A Thousand Blows Season 2: Get Ready for More Brutal East End Boxing Drama!

Steven Knight's critically acclaimed bare-knuckle boxing series is making a highly anticipated return to Hulu and Disney+ in January 2026, bringing back its powerhouse cast for an even riskier fight in the unforgiving streets of 1880s London.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read):

• A Thousand Blows Season 2 is set to premiere on January 9, 2026, exclusively on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.
• The new season will drop all six episodes at once, bringing back all your favorite characters, including Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, and Stephen Graham, plus exciting new additions.
• Prepare for a darker, grittier chapter as Hezekiah, Sugar, and Mary face immense personal and collective challenges in 1880s East London, inspired by true-life stories.

The Ring is Officially Open Again for a Gritty Second Round

Grab your popcorn and maybe a stiff drink, because the highly anticipated second season of Steven Knight’s gripping period drama, A Thousand Blows, is almost here! After its "knockout success" in its debut season, the acclaimed bare-knuckle boxing series is punching its way back onto our screens, promising even more intense action, complex character arcs, and high-stakes drama in the brutal heart of 1880s East London.

If you were hooked by the raw power and compelling stories of the first season, you're in for a treat. The teaser trailer has already dropped, giving us a tantalizing glimpse into the turmoil awaiting our favorite characters. It looks like the stakes are higher, the betrayals are deeper, and the fight for survival is more desperate than ever.

Stepping Back Into the Dangerous World of Victorian London's East End

For those who might need a quick refresher, A Thousand Blows plunges us into the dangerous, vibrant, and often heartbreaking world of London's East End in the 1880s. The series, inspired by real-life tales, follows characters battling for survival amidst the city's burgeoning illegal boxing scene and its notorious criminal underworld. It's a world where every punch thrown in the ring, and every move made on the streets, has life-or-death consequences.

The first season earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its compelling narrative, authentic historical setting, and powerful performances. Critics lauded it as a "stunning period series" that fearlessly explored themes of "racism, sexism, classism, and bone-crushing violence." With an impressive 88% critics' score and a 77% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it quickly became a must-watch, setting the stage perfectly for an explosive return.

What's Brewing for Hezekiah, Sugar Goodson, and Mary Carr in Season Two?

One year has passed since the dramatic events of the first season finale, and our central figures are in vastly different, often dire, circumstances. The official synopsis for A Thousand Blows Season 2 teases a darker and more desperate landscape for everyone involved.

• Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby): The young boxer who journeyed from Jamaica to London searching for a fresh start, finds himself a "shadow of the man he once was." This hints at significant trauma and a deep personal struggle, suggesting his path to redemption will be anything but easy.
• Henry "Sugar" Goodson (Stephen Graham): The formidable bare-knuckle boxing champ is in a bad way. He's "estranged from his family and drinking himself to death." This is a stark portrayal of a man hitting rock bottom, vulnerable in ways we haven't seen before. The teaser shows him trying to rally former allies and enemies, acknowledging, "I understand that some of you wish me dead. And I don't blame you. We're in danger, and we can't afford to doubt each other." This powerful plea suggests a common threat is forcing uneasy alliances.
• Mary Carr (Erin Doherty): The fearless leader of the all-female gang, the Forty Elephants, "bursts back into town with her loyal second, Alice Diamond, to reassemble her gang and reclaim her crown." Mary's plans are always ambitious, but this time, they are "riskier than ever," promising a surge of high-octane criminal enterprise and territorial battles.

The teaser footage further amplifies the tension, particularly between Sugar and Hezekiah, with the latter asserting, "You fight your way, and I'll fight mine." This line alone suggests a deep ideological rift and independent paths, even as Sugar attempts to unite them against a shared, looming danger. The season looks set to delve into themes of revenge, cunning schemes, and the arduous journey towards redemption, all while keeping that gritty, visceral boxing element front and center.

"You're probably wondering why I've gathered you all here. I understand that some of you wish me dead. And I don't blame you. We're in danger, and we can't afford to doubt each other."

— Stephen Graham as Sugar Goodson in A Thousand Blows Season 2 teaser

Get to Know the Incredible Cast: Returning Stars and Exciting New Additions

One of the show's biggest strengths has always been its phenomenal cast, and we're thrilled to confirm that almost everyone is back for another round. Leading the charge are BAFTA winner Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, Emmy Award winner Erin Doherty as Mary Carr, and Emmy Award winner Stephen Graham as Henry "Sugar" Goodson.

Who's Reprising Their Roles for the Second Season?

