🔥👑 BBC Period Drama ‘Taboo’ Starring Tom Hardy Lauded as a ‘Masterpiece’ Despite Shocking Incest and Slavery Scenes – Fans Say It’s the Best Show Ever Made 😱

When BBC One first aired Taboo in January 2017, it was unlike anything British television had ever dared to broadcast. Eight episodes of raw, dark storytelling introduced viewers to James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), a man who returned to London in 1814 after twelve mysterious years in Africa, only to find himself ensnared in a web of murder, betrayal, and sinister conspiracies.

From the first scene, it was clear that this was not your typical period drama. The show plunged audiences into the steamy, corrupted underbelly of early 19th-century London, blending historical realism with a brooding, gothic edge. Yet, for all its dark content—disturbing depictions of incest, slavery, prostitution, and even murder—the series has endured as a fan favourite. Viewers and critics alike have called it a “masterpiece” and even “the best show ever made,” a rare accolade for television that dares to confront the most taboo elements of human behaviour.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

Taboo is the brainchild of Tom Hardy, his longtime collaborator Chips Hardy, and acclaimed writer Steven Knight, known for creating Peaky Blinders. Produced by Hollywood heavyweight Ridley Scott—director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator—the show was always destined to attract attention. Its cast reads like a gallery of British talent: alongside Hardy as Delaney are Leo Bill as Benjamin Wilton, Jessie Buckley as Lorna Delaney, Oona Chaplin as Zilpha Geary, and Stephen Graham as the enigmatic Atticus. The ensemble is rounded out by Jefferson Hall, David Hayman, Edward Hogg, and Franka Potente.

Despite airing eight years ago, Taboo’s reputation has only grown. Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer rates it at 76 per cent, while Popcornmeter applauds it at an impressive 91 per cent. On IMDB, fans gush about the series, one simply declaring: “A masterpiece!” Another wrote: “I was hooked within the first few minutes. Tom Hardy is brilliant in this role.”

A Dark, Unforgiving London

Set in 1814, the story follows James Delaney as he navigates a city teeming with moral decay and greed. London in Taboo is not the polished, candlelit society of Downton Abbey or Poldark. Instead, it is raw, filthy, and cruel, where corruption thrives and violence is never far from the surface. Delaney’s homecoming sparks immediate conflict as rival business interests, secret societies, and shadowy government agents circle like predators.

“1814: James Keziah Delaney returns to London from Africa and is encircled by conspiracy, murder and betrayal. Dark, mesmerising drama with Tom Hardy,” reads the BBC iPlayer synopsis—an understatement for what audiences actually experienced. The first episode alone offered shocking imagery and storylines: references to rape, incest, slavery, paedophilia, prostitution, witchcraft, and even bizarre, almost surreal horrors, including evil experiments and gold-trading schemes involving bear-fighting in Chancery Lane.

Critics and Fans Rejoice

While some viewers were understandably shocked, many heralded the series as an artistic triumph. One reviewer praised the show for its meticulous depiction of 1800s Britain: “Not much on television is worth watching nowadays, so it is a very pleasant surprise when a series of this calibre comes along. The depiction of 1800s Great Britain in all its steamy vulgarity and corruption is intriguing and mesmerising. Ridley Scott and Tom Hardy are at their outstanding best.”

The Daily Mail’s own Jim Shelley was effusive in his praise back in 2017: “Taboo lived up to its name and proved nothing is sacred—not even the most comforting conventions of that great British tradition: Saturday night television. The legions of caterwauling karaoke contestants had been silenced and there was not a Doctor or Dalek in sight. Politicians desperately doing ballroom dancing and sad celebrities belly-flopping off the top board were noticeable only by their absence.”

Shelley continued: “Instead, Taboo appeared, spreading like a dark, disturbing stain across the screen, causing the same contemptuous chaos with the schedule as its black-hearted hero (played by Tom Hardy). As alternatives to the norm go, Taboo was certainly comprehensive.”

An Eight-Part Odyssey of Sin and Intrigue

The series’ first episode introduced audiences to a disturbing array of characters and plotlines. From men whose lives had been devoted to murder, military genocide, grave-robbing, and gold-trading, to sordid tales of sex, crime, and perversion, nothing in Taboo felt safe or predictable. It was a far cry from family-friendly BBC staples like Casualty or Doctor Who. Shelley noted: “You didn’t get that in Casualty—even back in its bleakest early years.”

