How does Peaky Blinders end?

Peaky Blinders’ season 6 ends with Thomas Shelby riding off on a white horse.

Peaky Blinders, the acclaimed crime drama set in a bygone era, has held its audience spellbound with the enthralling saga of the Shelby crime family. Recently wrapping up its sixth and ultimate season, the show's loyal followers await the climax with bated breath. Across its run, the series has mesmerized viewers with its intricate narratives, compelling personalities, and the intricate dynamics of the Shelby clan. As the narrative reaches its zenith, it explores themes of grief, redemption, and the intricate dance of power. The final season, marked by significant losses and lingering trauma, even sprinkles in a touch of redemption for a well-rounded emotional journey.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

How does Peaky Blinders end?

Despite the hints in season 6, Thomas Shelby didn't meet his end in the Peaky Blinders series finale. Given a terminal diagnosis of tuberculoma with 18 months to live at the end of season 5, Shelby's fate shifted dramatically. After dispatching Michael, he chose retirement, said his goodbyes, and passed the reins of the business to Ada. He even obliterated his home, making room for more affordable housing in Birmingham.

In a surprising twist, Shelby's encounter with a vision of his daughter Ruby revealed the deception behind his diagnosis. Dr. Holford, colluding with the British Union of Fascists led by Sir Oswald Mosley, had manipulated him into a false narrative to engineer his demise. Rather than seeking vengeance, Shelby opted not to kill the doctor. The finale concluded as he embarked on a new journey, riding off on a white horse, symbolizing a fresh start and a renewed lease on life.

Will there be a season 7 of Peaky Blinders?

No, there won’t be a season 7 of Peaky Blinders although it was initially planned as per creator Steven Knight. The decision to wrap up the series with the sixth season was revealed in January 2021. Various factors, including production challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the unfortunate passing of actress Helen McCrory, influenced this conclusion. Despite bidding farewell to the series, the narrative will persist on the big screen with an upcoming movie, and potential spin-offs are on the horizon for the future.

Knight explained, "The original intention was to do seven series, but COVID has stolen a year from us, and we felt what would be a great idea is to, almost in place of that seventh series, is to go onto the big screen. The reason is boringly practical, which is that we lost a year due to the pandemic. The way these things are scheduled – it’s like turning an oil tanker around."

"We just felt, also with the loss of Helen [McCrory], that it all seemed to be pointing towards doing what I'm calling ‘the end of the beginning.' Let’s end the beginning, then let's do the film. And then let's see where we go in terms of spin-offs."

Will there be a Peaky Blinders spin-off?

Yes, ongoing discussions surround potential spin-off ideas for Peaky Blinders with season 6 wrapped up. Creator Steven Knight has tantalized fans with various spin-off prospects, including an exploration of Alfie Solomons' life pre-Shelbys, Finn Shelby navigating the family legacy in the 1950s, a sequel tracing Ada's political journey, Duke assuming control of the family business, and a prequel spotlighting the Shelby women managing the business during World War I.

While a seventh season of Peaky Blinders isn't in the cards, the story will persist in a movie, delivering closure to the existing narrative and potentially laying the foundation for forthcoming storylines. This strategic move also keeps the door open for potential spin-offs. Cillian Murphy, the Irish actor who plays Tommy Shelby, has openly embraced the idea of a spin-off if the narrative proves both compelling and authentic.