A Thousand Blows’: Steven Knight Talks New Period Crime Drama, ‘Peaky Blinders,’ His ‘Star Wars’ Script, ‘Rogue Heroes’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

Prolific writer/producer/director Steven Knight has a habit of turning historical grit into must-watch television. From the streets of 1920s Birmingham in "Peaky Blinders" to the daring real-life SAS soldiers of "Rogue Heroes," Knight’s work thrives on characters who push against the limits of their status. His latest series, "A Thousand Blows," is no different. Set in post-industrial revolution London, the show follows best friends Hezekiah and Alec as they get swept into the city’s brutal underground boxing scene while crossing paths with local legends, and the notorious all-female gang, The Forty Elephants. The show stars Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Jason Tobin, Francis Lovehall, and more.

When Knight sat down with Bingeworthy, the busy writer was quick to admit that he doesn’t watch much TV. "If anything, sometimes if I do watch stuff, I think, 'Oh God, this is so good. Why can’t I just make it this simple?" he joked. That might explain why "A Thousand Blows" is anything but simple. Instead of focusing on one story, the show weaves together multiple narratives—including Hezekiah’s rise in the ring, The Forty Elephants’ criminal empire, and a quiet, burning revenge arc with Jason Tobin’s Lao.