Created by Steven Knight
A Thousand Blows premiered on February 21, 2025.
Distributed globally by Disney Media Distribution.
Series Review
A Thousand Blows plunges you into the gritty streets of 1880s East End London where bare-knuckle boxing, immigrant dreams and one of history’s first female crime syndicates collide over six thrilling episodes.
Season 1 follows Hezekiah Moscow as he arrives from Jamaica and navigates racism and poverty while discovering his natural talent in the ring.
His friendship with Alec Munroe anchors his journey from hopeful newcomer to fierce contender.
Across town Mary Carr leads the Forty Elephants gang with sharp wit and unshakable loyalty as they outsmart a male-dominated underworld.
Meanwhile Sugar Goodson defends his boxing empire against challengers on and off the canvas.
Raw fight choreography meets emotional stakes in every episode.
Ratings
• IMDb: 7.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
• Google Audience Score: 74% liked this TV show
A Thousand Blows Actors
Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow
DOB: September 20, 1989
Bio: Malachi Kirby is a BAFTA-winning British-Jamaican actor who first gained widespread acclaim for his emotionally searing performance in Small Axe: Mangrove and the lead role in the Roots remake.
Raised in South London, Kirby grew up surrounded by stories of Caribbean strength and migration, which deeply shaped his artistic voice.
Role: Jamaican immigrant who becomes a rising bare-knuckle boxer in Victorian London, challenging entrenched power structures.
Episodes: 1–6 (all season)
What to Expect: Emotional grit, cultural conflict, fierce fight choreography rooted in personal pride.
Favorite Things: Kirby has spoken about his love for storytelling rooted in truth, drawing inspiration from his Jamaican lineage, staying grounded through disciplined physical and spiritual practices, and forming meaningful creative partnerships.
Notable Works: Small Axe: Mangrove (BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor), Roots, Curfew, Devils.
Erin Doherty as Mary Carr
DOB: July 16, 1992
Bio: Erin Doherty is a British actress known for her precise emotional control and commanding screen presence.
A graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she rose to prominence portraying Princess Anne in The Crown, earning widespread acclaim for her sharp, witty delivery and quiet strength.
Role: Leader of the Forty Elephants, orchestrating theft and survival through cunning strategy rather than violence.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Sharp intelligence, charismatic manipulation, and emotionally layered leadership.
Favorite Things: In interviews, Doherty has shared her love for storytelling through flawed female characters, the therapeutic power of physical training for roles, and her admiration for women who defy societal expectations.
Notable Works: The Crown, Chloe, Adolescence.
Stephen Graham as Henry “Sugar” Goodson
DOB: August 3, 1973
Bio: Stephen Graham is a celebrated English actor known for his gripping portrayals of intense, working-class characters.
Born in Kirkby, Merseyside, he trained at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance.
Graham gained widespread acclaim for his roles in This Is England, Boardwalk Empire, and Boiling Point.
Role: Henry “Sugar” Goodson is the reigning champion of the underground fight scene, holding dominion over the ring and the streets, until outsiders threaten his throne.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Dominant presence, brutal ring fights, and a nuanced portrait of aging male pride.
Favorite Things: Stephen Graham has expressed deep admiration for working-class storytelling, preparation through method acting, and the emotional discipline of portraying mental health struggles onscreen.
Notable Works: This Is England, Boardwalk Empire, Boiling Point, Peaky Blinders, The Virtues, Time.
Francis Lovehall as Alec Munroe
DOB: January 1, 1995
Bio: Francis Lovehall is a rising British-Jamaican actor known for his compelling screen presence and emotionally resonant performances.
Trained at RADA, he brings a quiet depth to every role, balancing charisma with introspection.
With a background in both classical theatre and modern screen work, Lovehall thrives in complex roles rooted in cultural identity and brotherhood.
Role: Known as “Cyclone of Morant Bay,” a gifted fighter who balances loyalty with personal conviction.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Quiet strength, steadfast loyalty, and emotional clarity amid chaos.
