This ‘Dark and Brutal’ Tom Hardy Series Has a Massive Fan Following — But It’s About to Be Lost to Streaming!

For fans of Tom Hardy and gripping historical dramas, the clock is ticking on a rare opportunity. The actor’s critically acclaimed miniseries Taboo—a show lauded for its intensity, rawness, and dark complexity—is set to disappear from BBC iPlayer on Sunday, June 1st. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time to dive into this brutal and mysterious world before it vanishes from free streaming.

A Hardy Family Passion Project

While Tom Hardy is a household name thanks to his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road, and the Venom franchise, Taboo is one of his most personal projects. Co-created by Hardy alongside his father, Chips Hardy, and Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, this eight-part historical thriller first premiered in 2017. The show has since become a cult favorite, with a devoted fanbase that has continued to grow, particularly among those who appreciate its dark, raw, and unapologetically gritty tone.

Set in 1814 London, Taboo introduces audiences to James Delaney, portrayed by Hardy—a haunted adventurer who returns to England after 12 years in Africa. As Delaney grapples with corruption, poverty, and a dangerous criminal underworld, the series weaves together themes of revenge, dark family secrets, and political intrigue. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the violence is unflinching. But it’s Hardy’s magnetic performance as Delaney—a man both tormented and ruthless—that anchors the show, captivating viewers from the first episode.

Critical Acclaim and Fan Obsession

The series has earned a solid 76% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a much higher 91% viewer rating. Critics have lauded Hardy’s transformative performance and the series’ ability to break away from conventional historical drama. Taboo isn’t just a period piece—it’s a bold and daring narrative that leaves its audience gripped, often leaving them yearning for more.

Sarah Hughes of The Guardian called Taboo “big, bold and brash,” praising the show’s risk-taking narrative and unique voice. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a big swing at a genre—and in Taboo’s case, it connects,” she wrote. The critical acclaim is matched by fan obsession, with viewers flooding Google reviews with five-star praise:

“I can’t believe I only just found out about this series… it’s brilliant, my husband and I watched the entire first season in two evenings!”

“What an amazing drama. Had me gripped every week. So much so, that I watched it again on BBC iPlayer and still enjoyed it immensely.”

“Absolute class. I watched this when it was on TV when it first released and have just gone back to it. Every single moment is pure brilliance.”

Last Call for a Modern Classic

Despite its immense fanbase and critical acclaim, Taboo has remained relatively under the radar in terms of mainstream global recognition. There have been frequent calls for major streaming platforms like Netflix or HBO to pick up the show, but as of now, it has stayed primarily within the realm of British TV.

Now, with Taboo leaving BBC iPlayer on June 1st, interest in the series has spiked. Fans who’ve missed it or those eager to rewatch this gritty drama are being urged to take action before the show slips into the shadows of lost streaming content. Hardy’s raw, magnetic performance and the series’ unapologetic take on violence and moral complexity make Taboo an unfiltered masterpiece not to be overlooked.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the world of James Delaney and his morally ambiguous adventures, now is your chance. Don’t let this haunting, intense, and utterly captivating series slip away without giving it a watch.

Taboo is available for free on BBC iPlayer until Sunday, June 1st. Stream it while you still can.