Peaky Blinders

The series opens with establishing scenes of brutal gang enforcement, such as Tommy Shelby ordering a savage beating of a rival in the very first episode. Characters like Arthur Shelby are frequently involved in incredibly savage fistfights, often using brass knuckles and resulting in graphic facial injuries, as seen in confrontations with Luca Changretta's men in Season 4. John Shelby's death in Season 4 involves a sudden and graphic shooting, with visible blood and the immediate aftermath of the violence clearly depicted.

Consensual sexual encounters, often with partial nudity (such as bare backs or breasts) and suggestive movements, are frequently shown between main characters like Tommy Shelby and his lovers, Grace Burgess and Lizzie Stark. Prostitution and brothels are a constant backdrop, with characters like Polly Gray managing such establishments and members of the gang, including Arthur Shelby, frequenting them. In Season 1, Grace Burgess is subjected to an attempted sexual assault by Inspector Campbell, highlighting the darker and more disturbing aspects of sexual themes in the series.

The F-word is demonstrably the most frequent swear word used, with analysis showing it being uttered hundreds of times across episodes by characters including Tommy and Arthur Shelby, such as during intense gang confrontations or arguments. Stronger profanities, including 'bastard' and 'cunt,' are also commonly used, particularly by more volatile characters like Arthur during his violent outbursts or moments of frustration.

Almost every main character, especially Tommy Shelby, is habitually shown smoking cigarettes and drinking large amounts of whiskey to excess in nearly every episode. The series features explicit depictions of opium dens and characters, notably Tommy, using opium, vividly showcasing the substance's effects and struggles with addiction.

Tommy Shelby consistently experiences severe PTSD from his experiences in World War I, leading to vivid, disturbing flashbacks and nightmares that graphically depict battlefield horrors and psychological suffering. Scenes of torture, such as Arthur Shelby being brutally beaten and tormented by Father Hughes in Season 3, are extremely graphic and designed to induce discomfort and fear in the viewer. The constant threat of gang retaliation, assassination attempts, and betrayals creates a pervasive sense of suspense and fear, often leading to intense confrontations and sudden, shocking events.