‘House of Guinness’ is loose on historical facts, but like a pint, you may cozy up to it

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The show “House of Guinness,” based on the story of the famous Dublin brewery, starts with a notice saying it’s “inspired by true facts” – essentially a warning not to take everything literally. It’s similar to the old “Dragnet” disclaimer: the show isn’t concerned with protecting anyone’s reputation, living or dead, and is a fictionalized drama. While the general idea is based in reality, the specific characters and events are made up.

The new Netflix series, premiering Thursday, focuses on the four children of Benjamin Lee Guinness, the man whose grandfather invented the famous Guinness porter in 1778. The siblings are Arthur (played by Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea). The story begins in 1868, shortly after the death of Benjamin Lee. He’s left the brewery equally to Arthur, who’s been living in London for five years and has changed his ways, and to Edward, who has been effectively managing the business. Their father’s will largely ignores Anne, as she is a married woman, and provides a small allowance for Benjamin, who struggles with drinking and gambling. The will explains this decision by stating the father didn’t want to tempt Benjamin with wealth, fearing it would worsen his issues.

Arthur and Edward don’t appear to have the skills to actually run a brewery – Arthur mostly just signs documents and Edward occasionally walks through his factory without offering much insight into the brewing process. However, the show isn’t really focused on their brewing abilities. Instead, it centers on their complex emotional lives and how they’ll navigate their difficult, unexpected partnership.

If you’re watching for enjoyment, it’s best to remember these characters are made up, even if they’re based on real people. The show also includes characters with no real-life counterparts, and because their stories aren’t already known, the creator, Steven Knight, can build suspense and keep you guessing.

Television

The writer behind the hit show ‘Peaky Blinders’ returns to Victorian London with a new drama centered on the world of bare-knuckle boxing. The series features performances by Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Malachi Kirby.

Among the key figures is Sean Rafferty (James Norton), a strong and charming man employed by the Guinness family to handle problems. There’s also Ellen Cochrane (Niamh McCormack), a smart and passionate Catholic who believes there’s a more effective path to Irish independence than violence, like attacking the Guinness family or their property. The Fenians, including Ellen’s frustrating brother Patrick (Seamus O’Hara), mistakenly think that targeting the wealthy, Protestant Guinness family will help their cause, despite Patrick being an unappealing representative of the movement.

Beyond the political maneuvering, family drama, and the relatively stable state of the Guinness family business – you can still get a pint, after all – this historical series is really about love and desire. Ellen cautiously agrees to meet with Edward, hoping for a peaceful resolution, and the attraction is mutual. However, Edward is also interested in his cousin, Adelaide Guinness, but she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. Meanwhile, Lady Christine O’Madden is hopelessly in love with Ben, convinced she can change him – a familiar storyline, to say the least.

And there’s another layer to the story: Arthur is portrayed as gay, which creates significant difficulties. He lives in a deeply religious country during the late 1800s, and his sexuality could damage the family’s reputation and their beer brand. The implication is that if his orientation became public, people would stop buying their beer, forcing the family to rely on their already substantial wealth – millions of pounds, helpfully translated to today’s value with on-screen text – and income from their various properties. (It’s worth noting the show couldn’t *fully* demonstrate just how incredibly wealthy they were, despite its best efforts.)

Arthur is facing a tricky situation – well-known to his understanding siblings – that leaves him vulnerable to blackmail and urgently in need of a wife. This is especially important as he prepares to run for his late father’s position in parliament. Enter Aunt Agnes Guinness, the matchmaking force in the story, and Lady Olivia Hedges, a potential bride who prefers as much independence as possible with minimal obligation – and isn’t afraid to swear! (In fact, strong language is common throughout the show.)

Anne, facing a debilitating illness and a rather unromantic marriage, will find fulfillment by dedicating herself to improving the city and other charitable causes. The family was known for its generosity, and the company was remarkably progressive for its time, offering benefits like pensions as early as the 1880s and healthcare for employees and their families – a level of care many places still haven’t achieved. However, they weren’t always forward-thinking, particularly when it came to hiring Catholics.

I’m completely fascinated by the new characters they’ve introduced! There’s Byron Hedges, played by Jack Gleeson – he’s this intriguing, slightly awkward cousin who shows up hoping to help the family break into the American market, and we even get glimpses of New York. Then there’s Potter, Michael McElhatton, the wonderfully dry-witted butler; he’s always a bit skeptical of the younger generation, but incredibly loyal, as butlers always are. And Bonnie Champion, portrayed by David Wilmot, is a really compelling character – a charismatic criminal who somehow gets mixed up in the family’s shipping business. It’s all so cleverly done!

“House of Guinness” isn’t a show that relies on nuance. It states its themes directly, sometimes with overly dramatic, Irish-themed language. The characters rarely get a break, and the soundtrack is filled with loud, contemporary Irish music meant to appeal to modern audiences. It can feel a bit cheesy, and the characters feel like they stepped out of a 19th-century melodrama. However, the actors fully commit to their roles, making even the less-developed characters enjoyable to watch. It’s a lively and fun experience – what the Irish call ‘good craic’.

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2025-09-25 10:31