User reviews

I ended up enjoying A Thousand Blows much more than I expected to. I've been looking forward to it ever since I first saw the trailers. I'm a fan of this genre so I was going to give it a chance no matter what. It ended up not only meeting my expectations but exceed them. This series is created by Stephen Knight, the same guy who created great shows like Peaky Blinders, See, Rogue Heroes, All the Light We Cannot See, etc. The writing is very good but what makes this series work so well is the acting. The three leads, Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty and especially the ridiculously underrated Stephen Graham are what makes this series a must watch. Graham is such a good actor, you might know him from Boardwalk Empire, Peaky Blinders, Gangs of New York, The Irishman, Band of Brothers, Taboo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bodies, Venom and so many other great movies/shows. He was great in all of those. I can't say enough about what an underrated actor Graham is. If you're a fan Stephen Knight's other work then give this a chance... I promise you won't be disappointed.

A Thousand Blows is a Hulu original series based off the real life stories of a group of people battling for survival in the most brutal part of East London in the 1880's. Two best friends, Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall) on the rum from Jamaica find themselves thrown into the criminal world of London's bare-knuckle fighting scene. As Hezekiah continues to win and find fame and fortune, he attracts the attention of the Queen of the Forty Elephants, Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), who then works with Hezekiah to further her criminal empire. Then there's the boss of the East End boxing world, Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), who is determined to destroy Hezekiah because he's threatening everything Sugar has built. What happens next is a battle between the two of them. This is one of the early surprises of 2025 so far.

When the theme started playing along with the visuals I immediately thought this was a Guy Ritchie masterpiece, absolutely fabulous series that not only gets all the costumes spot on but the dirt and grime of the Victorian streets as well. Attention to detail is amazing.

Then of course we have the fantastic Stephen Graham and an equally talented Erin Doherty in the mix, and to be fair, every other individual is a stand out in this sensational series.

Bring on season 2, I hope it manages to be no less than what's gone before, never looked forward to a series as I have with this one. My only regret is I wish it had more episodes.

The sets, scenery and costumes are fantastic even the actors who are some of my favourites especially Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham, however something felt off with this series? Not because I'm expecting it to be peaky blinders, absolutely not it's, it's own show, but it felt far too disney if that makes sense? The writing/directing mainly and this doesn't reflect the actors. I guess this is meant to be the part characters are simply introduced to build upon the storyline they've given us as the preview they've shown at the end looks more gripping! I just hope that's the case as I really want to like this more. I just found myself slightly underwhelmed at present.

I don't always enjoy costume drama, but this one is definitely one to watch. Stephen Graham didn't disappoint! He is made for this role. What an amazing performance from his end.

I also loved how the crime syndicate displayed is one with women. Erin Doherty is perfect for the role of Mary Carr.

Throughout great acting, good script and the locations are spectacular. I suspect AI is used for some scenerys but it is done well in this case. I guess what ever keeps the production coats down and free budget for other things like great actors is a plus !

Cliffhanger in the end, meaning there will be a second season and I will definitely watch it.

Set in London in the 1880's it is apt that this Historical drama that includes Jamaican immigrants, one of which is fluent in Chinese, who become boxers, both bare knuckle and the gloved noble art variety, the forty elephant all female gang of robbers, they really existed too, and small time hoodlums, one played superbly as always, by Stephen Graham, as it is without any doubt on a par totally with Taylor Sheridan's 1883. Stephen Knight's story and characters are also on a par with his characters in SAS Rogue. But whether they will become as iconic as his Peaky Blinders characters, only time will tell.

So apart from the horrendous soundtrack and the wildly unrealistic storyline, this show isn't bad. It's taken a long time to get interesting, but after 4 episodes it's finally getting somewhere. Some characters are likeable and it has me interested enough to keep watching. I do want to know what happens.

At the same time, it has same major weaknesses. First, the music. Second, the characters, most of whom are unlikeable. Third, the unbelievable, and sometimes silly, storyline. Fourth, the long drawn out conversations that add little if anything to the plot.

Definitely not a 10, but if you're bored worth checking out.

Actors, storyline, sets, just riveting! Every character drags you into their baggage and you don't want to leave. The parallel stories of the East and West Ends of London - a stark contrast that is jarring. I really hope the series will continue. Its characters and the story are among the best I've seen this year. Don't miss it! If you love the grit and grime of rough characters in London - it's brutal and gory but you'll be unable to stop watching despite the difficulty of the story. I can't wait for the next set of stories - please bring it back!! It's one of those stories that you hate to see the last episode because you don't want to let go of the characters.

