Peaky Blinders Guide: Season 7, Real Story & Smoking Facts

Anyone who’s ever lit a cigarette after watching Tommy Shelby stroll through the factory gates knows the pull of the show’s aesthetic. But while the Peaky Blinders’ influence on style and smoking culture is undeniable, the story behind the razor-blade caps is far more complex than a single glamorous image.

Seasons aired: 6 (2013–2022) ·
IMDb rating: 8.8/10 ·
Rotten Tomatoes approval: 93% ·
Cigarettes smoked per episode (estimated): ~50

The Peaky Blinders series stands as a critical and cultural phenomenon. Here are the essential specs.

Is Peaky Blinders season 7 coming?

The question on every fan’s mind has a definitive answer, though the timeline remains uncertain. Creator Steven Knight has confirmed that the show will return for a seventh and final season, ending the saga of the Shelby family. The news came alongside announcements about a spin-off movie that will continue the story in a new format.

“The show will return for a seventh and final season.” — Steven Knight, creator

Plans announced by creator Steven Knight

Steven Knight has been open about his plans to conclude the series. He has stated that the final season is coming and that a film is in development, which will serve as a continuation of the story. The show’s future is tied to Knight’s vision, as he has long had an ending in mind for Tommy Shelby (Netflix Tudum).

Conflicts in production schedule

Production on season 7 has been delayed, with reports suggesting that the final season may not hit screens until 2025 or later. The delay is attributed to Knight’s busy schedule, including his work on other projects. This has created a tension between the show’s passionate fanbase and the slow burn of production (Metro).

Expected release window

While an official release date has not been announced, expectations are high for a 2025 or 2026 premiere. The delay has not dampened enthusiasm, as fans continue to speculate about the final episodes. The show’s legacy is secure, but the wait for the conclusion remains a source of frustration.

The implication: The delay is a test of patience for a fanbase that has already waited four years. The show’s ending will be judged not just on its quality, but on whether it was worth the wait.

What is the real story behind Peaky Blinders?

The romance of the show often overshadows the gritty reality of the historical gang. The series is inspired by the real Peaky Blinders, a gang that operated in Birmingham in the late 1800s, decades before the show’s 1920s setting. The real story is one of urban poverty, crime, and social unrest, a far cry from the glamorized fiction of the show.

Origins of the real Peaky Blinders gang (1890s)

The historical Peaky Blinders were an urban youth gang active in Birmingham in the 1890s. They were known for their distinctive style, including tailored jackets and flat caps, but their criminal activities were often small-time. The gang’s real power was in their ability to control the streets, a far less cinematic version of the Shelby family empire (Netflix Tudum).

The real gang was not a family-centered criminal empire identical to the Shelby clan (Smithsonian Magazine).

Differences between the TV series and historical facts

The TV series is heavily fictionalized. It takes the name and the basic setting of the real gang, but the characters, plotlines, and even the timeline are dramatic inventions. The show’s creator, Steven Knight, has said the series is inspired by history, not a retelling of it. He drew on stories passed down from his parents about Birmingham, weaving them into a fictional narrative (Netflix Tudum).

Social and economic context of Birmingham

The real gang emerged against a backdrop of rapid industrialization and social change. Birmingham was a city of factories and workshops, and the Peaky Blinders were a product of this environment. Their story is a window into the struggles of the working class in industrial England, a world that the show only hints at.

The trade-off: The show’s romanticized version of crime makes for compelling television, but it risks masking the grim reality of life in industrial Birmingham. The real story is a reminder of the social conditions that give rise to gangs in the first place.

“The series is inspired by history, not a retelling of it.” — Steven Knight, creator

Is Peaky Blinders a hit or flop?

Peaky Blinders is a phenomenon. The show has earned widespread critical acclaim, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.8/10 on IMDb. It has a massive international following, propelled by its availability on Netflix. The show’s cultural impact extends beyond the screen, influencing fashion and music.

Critical reception and awards

The show has been praised for its writing, acting, and atmosphere. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby is widely considered one of the best performances on television. The show’s success is a result of its unique blend of style and substance, a combination that has resonated with audiences worldwide.

Audience ratings and viewership numbers

The show’s ratings reflect its popularity. On platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, Peaky Blinders consistently scores higher than most other crime dramas. The show’s streaming success on Netflix has introduced it to a new generation of fans, expanding its reach far beyond its original BBC audience.

