The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) marks the highly anticipated return of Guy Ritchie’s razor-sharp wit, stylized direction, and British gangster charm — this time in long-form storytelling. Released on Netflix, the series spins a fresh tale within the same universe as Ritchie’s 2019 film The Gentlemen, offering new characters, new stakes, and an enthralling clash between nobility and criminality.
Blending crime, comedy, and aristocratic drama, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) reimagines the world of high society entangled with underground drug empires. The show is a seamless extension of Ritchie’s signature cinematic universe — complete with slick dialogue, witty narration, and morally ambiguous characters.
This article takes a deep dive into The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) — exploring its storyline, characters, performances, direction, critical reception, and what makes it one of the most stylish British series to emerge in recent years.
Overview of The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series)
Created by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) premiered globally on March 7, 2024, exclusively on Netflix. Produced by Moonage Pictures and Miramax Television, the series consists of eight episodes, each ranging from 41 to 67 minutes.
The show is set in modern-day Britain and revolves around the conflict between the aristocracy and the criminal underworld. While the series shares thematic DNA with Ritchie’s 2019 film, it introduces an entirely new set of characters and storylines, making it both a spiritual successor and a fresh standalone experience.
The genre is a balanced mix of crime, drama, and dark comedy, maintaining Ritchie’s trademark tone that blends violence with wit and sophistication.
The Plot: A Clash Between Class and Crime
The Premise
The story follows Edward “Eddie” Horniman, a former UN peacekeeping officer and the second son of the Duke of Halstead. After the unexpected death of his father, Eddie inherits the family’s massive country estate and the title of the 13th Duke of Halstead.
However, Eddie’s life takes a shocking turn when he discovers that the estate hides a sprawling underground cannabis empire secretly operated by the notorious criminal Bobby Glass and his sharp, cunning daughter Susie Glass.
As Eddie is drawn into this hidden world, he must navigate the dangerous balance between maintaining his family’s aristocratic legacy and dealing with ruthless gangsters who will stop at nothing to protect their lucrative operations.
The Conflict
Eddie’s moral compass is constantly tested. He must protect his family’s reputation, keep the estate afloat, and deal with his reckless older brother Freddy Horniman, whose gambling debts and wild behavior threaten everything.
Caught between the refined elegance of British nobility and the rough world of organized crime, Eddie becomes an unlikely bridge between two opposing societies — a man trying to bring order to chaos while discovering his own potential for corruption.
The Main Cast and Their Performances
Theo James as Edward “Eddie” Horniman
Theo James shines as the stoic yet conflicted hero. His portrayal of Eddie combines vulnerability with authority, capturing the transformation of a man thrust into a world he neither chose nor fully understands. James’s performance balances quiet strength with flashes of rage, making him a magnetic lead.
Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass
Kaya Scodelario plays Susie Glass, the brilliant and calculating daughter of Bobby Glass. Her sharp wit and intimidating calm make her one of the standout characters in the series. Susie is the brains behind her father’s empire — ruthless yet charismatic. Scodelario brings a mix of charm and menace that elevates the show’s energy.
Daniel Ings as Lord Frederick “Freddy” Horniman
Daniel Ings portrays Eddie’s troubled older brother Freddy, whose addiction and impulsive decisions frequently jeopardize the family. His performance adds depth and a darkly comedic edge, embodying the self-destructive side of privilege and entitlement.
Vinnie Jones as Geoffrey Seacombe
Vinnie Jones, a frequent collaborator in Ritchie’s gangster films, plays Geoffrey Seacombe, the loyal estate groundskeeper and Eddie’s unlikely mentor. His gruff wisdom and loyalty provide both comic relief and emotional grounding.
Ray Winstone as Bobby Glass
As the criminal mastermind behind the cannabis empire, Ray Winstone delivers a powerful presence. Even while incarcerated, his influence over the criminal world remains absolute. His commanding performance reinforces the tension and unpredictability that define the show.
Giancarlo Esposito as Stanley Johnston
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his chilling roles in Breaking Bad and The Boys, plays Stanley Johnston, a cunning American billionaire with his own secret motives for buying the Halstead estate. Esposito’s signature calm intensity adds a new layer of intrigue.
The Direction and Style of Guy Ritchie
Signature Cinematic Elements
Guy Ritchie brings his unmistakable style to the small screen — dynamic editing, snappy dialogue, and multi-layered narratives. Every scene oozes with his signature swagger, from cleverly choreographed confrontations to witty banter laced with irony.
The series maintains the kinetic pacing of Ritchie’s films but allows more room for character development. Through the eight-episode arc, Ritchie expands his world-building, allowing viewers to truly inhabit the high-stakes environment of aristocratic crime.
Blending Aristocracy with Gangster Culture
One of Ritchie’s most striking creative choices is the juxtaposition of blue-blooded nobility and underground criminality. By placing a Duke at the center of a drug empire, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) explores the irony of “old money” trying to coexist with “new money” — legality vs. vice, heritage vs. hustle.
