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The latest Netflix drama, House of Guinness, is more than just a historical retelling—it’s a whirlwind of family rivalries, scandals, and triumphs. Created by Ivana Lowell, a descendant of the iconic brewing family, the show unveils the remarkable and tumultuous history of the Guinness dynasty. Brought to life by Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, House of Guinness promises to be as gripping as it is dramatic.
The inspiration for the series came during a family gathering in Ireland, where Lowell, watching Downton Abbey, realized that her own family's history was far more scandalous and intriguing. She then wrote a 20-page treatment, turning her ancestors’ stories into a dramatic narrative. A decade later, the show will be released, with the credits acknowledging Lowell as the source of the idea.
The Guinness Legacy: Wealth, Rivalry, and Tragedy
At the heart of House of Guinness is the brewing legacy of Arthur Guinness, who founded the renowned Irish stout brewery in the 18th century. The show kicks off with the death of Benjamin Guinness, Arthur’s grandson, in 1868. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the dramatic power struggle among his four children. Each heir must navigate personal ambition, family rivalry, and the political tensions of 19th-century Ireland.
Much like Succession, House of Guinness focuses on sibling dynamics—yet the Guinness family’s drama is steeped in historical context. The four children are forced to cope with their father’s will, which burdens them with the brewery’s future. The eldest son, Arthur, expects control of the business, only to be disappointed when his more pragmatic brother, Edward, is granted a significant share of ownership.
Meanwhile, the only daughter, Anne, inherits a small fortune but focuses on charitable efforts, while Benjamin, the black sheep of the family, struggles with alcoholism and is sidelined. The tension between the brothers forms the core conflict of the show.
Not Just a Family Drama: Political and Social Struggles
House of Guinness also explores the political landscape of 19th-century Ireland, where a prosperous Protestant elite, including the Guinness family, ruled over an impoverished Catholic majority. The series touches on the rise of the Irish nationalist movement, including the Fenian insurgency, which targeted the Guinness empire. Despite being wealthy, the Guinnesses were known for treating their workers well—offering higher-than-average wages and pensions.
The drama takes place across various settings: the gritty brewery, opulent Dublin ballrooms, and the desolate Irish countryside. This social and political backdrop provides rich tension as the family balances their commercial ambitions with the need to maintain a public image.
A New Kind of Drama: Not Downton Abbey, But Full of Intrigue
Unlike the polished and stately drama of Downton Abbey, House of Guinness is fast-paced, gritty, and full of raw emotion. The addition of Sean Rafferty, a complex and charismatic brewery foreman, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Played by James Norton, Rafferty is a loyal yet ambitious servant whose relationship with the Guinness family is fraught with tension.
While the family’s tragic history is a driving force, the series is not without its moments of dark humor. As Ivana Lowell explains, finding the right balance was essential: "I didn’t want them to be villains, but any businessperson in that era had to be ruthless."
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Lowell’s Personal Journey: From Family Secrets to Creative Success
Ivana Lowell’s own life story is as dramatic as the series she helped create. Raised in a family full of writers and intellectuals, her childhood was marked by isolation, loss, and family secrets. It wasn’t until after her mother’s death that she discovered the true identity of her biological father, a revelation that forms the basis of her memoir Why Not Say What Happened.
Lowell’s personal experiences with loss, identity, and family dynamics have undoubtedly influenced the depth and authenticity of House of Guinness. And despite her lack of formal training in fiction or television writing, Lowell’s passion for storytelling shines through in the series.
House of Guinness: A Legacy Reimagined
As the show makes its Netflix debut on September 25, viewers can expect a mix of historical intrigue, family drama, and political tension. With a soundtrack that matches the energy of the story, House of Guinness promises to captivate audiences, just as the Guinness brand has captivated beer drinkers worldwide.
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