Peaky Blinders Meets Breaking Bad In Guy Ritchie's Netflix Hit Returning For Season 2

Published Sep 6, 2026, 1:30 PM EDT

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It isn't hard to find great crime dramas these days, especially on Netflix, but Guy Ritchie's returning series is truly special, as it expertly blends elements from Peaky Blinders and Breaking Bad. Often considered one of the best shows ever made, many of Breaking Bad's episodes were absolute masterpieces that kept viewers completely engrossed.

Following Walter White's accession from a chemistry teacher to becoming a notorious drug lord was something special, and the ruthless killers he met along the way added so much jeopardy. Peaky Blinders' Tommy Shelby felt just as ambitious, going from gang leader to an MP with real political sway over the course of six seasons.

There aren't many gangster shows better than Peaky Blinders, as the British drama masterfully created tension by having Tommy negotiate and cross some truly powerful figures. While these projects share a similar level of quality, they are distinctly different, yet Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen bridges both to make a modern classic.

Acting as a spinoff to Ritchie's 2019 film, The Gentlemen debuted to an incredibly strong first season, and its return has been just as memorable. Not only does it have a phenomenal cast, stunning visuals, and a good brand of humor, it also feels inspired by two all-time greats, which is why Breaking Bad and Peaky Blinders fans will love it.

The Gentlemen Combines Breaking Bad's Ruthless Drug Empires With Peaky Blinders' British Drama

Credit: Christopher Raphael/Netflix

The Gentlemen focuses predominately on Duke Eddie Halstead as he inherits his father's estate, leading to him becoming involved in a drug empire. Despite initially trying to pull the plug on the arrangement set up by his father, Eddie winds up becoming deeply involved in Bobby and Susie Glass' marijuana business and a key part of the operation.

Although he was a former soldier, the Duke's role in this empire went from simply being a business partner to helping run the whole thing, forcing him to get his hands dirty. In many ways, the series resembles Breaking Bad, as it revolves around someone seemingly normal getting involved in a ruthless drug world, with their ego not allowing them to turn back.

Eddie's motivations may be different to Walt's, yet both characters feel like they can outsmart the violent criminals in their respective shows. Each project leans heavily into the world of illegal narcotics and the lengths people will go to protect their empires, making them largely similar, despite their notable differences.

One of the biggest contrasts is the setting, as Breaking Bad is based predominantly in New Mexico, as opposed to The Gentlemen, which takes place in posh parts of Britain. However, despite Peaky Blinders being set in a much more working-class location, the presentation feels much closer to The Gentlemen than Breaking Bad, as does its protagonist.

Tommy Shelby didn't have the same wealth as Eddie, but they are both driven by ambition. Tommy's journey saw him go from an outlaw to a respected political figure, something that Eddie is trying to replicate. He even dreams of becoming the King of England, showing he shares Tommy's outlook of having no limitations.

The distinct British vibe in these criminal settings makes it easy to draw comparisons, but the constant negotiations and betrayals also connect these two shows. As a result, Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen stands out from other crime shows by combining Breaking Bad with Peaky Blinders while maintaining its own strong personality.

The Gentlemen Is One Of Netflix's Best Ongoing Shows

With season 2 continuing the form of the first, The Gentlemen has earned the title among Netflix's best ongoing shows, and with season 3 confirmed, it could still get better. While it's nowhere near as big as some of the platform's biggest hits, like Squid Game or Stranger Things, The Gentlemen is still an excellent show worth investing in.

It has a fantastic cast, with Theo James and Kaya Scodelario's chemistry driving the series, while the likes of Giancarlo Esposito, Vinnie Jones, and Daniel Ings all deliver excellent supporting roles. The Gentlemen also features some familiar British guest stars such as Maya Jama and Chris Eubank Jr., with reports emerging that Meghan Markle is being eyed for season 3.

In addition, its upper-class setting mixed with Guy Ritchie's unorthodox sense of humor gives it a strong identity, even if it is an acquired taste. If you can look past the pacing issues, The Gentlemen is a fun, gripping, classy drama that still has potential to grow, and it's hard to think of many current Netflix shows that rival it.

Sure, The Gentlemen season 2's reviews may not be quite as strong as the debut outing, but it still has those signature qualities that made people interested in the first place. The fact that it can be watched without seeing the movie also gives fans something to check out afterward if they enjoy the concept, adding to its legacy.

Overall, The Gentlemen is undoubtedly flawed, but it still has a much stronger hook than most of its competition. So long as the performances maintain that high quality we're used to and the story remains interesting, Guy Ritchie's hit series has a big future on Netflix and could become one of its flagship projects.

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  Kaya Scodelario

  Susie Glass

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  Theo James

  Eddie Horniman

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