Netflix viewers have hailed Guy Ritchie's gangster drama The Gentlemen as "one of the best series I've seen in years," with many comparing it favourably to Peaky Blinders. The show, now in its second series, was recently highlighted in The New York Times' latest guide to top Netflix shows.
A spin-off with a familiar appeal
The Gentlemen is a spin-off of Ritchie's 2019 crime comedy of the same name, which starred Matthew McConaughey as an American drug lord in London looking to sell his cannabis empire. The publication explained that the Netflix show is enjoyable for the same reasons as the film: "The point is cleverness and looking cool, though, mostly the movie is about Ritchie's own conspicuous pleasure directing famous actors having a lark, trading insults, making mischief."
Theo James leads the cast as Eddie Halstead, a British aristocrat who inherits a dukedom, his family's dilapidated estate, and unexpectedly a cannabis empire. He discovers the home conceals a vast underground drugs operation. The unlikely criminal finds himself at odds with villains played by Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito. Kaya Scodelario of Skins fame portrays Susie Glass, an antiques dealer and undercover leader of a criminal syndicate overseeing the Halstead Manor operation.
Audience reactions
One viewer took to Reddit to praise the show: "So I don't know how many of you prefer British setting royalty drama, but I kinda enjoy them and have to say the Gentleman is one of the finest out there. It is easily at par with Peaky Blinders (minus the final season). It's just brilliant, watch it."
Another added: "Just watched the Gentlemen, both seasons, and oh my god. This might be the best piece of storytelling I have seen on Netflix in a while. A remarkable, wild ride! Won't be getting any sleep tonight."
Both series are highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics generally finding the second series (87%) better than the first (75%). An IMDB user review said: "Spectacular. Guy Ritchie hits it out of the park again. Brilliant cast, cinematography, writing and the plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat, just enough to keep you guessing. Every episode in season 2 is a masterpiece. If you loved Peaky blinders this is for you. Can't wait for the next season."
Responding to the second series finale, one viewer declared: "The ending elevates the entire saga into Shakespearean heights."
Where to watch
Both series are currently available on Netflix. Showrunners confirmed in August that a third series is underway. The original 2019 film can be streamed free of charge on ITVX.
