8.3/10
76% Critics / 91% Audience
Premiering on BBC One on January 7, 2017, and shortly after on FX in the United States, Taboo is a British period drama that blends historical intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and gritty political maneuvering. Created by Steven Knight, along with Tom Hardy and his father Chips Hardy, the series immediately stood out for its uncompromising tone and its shadowy vision of early 19th-century London.
The story follows James Keziah Delaney (played by Tom Hardy), a mysterious adventurer returning from Africa after twelve years abroad. Set against the backdrop of the War of 1812 and growing tensions between Britain and the United States, the drama delves into power struggles involving the East India Company, the Crown, criminal underworlds, and international espionage.
Supported by an impressive ensemble including Oona Chaplin, Jonathan Pryce, Jessie Buckley, Stephen Graham, David Hayman, Michael Kelly, and Tom Hollander, the first season quickly established itself as a dark, slow-burn thriller. Its score by Max Richter, combined with moody cinematography and Hardy’s magnetic presence, elevated the show into a unique space within modern historical dramas.
Taboo (TV Series) – Official Season 1 Trailer
What is Taboo About?
At its core, Taboo is the story of James Delaney’s struggle to reclaim his family’s inheritance and secure his place in a society that despises him. Presumed dead for over a decade, Delaney’s return throws everyone into turmoil, particularly those who sought to profit from his absence. The real prize is Nootka Sound, a strategically valuable piece of land that could shift the balance of global trade, and everyone — from the East India Company to American spies — wants control of it.
The series explores themes of corruption, family legacies, and moral ambiguity. While it is set in a meticulously recreated 19th-century London, Taboo is not concerned with romanticizing the past. Instead, it digs into the darkness of empire, slavery, and exploitation, portraying history as something brutal, uncompromising, and deeply human.
Is Taboo Worth Watching?
For audiences who appreciate slow-burn drama and layered storytelling, Taboo is absolutely worth the investment. The pacing is deliberate, but every scene drips with tension, inviting viewers to uncover secrets piece by piece. Hardy’s enigmatic performance ensures that James Delaney remains one of the most fascinating antiheroes in recent television history.
Beyond its characters, the series delivers an unforgettable aesthetic. From dimly lit alleys to decadent mansions, the production captures London as a city teetering between progress and decay. It’s a show for those who don’t mind being challenged — a mix of crime thriller, Gothic tale, and political drama that rewards patience with atmosphere and depth.
Why Should You Watch Taboo?
You should watch Taboo if you want a series that isn’t afraid to confront the ugliness of history head-on. Rather than offering neat heroes and villains, it presents a landscape where every character is compromised, where ambition and survival blur moral boundaries. This complexity makes the series feel raw and authentic, far removed from the usual polish of historical dramas.
It’s also a showcase of Tom Hardy at his most magnetic. His performance is layered with menace, grief, and resolve, keeping viewers on edge throughout. Add to that Steven Knight’s writing and Max Richter’s haunting score, and you get a series that feels both operatic and intimate, brutal yet poetic.
Cast and Characters
The strength of Taboo lies not only in its central figure but also in its richly drawn supporting cast. Every character, whether friend or foe, adds to the tapestry of intrigue surrounding Delaney.
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Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney, the enigmatic lead haunted by his past.
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Oona Chaplin as Zilpha Geary, Delaney’s half-sister and secret lover.
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Jonathan Pryce as Sir Stuart Strange, ruthless Chairman of the East India Company.
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Jessie Buckley as Lorna Delaney, a bold woman claiming to be Horace Delaney’s widow.
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Stephen Graham as Atticus, a streetwise underworld ally.
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Mark Gatiss as Prince Regent George, adding political tension and arrogance to the mix.
Each character’s shifting loyalties and motives ensure that Delaney’s world is always on the edge of betrayal.
Episodes and Story Progression
The eight-episode first season of Taboo is structured like a puzzle, with each chapter revealing new pieces of Delaney’s past and his carefully plotted moves.
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Episodes 1–2: Delaney returns, shocks London, and asserts his claim over Nootka Sound, angering both the Crown and the East India Company.
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Episodes 3–5: New alliances form, enemies gather strength, and betrayals begin to surface. Delaney’s reputation as both dangerous and untouchable grows.
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Episodes 6–8: The stakes explode into full-scale war, with secrets exposed, allies lost, and a bloody finale that sets Delaney and his followers on a path far beyond London.
The season closes not with resolution, but with a sense of transformation — a promise of new battles yet to come.
Production and Development
The series was born from a collaboration between Tom Hardy and his father, Chips Hardy, who sketched the idea years before. With Steven Knight refining the scripts, Taboo became a project designed specifically to showcase Hardy’s talents.
Filming took place with meticulous attention to detail, with directors Kristoffer Nyholm and Anders Engström emphasizing natural lighting and practical effects to achieve the show’s gritty look. Max Richter’s score adds another layer of unease, blending orchestral beauty with a sense of foreboding.
Though originally envisioned as a three-season arc, production delays and Hardy’s busy schedule have left fans waiting for season two. Scripts have been written, but as of 2025, no release date has been confirmed.
Reception
Critics generally received Taboo favorably, noting its atmosphere, originality, and Hardy’s unforgettable performance.
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Rotten Tomatoes: 78% approval, with praise for its dark and mysterious storytelling.
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Metacritic: Score of 67, marking generally favorable reviews.
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The Guardian highlighted Hardy’s on-screen dominance, while The Telegraph commended its originality despite borrowing from multiple genres.
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Some historians critiqued its portrayal of the East India Company as overly villainous, sparking debate about historical accuracy.
For fans of dark drama, these criticisms only added to its allure.
Awards and Recognition
The show’s artistry did not go unnoticed, with nominations and wins across multiple award bodies.
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Emmy nominations for music and special effects.
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Royal Television Society wins for costume and makeup design.
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BAFTA Craft nominations in design and sound.
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Satellite Award nominations, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor for Tom Hardy.
These accolades highlight the technical and creative strength that made Taboo stand out.
Taboo (TV Series) FAQ
Is Taboo based on true events?
No, the series is fictional, though it incorporates real historical elements such as the East India Company, the War of 1812, and London’s class struggles.
Will there be a Taboo Season 2?
Season 2 was confirmed in 2017, with six episodes reportedly written. However, as of 2025, filming has not yet begun due to scheduling conflicts, and no release date has been announced.
Where can I watch Taboo?
The first season is available on BBC iPlayer (UK), FX (US), and major streaming platforms depending on region. DVD and Blu-Ray releases are also available.
What makes Taboo different from other period dramas?
Its focus on the underbelly of London, gothic visuals, and morally complex characters set it apart from polished costume dramas.
Conclusion
Taboo is not a series designed for comfort or easy entertainment. It is heavy, atmospheric, and often unsettling — but it is also bold, original, and unforgettable. By plunging viewers into the filth and corruption of 19th-century London, it reimagines historical drama as something closer to Gothic horror, laced with political intrigue.
For those willing to embrace its darkness, Taboo rewards with a rich, layered story led by Tom Hardy at the height of his powers. It leaves you haunted long after the credits roll, and though its future remains uncertain, its first season alone cements it as one of the most daring period dramas of the past decade.
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