Many viewers were fascinated by the stark realism and the moral complexity of Hardy’s character. Delaney is not a hero in the traditional sense; he is ruthless, intelligent, and unpredictable, a man who seems to operate by his own moral code. Yet, Hardy’s portrayal brings layers of vulnerability and pathos, giving the audience glimpses of the man behind the menace. “Tom Hardy is terrific as always!” one fan posted online. Another praised what they called “possibly the best acting on television I’ve ever watched.”

Financial Risks Behind the Scenes

Behind the artistry and acclaim, Taboo came at a significant financial cost. Reports in 2017 revealed that Tom Hardy personally lost a staggering £2 million in producing the series. The show reportedly drew in £8.4 million but had cost £10.4 million to make. Hardy, along with Chips Hardy, set up a firm, Taboo Productions Ltd, to manage the finances of the ambitious series.

A source told The Sun at the time: “These new figures will make stark reading for Tom. No matter who you are or how much money you’re worth, £2 million is a lot of money to simply throw away. Tom will hope to eventually make the money back through DVD sales, downloads, streaming, and syndication rights.”

Even with the financial setbacks, the gamble seems to have paid off in terms of cultural impact. Taboo has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms, DVD releases, and reruns, maintaining its status as a cult favourite.

The Enduring Legacy of Taboo

Eight years after its debut, Taboo remains a touchstone for what daring, cinematic television can achieve. Its unflinching exploration of humanity’s darkest impulses, combined with Hardy’s mesmerizing performance, continues to resonate with audiences. The show has sparked discussions about historical realism, moral ambiguity, and the limits of televised storytelling.

For many, Taboo represents a rare moment when British television embraced the darker, grittier aspects of its history rather than sanitizing it for mainstream consumption. Its depiction of slavery, incest, and corruption is not gratuitous but serves to highlight the brutal realities of early 19th-century London, forcing viewers to confront the past in all its complexity.

Critics continue to laud the show’s craftsmanship. From the atmospheric cinematography and period-accurate set design to the haunting, minimalist score, Taboo immerses viewers in a world that is at once mesmerizing and repulsive. The storytelling is layered, blending political intrigue, personal vendetta, and supernatural elements into a narrative that never loses its edge.

Fan Reactions Across the Globe

Across social media, the fandom has remained passionate. Twitter, Reddit, and dedicated fan forums are filled with discussions dissecting every episode, analyzing Hardy’s performance, and debating the historical context. One fan noted: “Every time I rewatch Taboo, I notice something new. The layers of corruption, the moral ambiguity, the intense performances—it’s unlike anything else on television.”

Another commented: “The show isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience. It’s dark, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s beautiful in a very twisted way. Tom Hardy and Steven Knight created a masterpiece that will be remembered for decades.”

Even viewers who found the content challenging often acknowledged its artistry. The series’ willingness to confront taboo subjects head-on has been cited as a major factor in its lasting appeal. By refusing to shy away from disturbing topics, Taboo elevates itself above more conventional period dramas, offering a narrative that is both shocking and thought-provoking.

A Cult Classic in the Making

The combination of historical detail, dark themes, and Hardy’s magnetic screen presence ensures that Taboo continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. Its cult status is cemented not just by its content but by its audacity. Few shows dare to challenge audiences with such intensity, and even fewer achieve critical acclaim in the process.

The legacy of Taboo also highlights the risks and rewards of ambitious television. Hardy’s personal financial loss underscores the reality that groundbreaking art often comes at a cost. Yet, the show’s lasting influence demonstrates that such risks can yield immense cultural and artistic rewards, inspiring both future creators and audiences to embrace more daring storytelling.

Conclusion: Taboo’s Enduring Power

In the ever-changing landscape of television, Taboo stands as a testament to bold storytelling, unforgettable performances, and the power of embracing the darkest corners of human experience. Eight years after its release, it continues to enthrall and provoke, leaving an indelible mark on British television history.

From the streets of 1814 London to the screens of millions around the world, James Delaney’s journey is more than a tale of conspiracy and revenge—it is a mirror reflecting society’s enduring fascination with the forbidden, the dangerous, and the utterly compelling.

As one fan summed up succinctly on IMDB: “A masterpiece!” It’s a statement that echoes nearly a decade later, and one that captures the essence of a show that refused to compromise, refused to soften, and, ultimately, refused to be forgotten.

For anyone seeking a drama that challenges, disturbs, and captivates, Taboo remains essential viewing.

🔥 Taboo may have been ahead of its time in 2017, but its legend is only growing. It is a rare series that is as haunting as it is mesmerizing, as shocking as it is brilliantly crafted, and as controversial as it is unforgettable.