Today (September 12, 2023) marks 10 years since the first episode of Peaky Blinders aired on the BBC. Created by writer Steven Knight, the iconic drama series inspired by Birmingham has become a household name across the world.
After huge success in the UK, the show based on the real life Birmingham gang in post-World War One, became a hit in the US and worldwide after it landed on Netflix.
The show aired for the final time in 2022, with the series 6 finale bringing nearly a decade of Peaky Blinders to an end on television. Fortunately, that’s not the end of the brand. A Peaky Blinders movie is due to go into production some time this year.
The Peaky Blinders dance show - Rambert Dance’s The Redemption of Thomas Shelby - has also announced a number of new theatre shows to celebrate the 10th anniversary. Written by series creator Knight, Rambert’s Dance began life last September at Birmingham Hippodrome and is set to tour the UK once again in 2024.
The series certainly had a huge impact on British television, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the UK. The show even inspired three Peaky Blinders themed pubs, a barber shops and bought flat caps back into fashion.
Quite incredible for what was a show about a relatively unknown gang based in Small Heath in the 1920s.
To celebrate 10 years since the show first hit our screens, we’ve taken a look back at 10 of the very best moments to come from the Peaky Blinders franchise. Let’s take a look:
5. Tommy’s tough decision in series 2 finale
This episode is one of the very best to come from the show and is a favourite among fans. As Derby day arrives, Tommy is faced with impossible decisions as he prepares to strike back at his enemies and take the family business to the next level. Meanwhile, Major Campbell, the main antagonist in series 2, has one final card to play - one that he is certain will bring about Tommy’s demise. The episode received an impressive 10,255 ratings on IMDB giving the episode 9.6 stars Photo: BBC
6. Aunt Polly’s revenge
Series 2 was certainly one of the most exciting and this is another iconic moment from episode 6, Aunt Polly, who was of course played by the late Helen McCrory, gets revenge on Major Campbell who violently assaulted her earlier in the season. She corners Campbell in a phone booth and calmly shoots him in one of the brilliant moments of season 2
7. Peaky Blinders dance show
Rambert Dance’s The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, written by series creator Steven Knight and choreographed by the company’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, began life last September at Birmingham Hippodrome. The ‘Peaky Blinders ballet’ received rave reviews at theatres across the UK, and is set for a second run on shows in 2024 | Rambert Dance
8. Series 3 finale train plot
Another season finale favourite, the final episode of season three had fans on the edge of their seats, as Tommy prepares to blow up a train and commit the most audacious crime of his career, an unexpected blow forces him to face his worst fears in a race against time. | PB