Prepare to see these familiar faces again, diving deeper into their complex characters:

• Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow
• Erin Doherty as Mary Carr, leader of the notorious Forty Elephants gang
• Stephen Graham as Henry "Sugar" Goodson, the legendary bare-knuckle fighter
• James Nelson-Joyce as Edward "Treacle" Goodson, Sugar's estranged brother
• Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond, Mary Carr's steadfast second-in-command
• Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody
• Nadia Albina as Verity Ross
• Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long
• Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer
• Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover
• Jason Tobin as Mr. Lao
• Susan Lynch as Jane Carr
• Daniel Mays as William "Punch" Lewis
• Gary Lewis as Jack Mac
• Aliyah Odoffin as Victoria Davies
• Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy

Welcome Aboard: New Talent Joining the Fight for Survival

The world of A Thousand Blows is expanding, with two exciting new additions joining the already stellar ensemble:

• Ned Dennehy as Bull Jeremy (you might recognize him from Peaky Blinders or Outlander)
• Catherine McCormack as Sophie Lyons (known for her roles in Slow Horses and Braveheart)

These new characters are sure to shake things up and add even more layers to the already intricate web of allegiances and rivalries in the East End.

The Mastermind Behind the Mayhem: Steven Knight's Creative Vision Continues

It’s no surprise that A Thousand Blows has garnered such a loyal following, given it hails from the brilliant mind of Steven Knight. The creator, writer, and executive producer is renowned for his ability to craft immersive, gritty historical dramas, most famously with the multi-award-winning gangster saga Peaky Blinders. His latest series, House of Guinness, is also drawing attention, further cementing his reputation for compelling storytelling.

Knight's unique talent for weaving together complex anti-heroes, authentic period details, and bone-shaking violence is on full display in A Thousand Blows. The show was filmed back-to-back with the first season, a clear sign of the confidence the creative team and network have in the series' potential and Knight’s vision. This continuity in production often translates to a more cohesive and impactful storytelling experience for viewers.

For Season 2, Knight isn't alone in shaping the narrative; he's joined by a talented team of writers including Yasmin Joseph, Harlan Davies, Insook Chappell, and Ameir Brown. Directing duties are split between Katrin Gebbe (handling episodes 1-3) and Dionne Edwards (taking on episodes 4-6). The series is executive produced by Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters for Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions, and Jonny Richards for Disney+ EMEA.

Why This Gritty Historical Drama is Your Next Must-Watch Binge

If you haven't jumped into the world of A Thousand Blows yet, now is the perfect time to catch up before Season 2 drops. The show masterfully blends intense sports drama with intricate crime narratives, all set against a richly detailed historical backdrop. It’s a series that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of its era, making it both educational and deeply entertaining.

The performances, particularly from the lead trio of Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, and Stephen Graham, are consistently highlighted as standout. Their ability to embody such flawed, yet compelling, characters is what truly grounds the series and makes it "utterly absorbing." Plus, if you're a fan of Knight's previous work, especially Peaky Blinders, you'll find plenty to love here—from the compelling character development to the stylish, often brutal, portrayal of a bygone era.

With promises of even greater danger, deeper personal struggles, and Mary Carr's riskiest plan yet, Season 2 is poised to deliver another round of unforgettable television. Don't miss out on what's shaping up to be one of the most talked-about returns of the year!

Where and When to Catch All the Bare-Knuckle Action

Mark your calendars, fight fans! A Thousand Blows Season 2 is officially set to premiere on Friday, January 9, 2026. And the best part? All six episodes of the new season will be available to stream at once, making it the perfect binge-watch to kick off the new year!

Here’s where you can catch the action:

• In the US: You can watch A Thousand Blows Season 2 exclusively on Hulu. If you're a bundle subscriber, you can also access it via Hulu on Disney+.
• Internationally: Viewers outside the US can stream the series on Disney+.

If you haven't seen the first season yet, it's currently available to stream on both Hulu and Disney+, so you have plenty of time to get acquainted with the fierce world of Hezekiah, Sugar, and Mary before the new season arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Thousand Blows Season 2 When does A Thousand Blows Season 2 release? A Thousand Blows Season 2 premieres on Friday, January 9, 2026. Where can I watch A Thousand Blows Season 2? In the US, you can watch it on Hulu (or Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers). Internationally, it will be available on Disney+. How many episodes are in A Thousand Blows Season 2? The second season will consist of six episodes, all of which will be released simultaneously on the premiere date. What is A Thousand Blows Season 2 about? Set one year after Season 1 in 1880s East London, Season 2 follows Hezekiah Moscow as a "shadow of the man he once was," Sugar Goodson battling personal demons, and Mary Carr returning with her gang to reclaim her power through a "riskier than ever" plan. Sources

• Hulu Official Teaser Announcement
• MovieWeb - "A Thousand Blows Season 2 Teaser Trailer Sees Stephen Graham Return to the Ring"
• TV Blackbox - "Disney+ unveils gripping first look at A THOUSAND BLOWS season two"
• Radio Times - "Stephen Graham stars in gripping first look at the explosive A Thousand Blows season 2"
• Flickering Myth - "A Thousand Blows season 2 trailer released by Disney+"
• Vital Thrills - "A Thousand Blows Season 2 Teaser Trailer & Release Date"
• Screen Rant - "A Thousand Blows Season 2 Teaser Trailer Hints At Fiery Ordeal For Stephen Graham's Sugar Goodson"