Favorite Things: Though private about his personal life, Lovehall has expressed a strong connection to roles grounded in his Jamaican heritage and has cited the importance of discipline.
Notable Works: Death on the Nile, Champion, Masters of the Air.
Jason Tobin as Lao Lam (Mr. Lao)
DOB: July 12, 1975
Bio: Jason Tobin is a British-Hong Kong actor celebrated for portraying emotionally complex and culturally grounded characters.
He broke out with the indie cult hit Better Luck Tomorrow and went on to gain international recognition as Young Jun in Warrior, where he brought fiery charisma and depth to a modern martial arts classic.
Role: Owner of the Green Dolphin boarding house, offering sanctuary and emotional grounding to several characters.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Kindness, quiet resilience, and cultural solidarity in a harsh environment.
Favorite Things: In interviews, Tobin has spoken about his love for cultural storytelling, martial arts as philosophy, and building community on and off screen.
Notable Works: Warrior, Better Luck Tomorrow, F9: The Fast Saga.
James Nelson‑Joyce as Edward “Treacle” Goodson
DOB: May 18, 1989
Bio: Liverpool-born actor recognized for his intense performances and working-class authenticity.
Known for portraying emotionally charged and often volatile characters, he brings a raw edge to every role.
Role: Treacle is the younger Goodson brother, a gloved boxing champion who challenges bare-knuckle traditions and threatens the balance within the family.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Conflict, ambition, and transition between generational codes.
Favorite Things: Treacle thrives on innovation in the ring, craves recognition apart from his lineage, and secretly questions the code of silence that binds his world.
Notable Works: The Gold, The Responder, Time.
Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody
DOB: January 19, 1974
Bio: Hannah Walters is an English actress and producer with a strong presence in gritty British dramas.
Known for her authentic performances and behind-the-scenes work, she has collaborated frequently with her husband, actor Stephen Graham.
Role: Mary Carr’s closest confidante and a founding member of the Forty Elephants’ leadership.
She balances loyalty with tactical foresight and serves as the gang’s emotional anchor.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Loyal tenacity, sisterhood solidarity, and strong moral backbone.
Favorite Things: She loves greeting cast and crew with her trademark hugs and offering cups of tea and advice as the set’s maternal anchor.
Notable Works: Boiling Point, This Is England, Time.
Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long
DOB: September 22, 1996
Bio: Morgan Hilaire is a rising British talent making her screen debut with impact.
Trained in performance arts and community-based theatre, she brings a raw edge and physical energy to her work.
Role: Youngest members of the Forty Elephants, known for her street instincts and unshakable loyalty.
She plays a key role in executing Mary Carr’s boldest schemes.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Boldness, quick thinking, and fierce female loyalty.
Favorite Things: Morgan enjoys exploring urban street art, attending live theatre workshops, and mentoring young performers through local youth programs.
Notable Works: A Thousand Blows (screen debut).
Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover
DOB: circa 1984
Bio: Caoilfhionn Dunne is an Irish stage-trained actress steadily gaining screen traction.
Known for her layered, grounded performances, she’s recognized for bringing quiet intensity to ensemble casts.
Role: Meticulous planner and behind-the-scenes strategist for the Forty Elephants.
She isn’t on the front lines, but her contribution keeps Mary Carr’s network effective and sharp.
Episodes: 1–6 (recurring minor role)
What to Expect: Precision, calm under fire, and often operating behind the scenes.
Favorite Things: Dunne has a strong love for theatre and is often involved in Dublin’s independent play scene.
She’s also passionate about mental health awareness and supporting emerging Irish playwrights.
Notable Works: In View, Traders, Saint Maud.
Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer
DOB: November, 1996
Bio: Jemma Carlton is an emerging English actress trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
She gained attention for her striking lead performance in Maxine and is now building a portfolio of complex, bold female roles.