We yearn for a shot that can captivate an audience. A show that is riveting and knows how to build characters. Ever since Peaky Blinders I've missed just that. This show, although I've only seen the first and second episode have shown all the above. It has everything I need in a show and more. The backdrop is beautiful, the acting stellar, characters on point. I love the direction it's going and I think this show shows great potential as the subject is one of masculinity and possibly femininity ;). Deep dark gritty and violent, perfect score to suit home and watch all day. Accents are a bit rough for some, be ready for subtitles lol.

ABSOLUTELY EPIC. Just like Peaky Blinders this is so well written. Also like Peaky Blinders once you start watching it you can't stop.

I really like that when this was advertised they didn't show to much of what the story is and that's such a pleasant surprise as most trailers give everything away. This show has so many layers that season one has only just scratched the start of it.

The cast is perfect and Stephen Graham is an absolutely animal in this. I think it is definitely safe to say with this and Adolescence Stephen Graham has won 2025 already.

Seeing the gritty side of 1880 London play out in front of you and seeing what people will do to survive makes this such a well done show. The cinema photography is outstanding and really makes you feel like you are there. I can not wait for season 2.

A Gritty, Authentic Period Drama with Stephen Graham at His Best

I'm really enjoying A Thousand Blows so far. It feels raw, real, and totally immersive-I love how it truly transports you to the time period. The atmosphere, the setting, and the characters all feel authentic, like you're right there with them.

Stephen Graham is, as always, fantastic. He completely owns every scene he's in, bringing that intensity and depth he does so well. The story is gripping, with strong performances all around, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

If you like gritty, well-made historical dramas, this is definitely one to watch. Looking forward to seeing how it y folds.

While the production values are top notch, great to look at and the always superb Stephen Graham and Daniel Mays are in fine form little niggles come into play.

Erin Doherty seems to have attended the Dick Van Dyke school of the Cockney accent plus her "thumbs inserted in her in her waistcoat pockets" cheesy style of acting simply grates.

The fight scenes are brutal and quite convincing.

Malachi Kirby and Frances Lovehall do a fine job as two Jamaican immigrants traversing the problems of Victorian London.

I subscribed to Disney+ especially to watch this much anticipated series only to feel a little let down by the patchy acting and script.

I started watching A Thousand Blows yesterday afternoon on a whim. Not knowing anything about it, unsure if I'd even like it because I'm not a huge fan of boxing, I'm glad I gave it a chance. I was hooked from the first scene. The acting and storytelling is thoroughly and thoughtfully executed, moving seamlessly among story lines and character arcs. It all weaves together into a beautiful narrative tapestry.

Every character plays their part with complexity and warmth. Given the setting and subject matter, the writing could easily rely on well-worn tropes, as it does in so many potentially great series. Thankfully none of that is happening in A Thousand Blows, as each character and plot is written in a way that gives people fully formed personalities and motivations.

Each character's actions and motivations are relevant and important to the story. The dialogue is realistic and continually supports and builds the narrative. The effect provides the viewer with a sense of being carried by the writing so that you can easily get fully absorbed in the narrative. Solid narrative structure is such a rare quality in television these days, so it was refreshing to say the least.

The series is perfectly paced, wasting no moment and never dragging or lagging in story progression. By the end I found myself satisfied with what had transpired and excited to see what happens next.

9/10 completely binge-worthy and satisfying.

A Thousand Blows is an adrenaline-fueled, character-driven masterpiece that brings the brutal world of bare-knuckle boxing in 19th-century East London to life with raw intensity. From the very first punch, this series immerses viewers in a world where survival depends on fists, wit, and sheer willpower.

Set against the grimy, atmospheric backdrop of Victorian London, A Thousand Blows masterfully blends history, action, and human drama. The fight scenes are visceral and unrelenting, choreographed to perfection, making every bout feel like a life-or-death struggle. But beyond the blood and bruises, the show excels in its storytelling, crafting deeply compelling characters with rich backstories, personal stakes, and emotional depth.

The performances are nothing short of outstanding. The lead actors deliver powerhouse portrayals, exuding both physical dominance and emotional vulnerability. The cinematography and direction capture the grit and grime of East London's underground fight scene with stunning authenticity, making you feel every punch, every betrayal, and every triumph.

But A Thousand Blows is more than just a brutal boxing drama. It's a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and the fight for survival in a world stacked against the underdog. With a gripping narrative, pulse-pounding action, and an authentic historical setting, this series is a must-watch for fans of intense drama and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

If you're looking for a show that hits hard-both in the ring and in its emotional impact-A Thousand Blows delivers a knockout punch.

