TV Series
Genres: Historical Drama, Psychological Thriller
Release Year: 2025
Creator(s): Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, Chips Hardy
Main Cast:

• Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney

• Jessie Buckley as Lorna Bow

• Stephen Graham as Atticus

• Edward Hogg as Michael Godfrey

• Mark Gatiss as the Prince Regent

• David Hayman as Brace

Plot Summary

After an agonizing wait of nearly a decade, Taboo returns with its second season in 2025, reigniting the haunting tale of James Keziah Delaney — a man shrouded in secrets, rage, and uncanny mysticism. Tom Hardy reprises his role in what promises to be a darker, even more twisted chapter in this gritty tale of power, colonial corruption, and personal reckoning.

At the end of Season 1, we saw Delaney and his ragtag crew escape London, setting sail westward with cryptic intentions involving “The Colonnade” — a shadowy organization rooted in intelligence and espionage. Season 2 picks up in a volatile new territory where Delaney must navigate treacherous alliances, new political players, and a deepening internal war with his own demons. The line between hallucination, supernatural influence, and brutal reality continues to blur, pulling both characters and viewers into a psychological labyrinth.

As Delaney digs further into his family’s legacy and the true power of the Nootka Sound trade route, he faces enemies both seen and unseen. Government agents, international spies, and Indigenous resistance groups all become part of the deadly game. Meanwhile, the East India Company may be gone, but its influence—and its enemies—linger.

Themes and Atmosphere

Taboo Season 2 expands its scope both geographically and philosophically. While the London fog still haunts its characters, the new season introduces colonial America as a backdrop for espionage, rebellion, and spiritual warfare. The show’s signature elements remain intact: gothic atmosphere, grimy realism, cryptic visions, and poetic brutality.

Themes of identity, loyalty, ancestral guilt, and colonial exploitation take center stage. Delaney, now no longer just a man of vengeance, transforms into a reluctant leader of a movement that may shape nations.

What to Expect

• Tom Hardy’s Tour-de-Force Performance: Hardy remains at the core, once again co-writing and executive producing the series. His portrayal of Delaney—a man equal parts brute, philosopher, and spirit-walker—continues to captivate and disturb.

• New Characters, New Threats: Season 2 introduces fresh faces from the world of political intrigue, spies, Native resistance leaders, and American power brokers. Each poses a threat to Delaney’s plans—and to his fragile sanity.

• Lush Cinematography and Gothic Style: Expect the return of stunning, moody visuals. Rain-soaked alleyways, eerie dream sequences, candlelit conspiracies, and ominous ship decks return in full cinematic glory.

• An Intensified Narrative: With more freedom beyond London’s political constraints, the story escalates into an epic of resistance, retribution, and revelation.

Reception and Legacy

Even before its release, Taboo Season 2 has generated massive anticipation among fans and critics. Season 1 was celebrated for its originality, mature themes, and raw performances—especially Hardy’s. It carved out a cult following with its blend of historical drama, myth, and madness. Now, with nearly a decade of anticipation and a growing hunger for character-driven, intelligent storytelling, Season 2 is set to elevate Taboo from cult favorite to television legend.

If you’re drawn to dark period dramas with brutal realism, philosophical undertones, and a magnetic anti-hero, Taboo Season 2 should be at the top of your 2025 watchlist. It’s more than a return—it’s a reckoning.