Tom Hardy's Taboo Returns to BBC iPlayer for Binge-Watching
A Gritty Historical Drama Returns
As the weather turns colder, there's nothing quite like a gripping and addictive period drama to keep you entertained. For those seeking a unique viewing experience, Taboo is back on BBC iPlayer after being removed earlier this year. This 2017 series, created by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Hardy's father Chips Hardy, is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.
The show follows James Keziah Delaney (played by Tom Hardy), who returns to London in 1814 from Africa. Upon his return, he finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy, murder, and betrayal. As the target of a murder plot, James must navigate the dangerous streets of the capital while facing off against powerful forces such as the Crown and the East India Company. His journey is not only about survival but also about thriving in a world filled with intrigue and danger.
A Stellar Cast and Dark Themes
What sets Taboo apart is its atmospheric storytelling and intense character development. The series features an all-star supporting cast, including Jessie Buckley, Stephen Graham, Mark Gatiss, and Jonathan Pryce. From incestuous subplots to graphic confrontations, Taboo lives up to its name and delivers a dark, gritty portrayal of 19th-century London.
The show received widespread acclaim upon its release, with an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes audience score. Fans have praised it as one of their favorite series, with many noting that it holds up well after multiple viewings. One user, Mother J, called it “one of my favorites [which] still holds up after many repeat viewings.” Another fan, Rohit R, described it as “dark, deranged, and entirely watchable.”
Fans of Tom Hardy will appreciate the actor’s compelling performance, with Jason P stating, “If you love Tom Hardy like I do, you’ll love this work.” An anonymous user added, “Wow, one of the best TV shows I’ve ever seen. Need a second season desperately. Love the gritty and dark depiction of 19th-century London.” Another viewer said, “Incredible. If there is a better show on TV I haven’t seen it.”
Critical Acclaim and Hopes for a Second Season
Critics have also praised Taboo, with The Guardian calling it “a work of Wicker Man genius.” The Times noted, “There has not been such a blissful collective display of character acting for a while.” Paste declared, “Hardy is sensational, and the greater mysteries proposed by the writing are compelling enough to keep us on the show’s hooks.”
Despite its success, fans have long been eager for a second season. Executive producer Dean Baker mentioned in 2023 that they were working on a second season of Taboo. He said, “Currently we are working on a second season of Taboo, and hopefully we will get to explore more Dickens with Steve, Ridley and Tom.”
Tom Hardy addressed the delay in an interview with MovieWeb, saying, “I’ve been busy… Taboo is something that’s for me and my family and Steven. It’s something we wanted to take time to do properly.” He also mentioned that he had been working on Venom for the past seven years, which put Taboo on hold. However, he expressed his passion for the project and his desire to revisit it when the time is right.
Steven Knight echoed these sentiments in an interview with GQ, stating, “Tom and I have been talking about this for I don’t know how many years now. But we’ve always known we’ve got to do it. And we’ve got the idea, we know what we’re doing, we know what the story is.”
Why Watch Taboo Now?
With its return to BBC iPlayer, now is the perfect time to dive into Taboo. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or simply looking for a dark, atmospheric series, Taboo offers a compelling blend of mystery, intrigue, and intense character development.
