Will there be a second series of Tom Hardy drama Taboo?
The BBC say no decision has been made on whether the drama will sail again… but writer Steven Knight has plans for at least two more series
Warning: Spoilers follow if you have not seen the final episode of Taboo series 1
Gothic period drama Taboo ended series one in a blaze of gunpowder, with Tom Hardy’s James Delaney – and some of his henchmen and women – making it onto a boat headed for The Azores and flying under the American flag.
Not everyone was quite as lucky, of course – check here to find out who. But the question on the lips of viewers who made it this far is, will there be a second series?
The BBC tells RadioTimes.com that no decision has yet been made on whether they will recommission the drama but that it has not been ruled out.
According to sources, slightly disappointing ratings may be a factor in the decision as well as the future availability of lead cast members such as Hardy, Tom Hollander and Stephen Graham.
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The drama has received a largely positive critical response but the size of its audience has flagged slightly over the course of the eight-part run.
According to the overnight figures, the series opened with 4.8 million but by the penultimate episode that had fallen by 1.5 million to 3.29 million.
However the BBC iPlayer figures have been better, with the first episode generating 2.8 million requests alone, making it the second-most popular show for catch-up viewing in January.
Before the series aired writer Steven Knight said he would be keen on making more and had imagined that Taboo could run for at least three series.
He told RadioTimes.com: "We think it has got a two and a three certainly, that’s the plan,” Knight told RadioTimes.com. “After that who knows? This series is eight parts – it’s a lot of time."
Knight was unavailable for a comment about whether this remains his plan. But sources close to the writer have said that he is still keen to bring the show back for more...
