The Gentlemen (2024): Aristocratic Crime Caper with Classic Guy Ritchie Flair
The Gentlemen, debuting on Netflix in March 2024, is a crime-drama series created by Guy Ritchie that expands the world introduced in his 2019 film of the same name. Set in the same universe but following a fresh cast of characters, the eight-episode series mixes aristocratic intrigue, marijuana empire drama, and Ritchie’s trademark fast-paced dialogue and stylized violence. At its core, the show explores themes of class, legacy, and moral ambiguity, wrapped in a darkly comedic gangster caper.
The series centers on Eddie Horniman (played by Theo James), a former UN peacekeeper who unexpectedly inherits Halstead Manor and its clandestine cannabis business when his older brother, Freddy (Daniel Ings), is disinherited. Freddy’s reckless gambling debts kick off the conflict, forcing Eddie to navigate a criminal underworld teeming with eccentric villains and violent opportunists. Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario), the tough-minded daughter of cannabis kingpin Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone), steps into a central role, aligning with Eddie as they maneuver through threats ranging from financial ruin to turf wars.
Supporting characters include the loyal gamekeeper Geoff (Vinnie Jones), mysterious billionaire Stanley Johnston (Giancarlo Esposito), and a motley ensemble of criminals and aristocrats. The series thrives on a twisted blend of “Downton Abbey meets Peaky Blinders,” where genteel estates harbor ruthless deals in backrooms and blood is spilt with coarse humor. Eddie evolves from earnest outsider to cunning operator, and the interplay between him and Susie provides emotional and strategic tension.
Critically, The Gentlemen earned generally favorable reviews. Many praised its slick visuals, quick pacing, and strong performances—particularly James and Scodelario. Some critics noted that the layered plotting could feel overstuffed at times, and that not all subplots landed perfectly. Others felt it lacked the emotional resonance of Ritchie’s best work, seeing it as stylish but occasionally shallow.
The response from audiences was strong—Netflix reported the series firmly secured its place among the streaming platform’s top-performing UK originals for 2024, racking up hundreds of millions of viewing hours. While some viewers praised the show’s energy and cast, others pointed out inconsistencies in tone or found the tone repetitive.
In June 2025, filming began on a second season, with Guy Ritchie returning as director and co-writer alongside Matthew Read. Season 2 is set to expand the scope beyond the Sussex countryside, reportedly heading to European locales and adding big names like Chris Eubank Jr., Hugh Bonneville, and Maya Jama. The new season promises grittier action, broader criminal alliances, and more cross-border turf warfare—while deepening existing character arcs and exploring the fallout from Season 1’s power plays and betrayals.
In summary, The Gentlemen captures Guy Ritchie’s energy in serialized form—combining aristocratic settings, gritty crime world, and fast-talking characters. Its initial run balanced style and substance well enough to secure a renewal, and the forthcoming second season aims to amplify both the scale and stakes of Eddie and Susie’s empire-building. For fans of clever crime dramas with a dose of dark humor, it offers an engaging blend of old-school gangster tropes and modern intensity.
