Tom Hardy’s Taboo (2017) Explained: Plot, Cast, Review & Season 2 Updates

Tom Hardy and Taboo (2017): Dark Historical Drama Explained
If you’re a fan of intense period dramas, powerful performances, and dark storytelling, Taboo starring Tom Hardy is a must-watch. Released in 2017, this British historical drama quickly gained attention for its gritty atmosphere, complex characters, and Hardy’s unforgettable performance as James Keziah

 Delaney.

In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore everything about Taboo — including the plot, cast, themes, reviews, and whether Season 2 is coming.
Overview of Taboo (2017)
Title: Taboo
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Drama, Thriller
Created By: Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, Chips Hardy

Starring: Tom Hardy
Episodes: 8 (Season 1)
Network: BBC One (UK), FX (USA)
Setting: London, 1814
Taboo is set during the War of 1812 and follows a mysterious man who returns to London after years in Africa.

Plot Summary of Taboo
The story revolves around James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), who is believed to be dead. However, he returns to England in 1814 to attend his father’s funeral.
Delaney inherits a small but strategically important piece of land called Nootka Sound, located on the west coast of North America. This land becomes the center of conflict between:

The British Crown
The East India Company
The United States government
James Delaney refuses to sell the land and instead begins building his own shipping empire, making powerful enemies along the way.

The series dives deep into:
Political corruption
Corporate greed
Revenge
Dark family secrets
Psychological trauma
Tom Hardy’s Performance in Taboo

Jonathan Pryce as Sir Stuart Strange
David Hayman as Brace
Stephen Graham as Atticus
Each actor brings depth to this dark historical thriller.
Themes Explored in Taboo
Taboo is not just a revenge story. It explores several heavy themes:


Fog-covered London streets
Gritty realism
Slow-burning tension
The show’s haunting soundtrack and shadow-heavy visuals create a gothic, almost horror-like tone.
Is Taboo Based on a True Story?

While Taboo is fictional, it is inspired by real historical events:
The War of 1812
The East India Company
The Nootka Crisis
James Delaney is fictional, but the political tensions are rooted in history.
Will There Be a Taboo Season 2?

Fans have been waiting for Season 2 since 2017. Tom Hardy has confirmed in interviews that a second season is planned, but production has been delayed due to scheduling conflicts and other projects.
As of now, Season 2 has not been officially released.
Critical Reception and 

Reviews
Taboo received generally positive reviews:
Praised for Tom Hardy’s performance
Applauded for its dark storytelling
Criticized slightly for slow pacing
Fans of shows like Peaky Blinders, The Alienist, and Penny Dreadful will likely enjoy Taboo.
Why You Should Watch Taboo
You should watch Taboo if you enjoy:

Dark historical dramas
Complex anti-heroes
Political thrillers
Gritty, atmospheric storytelling
It’s not a light series — it’s intense, violent, and emotionally heavy.

Final Verdict
Taboo is one of Tom Hardy’s most underrated performances. The show blends history, politics, and psychological drama into a gripping story about power and survival.