Role: One of the youngest members of the Forty Elephants, stylish, daring, and hungry for status. She brings flair and nerve to every mission, eager to leave her mark in London’s underworld.
Episodes: 1–6
What to Expect: Bold moves, social charisma, and burgeoning legend.
Favorite Things: Carlton has expressed a love for vintage fashion, expressive character roles, and working on female-led productions.
She also enjoys photography and creative writing off-screen.
Notable Works: Maxine, Lockerbie, The Cleaner.
Nadia Albina as Verity Ross
DOB: September, 1980
Bio: British actress of Sri Lankan heritage who trained at LAMDA and has made significant strides across stage and screen.
Born with one hand, she is a proud advocate for disability representation in the arts.
Her performances are often marked by quiet authority and emotional subtlety.
Role: Detail-driven member of Mary Carr’s Forty Elephants, providing strategic support with calm confidence and precise planning.
Episodes: 6 episodes (mid-season)
What to Expect: Steadfast presence, detail-orientated execution, and unwavering trust.
Favorite Things: Albina has expressed a deep love for theatre, accessible storytelling, and supporting emerging disabled talent in the industry.
Notable Works: Doctor Who, Beautiful People, Whites.
Tom Davis as Charlie Mitchell
DOB: April 27, 1979
Bio: Tom Davis is a British actor, writer, and comedian best known for creating and starring in Murder in Successville.
Starting out as a scaffolder, he later transitioned into stand-up comedy and sketch writing.
Role: Streetwise informant who plays both sides, feeding the police and the criminal underworld with just enough truth to stay alive.
His alliances shift based on survival, not loyalty.
Episodes: 5 episodes
What to Expect: Dry humor, moral ambiguity, and information trade-offs with both sides.
Favorite Things: Davis has mentioned in interviews his love for classic British comedies, Sunday football, and spending time with family, particularly his daughter.
Notable Works: Murder in Successville, King Gary, Paddington 2, Judge Romesh.
More Actors
• Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond
• Daniel Mays as William “Punch” Lewis
• Gary Lewis as Jack MacAllen
• Susan Lynch as Jane Carr
• Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy
• Ziggy Heath as Peggy Bettinson
• Ella Lily Hyland as Marianne Goodson
• Elsie Evans as Rose Goodson
• Will Bagnall as Thomas Goodson
• Eddie Toll as Saul Woolfe
• Elliot Cable as Dickie Summerville
• Elliot Warren as Sharkey Devenish
FAQ – A Thousand Blows TV Series
Was A Thousand Blows based on true events?
Yes. Key characters like Hezekiah Moscow, Alec Munroe, Mary Carr, Sugar Goodson and the Forty Elephants gang were real figures in 1880s London.
Where does Season 2 stand? Will it happen?
Yes. Season 2 has already been filmed, likely continuing into late 2025 or early 2026.
It will follow fallout from Season 1’s finale and a possible time jump toward the 20th century.
What happened to Mary Carr historically?
Born around 1862 in Holborn, Mary Carr rose as leader of the Forty Elephants by the 1890s. She was arrested in 1896 for kidnapping and served time. She continued criminal activity into the early 1900s and is believed to have died in 1924.
When did Season 1 premiere and how many episodes are there?
A Thousand Blows launched on February 21, 2025 in the UK (Disney+) and the US (Hulu), and consists of six episodes.
What themes does the show explore?
Creator Steven Knight centers the show on survival, class struggle, and outside-the-mainstream existence.
Conclusion
A Thousand Blows stands out as a bold, immersive drama that combines the brutality of bare-knuckle boxing with the resilience of immigrant communities and early female solidarity.
Its richly drawn characters and authentic setting transport viewers into a world where every victory carries both pride and pain.
With standout performances and a narrative that never lets the stakes drop, this series is a knockout addition to period television.
If you seek stories of grit, hope and unbreakable bonds, this is one fight you will want to watch.