Viewers are celebrating the British period drama A Thousand Blows as one of the best series in recent years. Currently streaming on Disney+, the show has received enthusiastic praise from audiences and critics alike. Created by Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, the series tells the gripping story of the Forty Elephants, an all-female criminal gang, as they navigate the dangerous world of bare-knuckle boxing in 1880s London.
The narrative follows Hezekiah Moscow and Alec Munroe, two best friends fleeing from Jamaica. They become embroiled in London’s criminal underworld, particularly within the vibrant yet brutal boxing scene. As Hezekiah rises to fame through his boxing skills, he captures the interest of Mary Carr, the notorious Queen of the Forty Elephants. Carr exploits Hezekiah’s talents to bolster her criminal operations, while Sugar Goodson, the self-proclaimed emperor of the East End boxing world, plots to thwart Hezekiah’s ambitions.
The official description highlights the show’s focus on survival and ambition amid the challenges of the harsh East End. Red magazine has recognized A Thousand Blows as one of today’s premier period dramas, further solidifying its reputation.
With an impressive 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have lauded the series for its captivating storytelling and historical authenticity. One assessment describes it as “riveting entertainment that leaves a bruise,” showcasing Steven Knight‘s knack for gritty narratives.
Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One fan expressed, “Absolutely worth watching! A Thousand Blows deserves a thousand compliments; it really had me addictively hooked from start to finish.” Another critic, reflecting on its quality, stated, “I would give this 10 stars if I could. It ties Shogun as the best historical series in many years. The acting, writing, directing, and cinematography are all outstanding.”
Lucy Mangan from The Guardian praised the show for its narrative depth and complexity, awarding its debut season a perfect five-star rating. In an exciting update for fans, Steven Knight confirmed during an interview with the Daily Express that a second season has already been filmed. He shared, “We do have the second series in the can, and we all want to keep this story going, and I think we will and just take it towards the 21st century.”
With its combination of engaging storytelling, strong performances, and historical context, A Thousand Blows is making a significant impact in the world of television. As viewers continue to stream the series, its acclaim is likely to grow, setting a high bar for future period dramas.
