min read · September 26, 2025 · Entertainment

House of Guinness: Critics Clash Over Its 'Exhausting' Drama

HOUSE OF GUINNESS: THE EPIC DRAMA THAT'S LEFT CRITICS BREATHLESS - BUT NOT ALL ARE IMPRESSED!

The highly anticipated Netflix series, House of Guinness, has finally landed on the streaming giant, and it's been making waves among critics and audiences alike. Created by the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, this drama boasts his trademark swagger, dark style, and sweeping ambition. But does it live up to the hype? We take a closer look at the mixed reactions from critics.

The show centers around the Guinness dynasty, played by a talented ensemble cast including Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, and Fionn O'Shea. The drama follows the siblings as they navigate family rivalries, personal demons, and the looming threat of retribution against the backdrop of an Ireland on the brink of revolution.

Inspired by real history but told with dramatic license, House of Guinness has been praised for its grandeur and glossy production. But some critics have expressed disappointment with what they see as a shallow grasp of Ireland's colonial history.

In a scathing assessment, Ed Power from The Irish Times criticized Steven Knight's understanding of Ireland's experiences of colonialism, saying: "He pitches the struggle for independence as a battle between different kinds of Irish people... At no point in an eight-part series unfolding in a post-Act of Union Ireland do we encounter a single person with a British accent - which Americans might call burying the lede."

Power wasn't the only critic to express concerns about Knight's approach to historical accuracy. Katie Rosseinksy from The Independent gave the show two stars, calling it "exhausting, try-hard and far too dark." She criticized the show's reliance on over-the-top visuals and heavy-handed themes, saying: "All very subtle and understated, helpfully spelling out the Big Themes."

But not all critics were as scathing. Jack Seale from The Guardian awarded the show a glowing five stars, hailing it as a "career peak" for Knight. He praised the escalating tension and sensual energy of the drama, saying: "House of Guinness matures into a romp that you can hardly resist, especially when it makes such good use of its time and place."

Other reviewers were equally enthusiastic, with James Jackson from The Times awarding four stars and declaring the series "never dull." He praised Knight's boldness and fresh take on the family saga, saying: "House of Guinness is not only so full-flavoured, but so fresh -and downright pleasurable -with it."

So what's behind the mixed reactions? Is House of Guinness a sweeping epic or a shallow drama that drowns in its own moodiness? We delve into the criticisms and praise to find out.

THE CASE AGAINST HOUSE OF GUINNESS

For some critics, the show's grandeur and glossy production are overshadowed by a lack of substance. Aramide Tinubu from Variety noted that while House of Guinness is solid, it lacks the sharpness of Knight's previous works. "Despite the stunning cinematography, punchy music and slick stylization, by Episode 5, it becomes tedious and repetitive, droning on and on to extend itself into eight episodes," she wrote.

Other critics have expressed disappointment with the show's historical accuracy. Power criticized Knight for his shallow grasp of Ireland's colonial history, while Rosseinksy called out the show's over-reliance on visual effects and heavy-handed themes.

But despite these criticisms, there are plenty of fans who are singing the praises of House of Guinness. So what makes this drama so compelling?

THE CASE FOR HOUSE OF GUINNESS

For every critic who panned the show, there's another who's fallen head over heels for it. Jack Seale from The Guardian praised the escalating tension and sensual energy of the drama, saying: "House of Guinness matures into a romp that you can hardly resist, especially when it makes such good use of its time and place."

James Jackson from The Times was equally enthusiastic, awarding four stars and declaring the series "never dull." He praised Knight's boldness and fresh take on the family saga, saying: "House of Guinness is not only so full-flavoured, but so fresh -and downright pleasurable -with it."

So what makes House of Guinness so compelling? For some critics, it's the show's ability to balance historical accuracy with dramatic flair. For others, it's the sheer ambition and grandeur of the production.

THE VERDICT

House of Guinness is a drama that's left no one indifferent. Critics have been divided on its merits, but there's no denying that this show has made waves in the world of television. Whether you're a fan of sweeping epics or historical dramas, House of Guinness is definitely worth checking out.

So grab a pint (of Guinness, naturally) and settle in for a wild ride. With its stunning cinematography, punchy music, and slick stylization, House of Guinness has all the ingredients to become your new favorite drama.

THE CAST