Netflix’s British Gangster Drama Is Being Hailed as One of the Best Shows on Streaming — and Viewers Say Its Twists Rival Peaky Blinders

A British aristocrat inherits a magnificent country estate, only to discover that his family’s fortune is tied to a dangerous criminal empire hidden beneath the property.

It’s the outrageous premise behind The Gentlemen, Guy Ritchie’s stylish gangster drama that has earned a place on The New York Times’ latest list of the best television shows to watch on Netflix.

With two seasons already available and a third on the way, the crime series has attracted glowing reviews, with some viewers comparing its unpredictable storytelling to Peaky Blinders.

Others have gone even further, calling it one of Netflix’s finest productions in years.

A British Aristocrat Inherits More Than a Family Fortune

Inspired by Ritchie’s 2019 crime comedy of the same name, The Gentlemen follows Eddie Halstead, played by Theo James, after he unexpectedly inherits his family’s dukedom and sprawling English estate.

But Eddie soon discovers that the property is hiding something considerably more valuable than its historic buildings.

Beneath the estate operates a vast underground cannabis business, controlled by a powerful criminal organization.

Determined to protect his family and regain control of his inheritance, Eddie becomes entangled in a dangerous world of gangsters, double-crosses and elaborate schemes.

Kaya Scodelario stars as Susie Glass, a sophisticated criminal operator whose family controls the illicit business.

What begins as an uneasy arrangement between Eddie and Susie develops into a complicated partnership, with both characters navigating increasingly dangerous alliances.

The cast also includes Giancarlo Esposito and Hugh Bonneville, adding further intrigue to Ritchie’s distinctive criminal underworld.

Viewers Compare the Netflix Thriller to Peaky Blinders

The series has received enthusiastic reactions for its combination of sharp dialogue, dark comedy and unpredictable plot developments.

One Reddit viewer described it as “one of the finest out there”, comparing its quality to Peaky Blinders.

Another, having watched both seasons, called the drama “a remarkable, wild ride” and praised its storytelling.

On IMDb, one reviewer declared it “the best thing Netflix has produced in a very long time”, applauding the performances, direction and writing.

The show’s complicated criminal schemes have also proved a major attraction, with viewers praising the way apparent alliances can collapse within moments.

Critical reception has been strong, too.

According to the Rotten Tomatoes scores cited in the report, the first season holds a 75% rating, while the second has climbed to 87%.

The improvement suggests that the drama has continued building momentum rather than losing its appeal after its debut.

Season Three Is Already on the Way

The success of The Gentlemen has secured its future beyond the first two seasons.

A third installment was confirmed in August, with production already underway.

Although the television series shares its title and criminal atmosphere with Ritchie’s 2019 film starring Matthew McConaughey, it introduces a new central storyline and characters.

Both productions feature the filmmaker’s signature combination of wealthy British society, organized crime, eccentric personalities and carefully constructed betrayals.

For viewers who enjoy the ruthless power struggles of Peaky Blinders, the criminal intrigue of Breaking Bad or Ritchie’s earlier gangster films, The Gentlemen offers a particularly entertaining blend.

And with its second season earning even stronger reviews than the first, the Netflix drama has established itself as one of the platform’s most talked-about British crime series.

Both seasons of The Gentlemen are streaming on Netflix, while the original 2019 film is available on ITVX in the UK.