bars and restaurants themed around the series have opened globally, whilst the phrase “by order of the Peaky Blinders” has entered popular culture.
The franchise’s success also elevated Birmingham’s profile internationally, with the city experiencing increased tourism and cultural cachet. Local businesses have capitalised on the Peaky Blinders brand, offering themed tours, experiences, and merchandise.
Economic Boost for Birmingham
The decision to film in Birmingham represents more than symbolic importance; it promises significant economic benefits for the region. Film and television productions typically inject millions into local economies through employment, hospitality, and support services.
Mayor Parker emphasised the transformative potential: “It’s this sort of backing from some of the biggest names in entertainment that will turn the West Midlands into the creative capital of the UK.” The production is expected to create hundreds of jobs, from construction and technical crews to extras and support staff.
The establishment of Digbeth Loc. Studios as a production base could attract additional projects to Birmingham, creating a sustainable creative ecosystem. Knight’s investment in the facility demonstrates his commitment to developing Birmingham as a production hub rivalling established centres like London and Manchester.
Timeline and Future Plans
While specific release dates remain unannounced, the production timeline suggests the new series will arrive after The Immortal Man’s release, expected in 2025 or early 2026. The two-series order indicates confidence in the franchise’s continued appeal and provides creative security for long-term storytelling.
Knight has consistently suggested the Peaky Blinders universe could extend beyond these announced projects. In recent interviews, he’s hinted at additional stories to tell, stating: “This is a fitting end to the first chapter. As long as there’s an appetite for it and I’ve got stories to tell, then why not?”
The staggered release strategy, with the film preceding the television series, allows the franchise to maintain momentum whilst building anticipation for each new instalment. This approach mirrors successful franchise expansions in other properties, from Star Wars to Marvel.
Broadcasting Strategy
The dual broadcasting arrangement with BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and Netflix reflects the changing landscape of television distribution. The BBC secures prestigious drama content for its domestic audience, whilst Netflix provides global reach and production funding that enables ambitious storytelling.
This hybrid model has become increasingly common for high-end British drama, allowing public service broadcasters to compete with streaming giants whilst maintaining cultural relevance. For viewers, it ensures broad accessibility, with the series available through traditional broadcasting and streaming platforms.
Creative Evolution
The 1950s setting offers rich dramatic potential, placing the Shelby family within the context of post-war reconstruction, the early Cold War, and significant social change. This period saw the emergence of youth culture, changing gender roles, and the foundations of modern Britain being laid.
Knight’s proven ability to weave historical events into personal drama suggests the new series will explore how the Shelby family adapts to this transformed landscape. The reconstruction of Birmingham provides both literal and metaphorical scaffolding for stories about building new from the ruins of the old.
The franchise’s evolution from a period crime drama to a multi-generational saga reflects television’s increasing ambition and scope. What began as a six-episode series on BBC Two has grown into a narrative universe spanning decades, mediums, and platforms.
Looking Forward
As Peaky Blinders prepares for its next chapter, the franchise stands as a testament to the global appetite for distinctively British storytelling. The combination of local authenticity and universal themes has created a property that resonates across cultures whilst remaining rooted in Birmingham’s specific history and character.
The new series faces the challenge of honouring the original’s legacy whilst establishing its own identity. With Knight at the helm, strong production partners, and the backing of major broadcasters, the foundations are solid for another successful chapter in the Shelby saga.
For Birmingham, the return of Peaky Blinders represents validation of its creative potential and a chance to showcase its transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural destination. As the cameras roll at Digbeth Loc. Studios, the city that inspired the phenomenon becomes an active participant in its continuation.
The announcement confirms that reports of Peaky Blinders’ demise were greatly exaggerated. Instead, the franchise appears poised for expansion and evolution, ensuring the Shelby family’s criminal empire will cast its shadow across screens for years to come. By order of the Peaky Blinders, Birmingham’s most famous fictional export rides again.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Image Credit:
Peaky Blinders logo — in the public domain (consisting only of simple geometric shapes/text, lacking the threshold of originality for copyright) (commons.wikimedia.org)
