Taboo
Overview
Taboo is a dark, gritty historical drama co-created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy. Set in 1814, it follows James Keziah Delaney, an enigmatic man who returns to London from Africa after being presumed dead. He arrives to claim what remains of his late father's shipping empire, only to find himself locked in a fierce power struggle between the British Crown and the powerful East India Company.
Pros
Tom Hardy’s Magnetic Lead Performance: Hardy anchors the entire series with an intense, brooding, physical, and animalistic portrayal of James Delaney.
Stunning Atmosphere and Production Design: The series brilliantly evokes the bleak, muddy, and morally bankrupt underbelly of Regency-era London through exceptional cinematography and grim period detail.
Outstanding Supporting Cast: Strong performances from actors like Jonathan Pryce as a ruthless corporate adversary. Michael Kelly and Stephen Graham round out a compelling ensemble.
Intriguing Tone and Mystery: The narrative weaves political conspiracy, historical espionage, and subtle occult undertones into an absorbing atmosphere of suspense.
Cons
Slow-Burn Pacing: The show can feel dense, deliberate, and slow at times, requiring patience for the narrative to unfold.
Challenging Audio and Dialogue: Stylized, gravelly whispers from characters (especially the lead) combined with period jargon can make certain scenes difficult to follow without subtitles.
Verdict
Taboo is a dark, visceral, and visually striking historical thriller driven by powerhouse acting and an unmatched moody aesthetic. While its slow pace and gritty style require patience, it offers a deeply immersive ride for fans of dark period dramas.
Best for: Fans of gritty anti-hero character studies, dark historical thrillers, and powerhouse acting performances.
Skip if: You prefer fast-paced, neatly resolved plots, or dislike slow-burn storytelling and gravelly dialogue.
Where to Watch
Peacock (US streaming)
Netflix (Available in select international regions)
Prime Video / Apple TV / Google Play (Available to stream with channels, rent, or purchase depending on your region)
Pluto TV (Free ad-supported streaming in select regions)