This thematic clash mirrors modern Britain’s shifting class dynamics, where traditional power structures collide with contemporary ambition and corruption.
Humor and Violence in Harmony
Just like his previous works (Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Ritchie uses dark humor to offset moments of violence. The result is a tone that’s gritty yet entertaining — making even brutal scenes feel stylish and unforgettable.
The Cinematography and Visual Appeal
The visual style of The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) is one of its strongest elements. The luxurious interiors of Halstead Manor, the sleek cityscapes, and the neon-lit underworld create a visually rich contrast.
The cinematography, handled by Laurie Rose, captures both the grandeur of English estates and the grit of urban crime scenes. The color palette blends earthy tones with bold accents, emphasizing the dual nature of Eddie’s world — refined elegance intertwined with dirty secrets.
The production design deserves special mention, as every detail — from antique décor to secret grow rooms — reflects the collision between aristocracy and an illicit empire.
Themes and Symbolism
Class Divide and Corruption
At its core, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) is about class and corruption. It examines how power, money, and privilege can warp even the noblest intentions. Eddie, despite his good heart, must learn to survive in a world built on deceit.
Morality and Survival
The series constantly questions morality: Can a “gentleman” remain good while thriving in a corrupt system? Eddie’s descent into the underworld becomes both a survival tactic and a test of his ethics.
Family and Loyalty
Family dynamics drive much of the emotional tension. Eddie’s loyalty to his mother, patience with his brother, and growing bond with Susie Glass create a web of relationships that define his journey.
Reception and Audience Response
Upon release, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Critics praised its slick production design, charismatic performances, and faithful adherence to Guy Ritchie’s stylistic rootsCritical Consensus
Many reviewers described it as a “fun, fast-paced, and quintessentially British crime drama.” Some noted that while it doesn’t reach the intensity of Ritchie’s early classics, it successfully adapts his cinematic language for television.
On review aggregators, the series holds approximately 75% critical approval and an 84% audience rating — a testament to its broad appeal.
Viewership and Popularity
Within its first few weeks, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) became one of Netflix’s top-streamed shows in several countries. Reports indicate that it amassed over 70 million views globally, marking it as one of the most successful British productions of 2024.
The Connection to the 2019 Film
While the TV series shares the same universe as the 2019 movie The Gentlemen, it is not a direct sequel. Instead, it acts as a spiritual successor — introducing new characters, new settings, and a fresh storyline.
Fans of the film will recognize similar themes, humor, and stylistic flair, but the show expands the concept beyond the original’s scope. In many ways, the series serves as an evolution of Ritchie’s cinematic world — allowing more room to explore the complexities of crime, class, and legacy.
Future Prospects and Season 2
Netflix officially renewed The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) for a second season in August 2024, following its strong performance.
Season 2 is expected to dive deeper into Eddie’s moral transformation, the power struggles within the Glass crime family, and the arrival of new adversaries. Production has already begun, and new cast members such as Hugh Bonneville and Benjamin Clementine are rumored to join.
With Guy Ritchie still attached as showrunner and creative force, fans can expect another sharp, thrilling chapter filled with betrayal, ambition, and British humor.
Why The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) Stands Out
- A Perfect Fusion of Class and Crime: It’s rare to see a show that merges aristocracy with the criminal underworld so seamlessly.
- Guy Ritchie’s Signature Flair: The storytelling, visuals, and dialogue are unmistakably “Ritchie-esque.”
- Strong Performances: Theo James and Kaya Scodelario lead an outstanding ensemble that balances tension and wit.
- Cinematic Storytelling on TV: Despite being a series, it feels as cinematic as a feature film.
- Relatable Themes: Power, greed, and loyalty make it universally compelling, even beyond British borders.
Final Thoughts
The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) is a brilliant evolution of Guy Ritchie’s crime universe — blending the sophistication of the British elite with the chaos of the criminal world. It’s stylish, sharp, and full of dark humor that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish.
For fans of Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and the 2019 film The Gentlemen, this series delivers everything they love — clever writing, colorful characters, and high-stakes drama wrapped in cinematic brilliance.
With its combination of class, wit, and danger, The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) not only honors Ritchie’s legacy but also sets a new benchmark for British crime television.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series) related to the 2019 film?
Yes, it shares the same universe and tone as the 2019 film but features new characters and a different storyline.
How many episodes are in The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series)?
Season 1 consists of eight episodes, each ranging between 41 and 67 minutes.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series)?
Yes, Netflix officially renewed the series for a second season, expected to release after 2025.
Who plays the main roles in The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series)?
The series stars Theo James as Eddie Horniman, Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass, Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, Vinnie Jones, and Giancarlo Esposito.
What is the main theme of The Gentlemen (2024 TV Series)?
The show explores the collision between aristocracy and organized crime, highlighting moral dilemmas, power, and survival.