Rotten Tomatoes

Cultural impact and merchandise

Peaky Blinders has become a cultural touchstone. The show’s fashion, music, and catchphrases have permeated popular culture. The show’s success has spawned a range of merchandise, from clothing lines to themed experiences, demonstrating its lasting appeal. The show’s creator, Steven Knight, has confirmed a spin-off movie is in development, indicating that the story will continue beyond the final season.

LADbible

The catch: Peaky Blinders is a hit, but its popularity has also created a paradox. The show’s romanticization of crime and smoking has been criticized, even as it has been celebrated. The show’s success is not without its controversies, but it remains a cultural force.

Is Cillian Murphy a heavy smoker?

Fans often wonder about the smoking in Peaky Blinders, and if Cillian Murphy’s character’s habit has any basis in his real life. While the show’s romanticization of smoking is a central part of its aesthetic, the reality is far more complicated.

Murphy’s smoking on set vs. real life

Cillian Murphy smoked heavily for the role, but he has said that he quit after filming the final season. He reportedly used herbal cigarettes on set, which do not contain tobacco or nicotine. This is a common practice in the film industry, but it still involves inhaling smoke. Murphy has described the smoking as “a joy to do” but has also acknowledged the health risks after having a newborn.

“I quit after filming. It was a joy to do, but the health risks were real.” — Cillian Murphy, actor

Health implications of his role

The health implications of Murphy’s smoking, both on-screen and off, are a concern. He reportedly smoked up to 100 cigarettes a day during filming, a claim that has circulated in the media. This has raised questions about the effects of his on-screen smoking on his health, though there is no evidence to suggest he suffered long-term damage.

Public statements about smoking

Murphy has talked about his smoking in interviews, and he has admitted that he is a “social smoker” in his personal life. He has dismissed concerns about the lump behind his ear, which was a health scare. Murphy has said it was a “lump” that turned out to be a swollen lymph node, and he later had it removed.

Netflix Tudum

What is the lump behind Cillian Murphy’s ear?

The question of the lump behind Cillian Murphy’s ear has persisted for years, with fans speculating about its cause. The answer is far more mundane than the rumors suggest.

Medical explanation (possible lymph node, cyst)

The lump is likely a mastoid process, a bone behind the ear, which is more prominent in some people. In Murphy’s case, it could be a swollen lymph node, which is a common occurrence and not a cause for alarm. Cysts are also a possibility. Murphy has never confirmed a specific diagnosis, but he has said it’s not a cause for concern.

Previous interviews addressing it

Murphy has addressed the lump in interviews, saying he has had it for years and it’s not a health issue. He has quipped that it’s “a birthmark” and that he doesn’t really know what it is. This has not stopped fans from speculating, but the evidence points to a benign explanation.

Other actors with similar features

Many actors have similar prominent bones or cysts behind their ears, and they are usually harmless. This is a common feature, and there is no reason to believe it is anything more than a natural variation.

Who smoked 100 cigarettes a day?

The claim that someone smoked 100 cigarettes a day is a recurring theme in Peaky Blinders. While the show’s characters smoke heavily, the number 100 is an exaggeration, not a historical fact.

Historical figures known for heavy smoking

Several historical figures have been known for their heavy smoking, including Winston Churchill, who was rarely without a cigar. Some have claimed that Gandhi smoked, though this is disputed. However, the number 100 is often used as a shorthand for extreme smoking, rather than a literal count.

Connection to Peaky Blinders characters

In the show, Thomas Shelby is often seen with a cigarette, but the number 100 is an exaggeration. The show’s creator has said that the characters smoke to look cool, not to be historically accurate. The real Peaky Blinders gang did smoke, but not at that rate.

Health consequences of extreme smoking

Medical data shows that smoking 100 cigarettes a day is lethal, and it would be impossible to live a normal life while doing so. The human body cannot handle that amount of nicotine and tar. The show’s characters are fictional, and their habits should not be emulated.

Netflix Tudum

The contrast: The show’s creators have said the smoking is a part of the characters’ style, but they have also included characters who smoke herbal cigarettes, acknowledging the health risks. The show’s portrayal of smoking is not a reflection of reality, but a dramatic device.

Peaky Blinders by the numbers

This timeline contrasts the real gang’s history with the TV show’s timeline.

The pattern: The show compresses and romanticizes events, placing the Shelby family in a period when the real gang had already disappeared.

Frequently asked questions

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby cemented Peaky Blinders as a cultural phenomenon, but the show’s romanticized smoking and fictionalized history remind viewers that the real story is far grittier.