Netflix has confirmed that two hit shows filmed in Liverpool will return for a second season. House of Guinness and Legends both brought production to the city for their first seasons.
House of Guinness renewal
The first season of House of Guinness was penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and explored the lives of the Guinness family after the death of brewery mogul Benjamin Guinness. Although the programme is set in 19th century Dublin and New York, it was filmed in Liverpool and the city was transformed for the shoot.
Netflix confirmed the show will return for a second series today as they issued a slate of announcements. Responding to the renewal, show creator Steven said: "There’s so much more to find out about them.
"We’ll see how they grow up because House of Guinness is about a family growing up together. Even in Season 1, they change quite a bit. In Season 2, it will be interesting to see what changes and what stays the same."
Legends returns
Another show that is set to return is Legends. The crime drama is written by Neil Forsyth and follows the undercover operatives who infiltrated Britain’s most dangerous drug gangs in the 1990s. One of the agents infiltrated a gang in Merseyside and many scenes were filmed on location.
Show creator Neil is delighted to return to the story for a second season as he said: "I’m delighted to have the opportunity to tell a new story in the fascinating and unique world that Legends offers and to show just how dangerous, thrilling, and important their work became in the late 1990s."
Liverpool as a production hub
Liverpool has become a production hub over recent years as it is a common sight to see camera crews around the city. Over the past week, the city has been transformed for new BBC series Legacy of Spies.
BAFTA award-winning Matthew Macfadyen (Pride and Prejudice) stars in the series as the iconic George Smiley, alongside Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) as Alec Leamas.
Superstar actor Hugh Laurie and Joe Alwyn (Hamnet) were recently announced to be joining the star-studded cast. Laurie stars as Control and Alwyn as Jim Prideaux. Other stars featured in the cast are Daniel Brühl as Josef Fiedler and Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu as Doris Quinz.
Speaking of the series, Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, said: "Legacy of Spies is a dream le Carré project adapted by the brilliant Stephen Cornwell and Clarissa Ingram.
"We are thrilled to have The Ink Factory – who are the ultimate experts in this genre - making this series which stars some of our best actors; Matthew, Charlie, Devrim and Daniel. BBC viewers are in for a very special treat!"
Crews were spotted on Old Hall Street, outside St George's Hall and in various locations around the city's famous Georgian Quarter.
