Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series created by Steven Knight, following the Shelby crime family in Birmingham after World War I. Below is a detailed, season-by-season index covering main episodes, key plot beats, major characters introduced, historical context, notable quotes/themes, and viewing notes.
When Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders first aired on BBC Two in 2013, few predicted it would evolve from a cult period drama into a global pop culture phenomenon. Set in the smoky, cobbled streets of post-World War I Birmingham, the show follows Thomas Shelby and his gang of razor-wielding outlaws. For new viewers, the timeline can be daunting; for longtime fans, revisiting the "index series" (the chronological order of episodes and seasons) is a ritual.
This article serves as the definitive index series of Peaky Blinders, breaking down each season, its key plot points, historical context, and character arcs. Whether you are indexing for a re-watch or a first-time deep dive, here is your roadmap through the gas-lit labyrinth of Small Heath.
As you watch, index these symbols:
The index series of Peaky Blinders is more than a list of episodes; it is a chronological map of ambition, trauma, and the blurred line between monster and savior. From the back alleys of Small Heath to the halls of Parliament, Thomas Shelby’s journey is encoded in six tight seasons and 36 episodes (plus specials). By indexing each series, viewers can trace the slow, brutal transformation of a soldier into a king, and finally, into a man who simply wants to stop the drumbeat in his head.
"You can change what you do, but you can’t change what you want." – Tommy Shelby.
Now, pour a glass of Irish whiskey, light a cigarette, and start your index from the beginning. By order of the Peaky Blinders.
Peaky Blinders series follows the rise of the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham. Led by the ambitious and traumatized Thomas "Tommy" Shelby index series of peaky blinders
, the gang evolves from local bookmakers into a powerful criminal and political empire. Shelby Brothers store Series Index and Major Storylines
The Rise of the Shelbys: A Complete Index to Peaky Blinders (Seasons 1–6) Since its debut in 2013, Peaky Blinders
has evolved from a gritty street-level crime drama into a sprawling epic of political intrigue and global business. Led by the calculating Thomas Shelby, the series is defined by its sharp suits, flat caps, and a constant struggle for power in post-WWI Britain.
Below is an index of the series, detailing the focus of each season and the legacy the show leaves behind. Series Overview & Timeline
The show spans 36 episodes over six seasons, following a timeline from the aftermath of World War I in 1919 through the rise of fascism in 1934.
Season 1 (1919): Set in the industrial heart of Small Heath, Birmingham. Tommy Shelby seizes an opportunity when a crate of government guns goes missing, drawing the attention of Inspector Campbell.
Season 2 (1921–1922): The Shelbys expand into London, sparking a bloody war with southern gangs like Darby Sabini’s mob and forming an uneasy alliance with the eccentric Alfie Solomons. Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series
Season 3 (1924): Now wealthy and married, Tommy is pulled into an international web of Russian aristocrats, stolen jewels, and a lethal conspiracy involving the Economic League.
Season 4 (1925–1926): The family must return to their roots in Small Heath to survive a vendetta from the New York Mafia, led by the ruthless Luca Changretta.
Season 5 (1929): The Wall Street Crash devastates the family finances. Tommy, now a Member of Parliament, faces his most dangerous political rival yet: the fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley.
Season 6 (1934): In the final chapter, Tommy navigates the end of Prohibition and a personal battle with his own "demons," leading to a final showdown with Michael Gray and the IRA. Key Pillars of the Show The complete story of the Peaky Blinders | Shelby Brothers
By order of the Peaky Blinders, here is your essential index for the Shelby saga. Whether you are rewatching the original run or diving into the new 2026 expansions, this list covers every chapter of Tommy Shelby’s rise to power. The Original Series (2013–2022)
The foundational story of the Shelby family in Birmingham, consisting of 6 seasons and 36 episodes total.
Series 1: The introduction of the Peaky Blinders and their rivalry with Inspector Campbell over a stash of stolen guns. When Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders first aired on
Series 2: The expansion into London and the high-stakes clash with Italian mobster Darby Sabini.
Series 3: Entry into the world of international intrigue involving Russian aristocrats and the "Economic League."
Series 4: The vendetta with the New York Mafia, led by Luca Changretta, forcing the family back to their roots in Small Heath.
Series 5: Tommy enters politics as an MP while dealing with the 1929 stock market crash and the rise of Oswald Mosley.
Series 6: The epic finale of the original television run, concluding in 1934. The Feature Film (2026)
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man: Released globally on Netflix on March 20, 2026, this film serves as the bridge between the original series and the new era. The Sequel Series (2026+)
Untitled Sequel Series: Following the film's success, two new six-episode series have been confirmed. These are set in 1953 Birmingham, following a new generation of the Shelby family while picking up the pieces of Tommy's legacy.
Where to Watch: The entire collection, including the original series and the new movie, is available on Netflix.
One of the show's greatest strengths is how it weaves real history into the narrative. Watching the timeline shift is essential to understanding the stakes.