As a massive fan of Peaky Blinders, I had high expectations when I found out Steven Knight created A Thousand Blows - and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the very first episode. The characters are complex and engaging, each bringing something unique to the story. The atmosphere is gritty and immersive, with a sense of tension that never lets up. Just like Peaky Blinders, the show keeps you on edge with unexpected twists and intense moments. It's a gripping ride that keeps you invested, and I can't wait to see where it goes next. Can't wait for the next season.

Okay that is all - why must a review be so long lol.

It's beautiful as it should be, every singe person in this like a star, one of the kind series, each episode like a movie to watch, moments and dialogue all make this as one the best so far after so long , Solid and perfect. Every episode represents a story and not afraid to lose a character, The story of reality something make you a free ticket to go back and feel what was happening or it's may still happening in front of us, we might see it or may not but the truth is who ever like movie and love to see something different after so long of bad series this is the one to watch and enjoy every single seconds of it.enjoy the time.

Stephen Graham just keeps knocking out these dark, gritty roles that he pulls off really well. Binge watched this series tonight after watching the trailer on tiktok over the last week or so.

The main characters are engaging, you find yourself cheering for the "bad guys" more often than not to get out of situations and scenarios they have found themselves embroiled within.

Glad to see its been renewed for a season 2 and look forward to seeing what other stories are in the pipeline. It has a peaky blinders feel to it that i didnt realise how much i'd missed. I'd definitly recommend giving it a watch.

Started watching last night and binged the lot. Stephen Graham is perfect for this role and he's clearly worked hard to look the part. Never seen him look so fit. And he's a scouser. Need I say more...Erin Doherty as Mary, the queen of the 40 elephants crime gang is someone to watch. This is a historical drama, I don't like them usually but I couldn't stop watching and actually learned some history. Who knew there were a group of lady criminals called the Elephants. The bare knuckle fighting world at that time was just about to be pushed further underground. Wearing boxing gloves was the way forward. I preferred the bare knuckle fights. Can't wait for second season.

Very little sexual content, some swearing and some blood. And it kept me away from my phone for the whole six hours!!! Nothing has ever done that before.

Great program gets you reeled in . Definitely one of best at the moment. Lots of great performances with twists and turns throughout the whole series . Short and sweet with only 6 to watch so doesn't feel like it's been dragged out to the death . The characters could do a tweak here and there but sure that's down to getting to know them and been introduced to each of their roles . Hope a second series comes up . Would like to see more of The pub characters eg the brother , punch and the Tom Davies part . Plenty to like and more to love about this showcase of London in a different time of Victorian England.

This has been advertised relentlessly on Disney & with Stephen Graham on the bill I was keen to watch. Recently discovered my great great Granny was born in the east end in the 1850s so I was really absorbed from a genealogy pov. Doherty as Mary is excellent- believable as is Hez. Graham- delivers as always. In true disney/ stars style it's a soaped up version of what would have been an extremely impoverished East end in the 1880s. Perfect make up on the elephants gang etc. Not sure why tv makers are afraid to represent historical scenes as they would be, missing teeth & all! The violence is bloody as you'd expect from the makers of Peaky Blinders and I had to look away at times. Whatever it is that makes an audience invested in the characters this show posseses- solid acting? Writing with depth of character? I'm annoyed it's stopped at 6 episodes as 12 have been made. I'd recommend. Theme tune- creepy (so fitting) & I really disliked it.

I so wanted to like this series but it's very disappointing. I heard Stephen Graham giving an interview about the production and I loved the inspiration behind it to tell the story of Hezekiah Moscow from Victorian London.

Full disclosure - I only managed to watch episode 1 - but in my experience things rarely improve with perseverance. The only thing more irritating than the cliche riddled script is the ridiculous sound track (please make it stop!). Plus the whole thing is a pastiche of cliches - cockney ne'er do wells, the gentry being so easily pickpocketed, the predictable bare fist fighting (so much more imaginative in Downeys Sherlock Holmes {discombobulate!)... I know this production is based on a historical story but the characters are all rather flat - lots of posturing and monologuing instead of having substance and showing who they really are. I mean - take Mary Carr - supposedly the worst woman crime boss in all of London - she's about as threatening as Mary Poppins. OK - she drops a few F bombs and points guns at people - and even tries to force a man 'to do the business' with her (cor blimey), but really - couldn't they have made her a bit more frightening? Beth Dutton from Yellowstone could chew her up and spit her out!

I think Stephen Graham is a great actor - and fair credit to him for putting on the muscle mass for this role - but even this doesn't save a rather boring, lame production. And Hezekiah? Well - it's all the same really - all a bit squeaky clean I think... the whole production could have done with turning up the peril and violence a notch or two and it could have been something rather special - instead it's sadly all a bit meh!