Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about taboo.
What is Taboo (the TV series)?
Taboo is an eight-episode period drama that aired in 2016 on BBC Two and Showtime. It follows a young man who returns to London after years abroad and discovers his family's hidden past is entangled with one of the most powerful trading companies of the era.
Who created the show and who plays the lead role?
Tom Hiddleston and Steven Knight co-created the series, with Hiddleston also starring as the protagonist James Delaney. Hiddleston has said the story was partly inspired by his own grandfather's connections to the East India Company.
What is the central conflict of the story?
James uncovers that his late father left behind a secret involving a powerful corporation and a woman from his past, and he must outmaneuver wealthy merchants, politicians, and criminal networks to claim his inheritance. The plot weaves together colonial exploitation, political corruption, and personal revenge.
Who are the main supporting characters?
Colin Farrell plays Charles St. John, a ruthless aristocrat and James's principal antagonist; Toby Jones portrays Charles Palmer, a scheming political figure; and Naomi Watts appears as Grace Mercer, a woman whose history is deeply tied to the Delaney family.
What time period and setting does the show take place in?
The narrative is set in London around 1814, in the immediate aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The world of the British East India Company, parliamentary politics, and the city's underbelly form the backdrop for the central drama.
Where can I watch Taboo?
Availability varies by region, but the series has been streamed on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. In some territories it is also available for digital purchase on storefronts like Apple TV or Vudu.
What are the major thematic concerns of the show?
The series interrogates colonialism, the ethics of corporate power, and the violent legacies families inherit. It also explores identity, belonging, and the personal cost of ambition in a society built on exploitation.
What is one of the most talked-about plot twists?
A late-season revelation recontextualizes the identity of a key figure and reframes the secret James has been chasing since episode one. The finale ties together clues planted in the first half, giving the mythology a sharper, darker edge than earlier episodes suggested.
How was Taboo received by critics and audiences?
Reviewers widely praised Hiddleston's performance, the production design, and the layered, slow-burn storytelling. The show earned multiple BAFTA and Critics' Choice Award nominations, though its dense pacing divided some casual viewers.
Is a second season or continuation in the works?
The first season was structured as a self-contained narrative arc, and as of the most recent available information no sequel has been officially greenlit by the networks. Some story threads remain open, leaving room for speculation among fans.