What Is Peaky Blinders About?
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series set in Birmingham, England, following the rise of the Shelby family, a powerful and ambitious gang, in the aftermath of World War I. The story begins in 1919 and tracks the Shelbys' expansion from local bookmakers and racketeers to major players in British organized crime, as they face off against rival gangs, political groups, and law enforcement
. The gang, led by the cunning and ruthless Tommy Shelby, is known for sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps-a detail that inspired the group's infamous name. The show explores themes of violence, family loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Britain during the interwar years
. Throughout its six seasons, Peaky Blinders weaves real historical events and figures (such as Winston Churchill and Oswald Mosley) into its fictional narrative, grounding the drama in the social and political upheaval of early 20th-century Britain
. The series is also noted for its stylish cinematography, period-accurate costumes, and a soundtrack that blends modern music with historical settings
Key Elements
- Setting: Birmingham, England, 1919–1929, post-World War I
- Main Characters: The Shelby family, especially Tommy Shelby, their ambitious leader
- Plot: The Shelbys’ rise from local gangsters to national power players, battling rivals and authorities, and navigating family drama.
- Themes: Crime, power, family, loyalty, social change, and postwar trauma
- Historical Basis: Inspired by a real gang called the Peaky Blinders, though the show takes creative liberties with history and characters
Summary Table
Aspect| Details
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Genre| Crime drama, historical fiction
Setting| Birmingham, England, 1919–1929
Main Focus| Shelby family’s criminal empire
Notable Feature| Razor blades sewn into flat caps
Historical Roots| Based on a real gang, but largely fictionalized
Number of Seasons| 6 (2013–2022)
Peaky Blinders is acclaimed for its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and unique blend of history and fiction, making it a standout in the gangster drama genre
