---
title: "Taboo"
year: 2017
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/taboo-2017"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 65708
imdb_id: "tt3647998"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 1
episodes_count: 8
runtime_minutes: 60
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 1491
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# Taboo (2017) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/taboo-2017

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Taboo is a television drama series produced by Scott Free London and Hardy Son and Baker. The program is classified as a drama and mystery series. It premiered on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2017 and subsequently debuted on FX in the United States on 10 January 2017. The narrative centers on the character James Keziah Delaney, an adventurer who returns to London from Africa in 1814. Upon his arrival, Delaney possesses fourteen stolen diamonds. His primary motivation for returning is to seek vengeance following the death of his father. As an archival record, the production is recognized as a 2017 television series. The series has been documented by various media databases, including The Movie Database, IMDb, Moviefone, and TV Guide, which provide information regarding its cast and crew. The show carries a TV-MA rating. This series serves as a notable entry in the landscape of television drama, focusing on the specific historical and personal circumstances surrounding the protagonist's return to his home city.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A rogue adventurer seeks vengeance in 1814 London armed with stolen diamonds."

### Why Watch
- Atmospheric period setting with gritty realism
- Tom Hardy's compelling dual performance as lead
- Intriguing premise of diamond-fueled vengeance

### Caveats & Content Note
- Slow pacing may test some viewers' patience
- Violent and mature themes throughout
- Tone & Suitability: Contains violence, mature themes, and may disturb sensitive viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dark, revenge-driven, period, intense, mysterious

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus | The CW, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Sky Go, Netflix Standard with Ads | BBC iPlayer | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Fetch TV |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Series 1 (8 Episodes)
Taboo is a television drama and mystery series that premiered in 2017. The narrative is set in 1814 and follows the character James Keziah Delaney, an adventurer who returns to London after being presumed dead. Upon his arrival, Delaney brings fourteen stolen diamonds and seeks vengeance for the death of his father while working to inherit the family business. His return to the city places him at the center of a web involving conspiracy, murder, and betrayal. The series explores the dark side of 19th-century London, focusing on the criminal underworld and the political and business corruption associated with the East India Company. The first season consists of eight episodes. The production is categorized as a crime drama that examines the complex environment Delaney must navigate as he resurfaces in society. Throughout the season, the protagonist faces various challenges as he attempts to settle his father's affairs and confront those who oppose his interests. The show is available for streaming on various platforms for viewers interested in historical mystery and crime storytelling.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 8
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 3 (38%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 5 (63%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Steven Knight, Chips Hardy, Tom Hardy
- **Networks / Studios**: BBC One

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tom Hardy** as *James Keziah Delaney*
- **David Hayman** as *Brace*
- **Jonathan Pryce** as *Stuart Strange*
- **Oona Chaplin** as *Zilpha Geary*
- **Richard Dixon** as *Pettifer*
- **Leo Bill** as *Wilton*
- **Edward Hogg** as *Michael 'Godders' Godfrey*
- **Jessie Buckley** as *Lorna Bow*
- **Stephen Graham** as *Atticus*
- **Michael Kelly** as *Dumbarton*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this based on a true story?
No, it's a fictional period drama series.

### Q: Where does it take place?
Primarily in London during 1814.

### Q: What genre is this show?
Period drama with thriller and revenge elements.

### Q: Who stars in the main role?
Tom Hardy plays the lead character James Keziah Delaney.

### Q: When was it released?
The series premiered in 2017.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Taboo — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/65708)
- [Taboo (2017 TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taboo_(2017_TV_series))
- [Taboo (TV Series 2017) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3647998/fullcredits/)
- [Taboo (TV Series 2017-2017) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/65708-taboo/cast)
- [Taboo (2017) - Full Cast and Crew | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/tv-shows/taboo/PPJBXdkBQoHm6lJLhxhZZ2/credits/)
- [Taboo - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/taboo/cast/1030626053/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*