'Peaky Blinders' creator reveals BBC backed show but ‘not for big bucks’

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight shared the acclaimed crime drama would never have been made without the BBC, praising the broadcaster for backing unconventional ideas despite its reputation for limited budgets.

Speaking during a House of Commons inquiry examining the future of the BBC, Knight reflected on the broadcaster's role in bringing the series to life.

“I don’t think I could have made ‘Peaky Blinders’ at all outside of the BBC,” he said. “It falls into a category of ‘curious’ and not of the time or of the fashion of the time, and often — not always, but often — it’s the BBC that tends to take a chance on things like that.”

Knight explained that one of the BBC’s strengths is its willingness to trust creative teams. According to the writer, there is often less interference from executives and fewer meetings than creators might encounter elsewhere.

He said the broadcaster generally adopts a culture of “let them get on with it” when commissioners believe writers, producers and directors know what they are doing.

BBC Known More for Creativity Than Big Spending

While praising the BBC’s creative approach, Knight acknowledged that generous budgets have never been one of its defining features.

Referencing classic comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, who often joked about BBC finances in their sketches, Knight noted that concerns over funding have existed for decades.

“It’s always been known that it’s not the place you go to for the big bucks,” he said. “It’s where you go if you want to express something.”

His comments came as lawmakers considered how the broadcaster can remain competitive in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

BBC Faces Challenges as Viewing Habits Change

The cross-party House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee is currently reviewing the future of the BBC as it undergoes a broader assessment of its Royal Charter, which expires in December 2027.

The BBC operates under a Royal Charter and is funded through a television licence fee paid by households that watch live television. However, the broadcaster faces mounting financial pressure as audiences increasingly migrate to streaming services, YouTube and other digital platforms.

Those changing viewing habits have intensified debate about how the corporation should be funded and structured in the years ahead.

Netflix Helped Expand the Peaky Blinders Universe

Although Peaky Blinders was originally commissioned by the BBC in 2013, the series later evolved into a co-production with Netflix. Under the arrangement, the BBC retained exclusive UK rights while Netflix handled international distribution.

Knight was also asked why the latest chapter in the franchise, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, debuted on Netflix before the BBC.

The writer explained that Netflix contributed the majority of the film’s financing, making the streaming giant's involvement essential to bringing the project to screen.

“You won’t get that budget from the BBC,” Knight said, highlighting the financial realities behind the feature film’s production and release strategy.

The remarks underscore the balancing act facing modern broadcasters, with the BBC continuing to serve as a home for distinctive British storytelling while competing against global streaming companies with far deeper pockets.