The first season of Netflix’s House of Guinness ended with a gunshot that left viewers holding their breath. While Netflix has not yet made an official renewal, the show’s creator and cast are confidently moving forward with plans for a second chapter. Here is everything you need to know about what to expect when the drama returns.
The Story So Far
House of Guinness is a historical drama from Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders. The series begins in 1868 with the death of brewing mogul Sir Benjamin Guinness. His passing triggers a fierce power struggle among his four adult children: the charming Arthur, the ambitious Edward, the constrained Anne, and the troubled Ben.
The season finale left audiences on a major cliffhanger. As Arthur Guinness delivered a speech in Dublin, his political rival, Patrick Cochrane, fired a gun in his direction. The screen went black before viewers could learn who, if anyone, was hit.
Despite the lack of an official green light, creator Steven Knight has stated his clear intention to continue the story. In a recent post-screening Q&A, he declared, “We are going to do season two, and three, and four. Yes absolutely, we are going to do this all the way to the 1960s.”
What Will Happen in Season 2?
The second season is expected to pick up immediately after the shooting. While the assassination attempt is a fictional addition to the story, the real Arthur Guinness lived until 1915, so it is very likely he will survive the attack. The drama will focus on the fallout from this event and the continued power struggles within the family.
The narrative will be guided by the real historical milestones of the Guinness family, projected to cover the years 1874 to 1876.
Arthur’s Political Future
The story will follow Arthur Guinness as he continues his journey into politics. Historically, Sir Arthur Guinness won a seat in Parliament for the City of Dublin in 1874 after a previous failed attempt. The shooting will likely influence his recovery and the political scandals surrounding him. Furthermore, his complex relationship with his wife, Lady Olivia, will continue to evolve, especially as her secret affair with the family enforcer, Sean Rafferty, heats up.
Edward Takes Control of the Brewery
While Arthur focuses on politics, Edward Guinness is set to become the undeniable force behind the family business. Historical records show that in 1876, Edward bought out Arthur’s share of the brewery for a massive sum, taking full control of operations. This buyout will likely form the core of the brothers’ ongoing rivalry. The season may also explore Edward’s personal life, including his marriage to Adelaide and the birth of their children.
Anne’s Philanthropic Mission
Anne Guinness, the only sister, will step further into her own power through philanthropy. In real life, Anne Guinness Plunket founded the St. Patrick’s Nursing Home in Dublin in 1876, a charitable institution that cared for the poor and elderly. The show will likely depict her founding this hospital while also dealing with a degenerative illness that historical sources suggest she lived with.
Ben’s Search for Purpose
The story of Benjamin Guinness, the neglected middle brother, will continue to explore his struggles with addiction and his search for a place within the powerful family. With less historical information available about Ben, the writers have more creative freedom to develop his character arc as the family’s black sheep.
The People Behind the Characters
The main cast is expected to return for the new season. This includes Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness, Emily Fairn as Anne Guinness, and Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness. Key supporting players like James Norton as Sean Rafferty and Niamh McCormack as Ellen Cochrane are also set to return.
The cast has expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the story. Louis Partridge mentioned he would like to see more of the siblings working together, saying, “I’d like to see more of the chaos that is the four of us as we go on.” Emily Fairn added that she is eager to explore more of Anne’s journey as she grows more powerful within the company despite her illness.
When Can We Expect Season 2?
An official release date for House of Guinness Season 2 has not been announced. Based on the production timeline of Steven Knight’s previous work and his current commitments, including a Peaky Blinders movie, industry speculation points to a potential release in late 2026.
Also Read: Who Plays Ellen Cochrane in House of Guinness? The Actress and Character Explained
Credits: Esquire UK
