Those who have already seen the TV show are clamouring for a second series, but some have expressed an issue with its soundtrack
The viewers of House of Guinness on Netflix seem to have noticed one problem with the historical drama, after it landed on the streaming service on Thursday. Those who have already seen the TV show are clamouring for a second series, but some have expressed an issue with its soundtrack.
The show examines the lives and legacy of the Guinness brewing dynasty in 19th century Ireland, and set in 1868, it specifically focuses on Sir Benjamin Guinness, the brewery heir whose sudden death triggers a succession crisis within the powerful family.
However, some viewers have been left confused by the modern soundtrack for the historical show, which features music from the likes of Kneecap & Fontaines D.C.
On X, one fan said: “Kneecap & Fontaines DC both being played 15 minutes into House of Guinness completely took me out of it. It’s supposed to be based on 1868.”
Another added: “watching House of Guinness. Disappointed that background music is modern rapping, IMO spoiling the era in which the story is based.”
Others were a lot more positive about the music, with one saying: “About 10mins into ‘The House of Guinness’ and ya gal is hooked already. Music already used is ace aswell!”, and a fourth writing “House of Guinness, Netflix series. How I love the music too! : ).”
Netflix has explained that it has carefully put together the soundtrack from artists deeply rooted in Irish culture, with every musician featured either living in Ireland, collaborated with Irish artists, or is Irish themselves, creating what it calls “an authentic sonic backdrop that perfectly builds the world of House of Guinness.”
Other artists in the 22 song track list include Flogging Molly, The Mary Wallopers, Lisa O’Neill and The Scratch. Many fans were also surprised to learn that the series wasn’t filmed in Ireland, but actually shot in areas of the North West of England such as Manchester and Liverpool, in a similar way to Peaky Blinders.
On this, Executive Producer Karen Wilson said: “Obviously, Guinness couldn’t be more Irish – and we carried that responsibility seriously. We spent a lot of time looking at photographs from the period, diving into the research about where Ireland and Guinness were in 1868.
“Unfortunately, very little remains of Dublin that still looks like it did in 1868. We quickly realised we’d have to film elsewhere. We travelled the length and breadth of Ireland and the UK, ending up in the North West of England, which had stately homes and Dublin-style streets – everything we needed.”
She added: “I really hope we’ve done Dublin justice.”
