BBC Two Controller, Janice Hadlow and BBC Controller, Drama Commissioning, Ben Stephenson, today announce Steven Knight's Peaky Blinders has been re-commissioned for a second series from Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions.
With a consolidated average audience of 2.4 Million (9.6%) for series one, the epic gangster drama series set in the lawless streets of post-war Birmingham on the cusp of the 1920s will return in 2014 with a new six-part series.
Creator and writer Steven Knight says: "I am so pleased we will be able to continue to tell this story of a working class family living through extraordinary times in an extraordinary way. The ‘Peaky Blinders’ will march on to many surprising places and fight astonishing battles as the 1920s begin to roar."
The second series will see the Shelby family expand their empire South and North while maintaining a stronghold in their Birmingham heartland.
Caryn Mandabach, Executive Producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, says: "We've been thrilled by the passionate responses Peaky Blinders has been getting from viewers all over the country. Like them, I can't wait for Thomas Shelby's story to continue."
Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, adds: “With a fantastic cast and epic story-telling, Peaky Blinders was an utterly compelling addition to the BBC Two schedule and I’m delighted we’ll be paying another visit to the Shelby family next year.”
Tommy’s attempts to make the business legitimate will be undermined by sinister forces, and his ascent into the decadent high society of Twenties England will be helped by his gangster credentials.
Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, says; “I am delighted to add a third returning series to the slate on BBC Two following Line Of Duty and The Fall. It’s a fantastically distinctive mix and highlights the success of BBC Two’s new drama strategy.”
Will Gould, Head of Drama for Tiger Aspect, adds: “Shows like this don’t come around very often. Steve’s powerful, unique scripts combined with knock out performances from Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory and the rest of the cast kept the audience gripped. Me included. Tiger can’t wait to join up with Caryn Mandabach again to take this saga to the next level.”
Commissioned by Janice Hadlow, Controller BBC Two, and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, Peaky Blinders is created by acclaimed writer Steven Knight and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions for BBC Two.
The executive producers are: Steven Knight with Caryn Mandabach and Jamie Glazebrook for Caryn Mandabach Productions; Will Gould and Frith Tiplady for Tiger Aspect Productions; and Matthew Read for the BBC.
The 6x60' series is created and written by Steven Knight and filming will commence early 2014.
CI2
With a fantastic cast and epic story-telling, Peaky Blinders was an utterly compelling addition to the BBC Two schedule and I’m delighted we’ll be paying another visit to the Shelby family next year.”
