Brummie crime drama Peaky Blinders will move from BBC Two to BBC One for its fifth series, it’s been revealed. The show achieved its best ratings ever in its third series, which presumably played a part in the decision.
The news broke at the Edinburgh TV Festival, with the BBC’s Director of Content, Charlotte Moore, describing Peaky Blinders as “cult viewing” for younger viewers. “When a show really pops like that,” she added, “it feels like a really good moment to put it on the biggest channel in the country.”
Showrunner Steven Knight said this about the move:
“I am thrilled that our precious Peaky Blinders is moving to BBC One. Peaky is a show nurtured and grown by the audience who have found us through word of mouth. Hopefully this move will help us reach even more people.”
Caryn Mandabach, whose company produces the show, added this:
“Peaky Blinders has touched the minds and hearts of everyone who’s watched it and we are honoured to bring a whole new audience with us as we move our merry gang to BBC One for the next series.”
Cillian Murphy and the rest of the cast will have a whole new platform to play on, then, although the move to BBC One will apparently have no effect on the content of the show.
We’ll bring you more Peaky Blinders news, including the release date, when we hear it.