The hit BBC drama “Peaky Blinders” will end after its sixth and final season, but creator and writer Steven Knight has promised that the story “will continue in another way”.
Immensely popular abroad, the series follows the story of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family’s rise to power in a working-class setting, post-World War I Birmingham. The BBC confirmed the end of the show on Monday by announcing that it had resumed production in the UK under strict COVID guidelines.
Cillian Murphy back on set for season 6
BBC
The end of season 6 is a surprise, given that Knight previously told Entertainment Weekly in 2019 that “Peaky Blinders” would live to see season 7. However, a year’s delay in production due to the pandemic has probably accelerated plans to end season 6, which will probably air in late 2021 or possibly even early 2022, depending on how quickly production can complete filming amid the UK virus crisis under way.
Knight said in a statement on Monday: “‘Peaky’ is back and strong. After the forced production delay due to the Covid pandemic, we found the family in extreme danger and the stakes have never been higher. We believe that this will be the best series of all and we are sure that our incredible fans will love it. While the TV series is coming to an end, the story will continue in another form. “
It is not yet clear what is in store for “Peaky” 2.0, but it is likely that the creative team is considering a film or show-off.
Executive producer Caryn Mandabach said: “Together with our wonderful and supportive partners on the BBC and Netflix, we have been working diligently to ensure that we can safely put ‘Peaky’ back into production; the safety of our cast and crew is always our priority. Thanks to all the Peaky fans who have been so resolute and patient. Steve’s scripts are incredible and mark the end of an epic story that has delighted audiences since it started in 2013, but the world of ‘Peaky Blinders’ is sure to live ”.
Season 6 is written by Knight, while season 5 director Anthony Byrne returns to direct and Nick Goding will produce.
“Peaky Blinders” aired for the first time on BBC Two in 2013 and has grown to become one of the biggest hits of the public broadcaster abroad. He transitioned to BBC One in Season 5 in 2019 and is available worldwide on Netflix.
Executive producers include Mandabach, Knight, Byrne, Jamie Glazebrook, David Mason and Cillian Murphy. Tommy Bulfin is the BBC’s executive producer and Lucy Bedford is the executive producer of Banijay-owned Tiger Aspect. Peaky Blinders, by Caryn Mandabach Productions, is co-produced with Tiger Aspect Productions and distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
The end of the program will almost certainly raise questions for distributor Banijay Rights, for whom “Peaky Blinders” is the crown jewel in an extensive scripted portfolio.