The BBC’s six-part period drama, streaming free on iPlayer, has been repeatedly compared to Peaky Blinders by fans who are calling it their ‘newest obsession’
Period dramas and gangster dramas — two genres with devoted fans spanning the globe. So what if we told you there’s a series which masterfully blends both into one compulsive, captivating and edge-of-your-seat mix? And before you say it, no, it’s not Peaky Blinders.
A gangster period drama which landed in 2025 has audiences heaping praise upon it, with viewers calling it their “newest obsession”.
The six-part drama Dope Girls has left both audiences and critics thoroughly impressed — and it’s ready to stream on BBC iPlayer right now.
Created for television by Polly Stenham and Alex Warren, the series is based on author Marek Kohn’s 1992 nonfiction novel, Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground. The show first aired between February and March 2025 on BBC One.
Led by a remarkable Julianne Nicholson in the central role — who has garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal — she is joined by Eliza Scanlen, Umi Myers, Eilidh Fisher, Sebastian Croft, Geraldine James, Rory Fleck Byrne and Priya Kansara, completing an outstanding supporting cast, reports Wales Online.
Dope Girls charts the emergence of the nightclub scene in London’s Soho, and its official synopsis reads: “As WWI ends, housewife Kate Galloway sets up a nightclub in Soho to support her daughters; Kate must contend with a dangerous gangster family and the police to survive.”
Boasting an impressive 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has garnered widespread acclaim, with one critic calling it their “newest obsession”: “The end result is something as desperately addictive, seedy and glamorous as the lives that these real women led. Say hello to your newest obsession; it’s certainly mine.”
Another reviewer said of the series: “Historical Dramas are popping this summer, and Hulu’s Dope Girls is a solid woman-centered drama with a hard edge. I wanna say this series is also a female gangster origin story worth watching.”
While one critic said: “Its ambition is entertaining, and it is hard to get bored, especially when the crime really gets going.”
Viewers were equally enthralled, with one drawing comparisons to Peaky Blinders: “Visually, the show is flamboyant, dynamic and theatrical. Cabaret flair and stylised touches make Soho feel alive and unpredictable. Dope Girls isn’t just another gangster drama. It’s bold, messy, beautiful and unforgettable. If Peaky Blinders is a stiff drink, this is champagne spilling over the rim.”
An IMDB user review echoed the sentiment: “Some call this series a spiritual heir to “Peaky Binders,” which I have not seen; there are far too many TV shows glamorizing gangsters already. This one is different because it is so women-centric.”
One viewer said of the show: “Stylish, thrilling and dazzling in equal measure. Great to see a gangster flick with women at the forefront, vying for a piece of the action in a violent but boisterous post-war London.”
While another fan said: “I recently finished watching Season 1 of Dope Girls on Hulu, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The show dives deep into the lives of its characters, showcasing their struggles and dreams with a refreshing honesty.
“The blend of humor and serious moments kept me engaged, and I loved how the story unfolded. The cast is really talented, and they bring a lot of personality to their roles. Overall, Dope Girls is worth a watch if you’re looking for something fun yet meaningful.”
Dope Girls is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
