Peaky Blinders: Audience

Question 1

General Age Range:

Answer 1

18-34 year olds

Question 2

Gender:

Answer 2

Mostly Males

Question 3

Ethnicity:

Answer 3

Mostly Caucasian (white)

Question 4

Socio Economic Groupings:

Answer 4

C1-D (mostly lower Middle to
Working classes due to the relatability with the characters)

Question 5

Platform:

Answer 5

using streaming facilities (iPlayer or Netflix)

Question 6

Psychographics:

Answer 6

• Mainstreamers
• Enjoying watching shows like the
  Masked Singer, QI, Catastrophe, Fleabag, etc.

Question 7

Young & Rubicam 4 C’s:

Answer 7

• Mainstreamer (show is popular),
• Struggler (escapism),
• Reformer (enlightenment of the past / historical context),
• Explorer (drawn to the peculiarity of of the fashion / time frame, etc.)

Question 8

Secondary / Tertiary audiences

Answer 8

• Those older than the primary audience age range (attracted by the historical and political angles of the show);
• Female viewers (intrigued by the possible romantic sub-plots between Tommy and Grace);
• Higher educated audiences (drawn to the sophisticated long term criminal plans of Tommy);
• Those without streaming / internet access (purchasing the physical media on DVD / Blu-Ray or watching its’ originally scheduled broadcast on BBC Two / BBC One)

Question 9

In simple terms, why would fans of the Western genre enjoy Peaky Blinders?

Answer 9

Fans of the gangster or even Western genre would enjoy the clear genre conventions being used and innovated upon.

Question 10

In simple terms, why would fans of the historical genre enjoy Peaky Blinders?

Answer 10

Audiences who enjoy historical dramas – both for educational purposes and for visual spectacle – would enjoy the lavish production design and unique fashions.

Answer 11

Audiences who enjoy historical dramas – both for educational purposes and for visual spectacle – would enjoy the lavish production design and unique fashions.

Question 12

What political leaning are viewers likely to pertain to and why would they enjoy Peaky Blinders?

Answer 12

More particular and educated – especially politically left-leaning – viewers, would enjoy the social and political issues explored, and the alternative view of British history, as old through working-class experiences.

Question 13

Why might male viewers enjoy Peaky Blinders?

Answer 13

Traditionally masculine viewers would identify with (and admire) the tough, no-nonsense male characters, whilst respecting their strict codes and moral values.

Question 14

Why might female viewers enjoy Peaky Blinders?

Answer 14

Female viewers, especially with feminist values, would admire the strong and complex female characters that defy stereotypes, thriving in a violent ‘man’s world’.

Question 15

Why might the overarching narrative appeal to viewers of Peaky Blinders?

Answer 15

• Viewers who favour the ‘rags to riches’ narrative may be drawn to the long term plot lines covering Tommy’s journey from lowly criminal (in series 1) to a high standing member of parliament (in series 6).
• The narrative journey of all of the characters is important to repeat and continued viewing.

Question 16

Why might watching Peaky Blinders be energising for viewers?

Answer 16

• Some may prefer the escapism offered by momentarily experiencing the thrilling life of a criminal of the past, without leaving the comfort of their armchair.

Question 17

Why might Peaky Blinders appeal to a nostalgic audience?

Answer 17

• Others may be drawn to a sense of nostalgia or recognition, possibly by recounting tales told to them by older relatives of the way ‘things used to be’, or recognising certain filming locations native to more diverse regional (Birmingham, Liverpool, Blackpool, etc.) areas, not centralised around the capital (London).

Question 18

How might the show appeal to audiences seeking relationships and identity?

Answer 18

• Viewers may sense a connection or bond with a character on-screen (dues to shared experiences, etc.) or have a preference / liking of a specific actor featured within the show (whether a guest star or regular cast member)

Question 19

How might the unconventional setting representation entice audiences?

Answer 19

• Audiences may prefer the unusual and distinct representations of a region of the UK not really fully explored elsewhere, or of a certain social group (the working classes, for example) rarely explored in such a sympathetic fashion.

Question 20

How would the overall message of Peaky Blinders appeal to audiences?

Answer 20

• Others may appreciate the strong moral messages which act as undercurrent to guide the plot and characters through the narrative of the show (for example, the importance of family, the significance of loyalty, etc.)

Question 21

Why might the internal catharisis of Peaky Blinders appeal to audiences?

Answer 21

• Internal catharsis could be another reason to watch the show - being able to watch ‘old school’ justice being carried out in a time when there was ‘honour amongst thieves’ - bad people often pay for their crimes - but not in any kind of lawful way.

Question 22

How does voyeurism play into audience appeal with Peaky Blinders?

Answer 22

• The desire to look (voyeurism / scopophilia) is another more subtle reason that audiences may watch the show to become immersed within a heavily mediated / constructed version of the past - a location that audiences cannot so freely visit as it represents a fixed point in history / the far past.

Question 23

Relevant Theory: Katz & Blumer - Uses & Gratifications

Answer 23

• Surveillance: discovering more about the relevant historical events, political
  climate and Zeitgeist of a nation ravaged by the first world war, and the effects that had on the returning veterans and those left behind.
• Escapism: the use of hybridised genres (Western, Period Drama, Gangster, etc.), the fantasy ‘rags to riches’ narrative, Tommy’s schemes - all wish fulfilment to an extent.
• Personal Identity: relate to the working class struggles of Tommy / Arthur, or the strain for women like Polly to be recognised in a predominantly male field.
• Personal Relationships: TikTok, Facebook groups, Fan Fiction, Fan Art, PB Wiki, etc

Question 24

Relevant Theory: Stuart Hall, Reception Theory

Answer 24

• Dominant / intended meaning: the audience accepts the intended meanings and ideology of the text’s producers. In the case of Peaky Blinders, this would be viewers who agree with and enjoy the valorisation of working-class lives and history, which elevated their various sacrifices.
• Negotiated meaning: the audience accept some of the intended meaning but reject others. Some viewers may enjoy the depictions of industrial areas as vibrant and exciting but may find the stylised violence upsetting or unneccessary.
• Oppositional meaning: the audience reject the intended meaning and instead formulate their own interpretation. They may find style of the show off-putting and superficial and the historical accuracy dubious. They may also reject the use of anachronistic punk and rock music annoying, or detracting from the verisimilitude / realism of the aesthetic.

Question 25

Relevant Theory: Henry Jenkins, Fandom Theory

Answer 25

• Peaky Blinders has been credited with fuelling a cultural Renaissance in
  Birmingham (and the other Midlands filming locations). Knight has spoken about a ‘cultural cringe’ in this locality. He wrote Peaky Blinders to address this and ‘mythologise a geographical area, a period of history and class of people who are never normally focused on in this way.’
• These uniqueness (but also the universal appeal) of these portrayals has led to fans from all over the UK flocking to the Midlands – often in full costume – to go to theme pubs, tours, educational events, museums, and art gallery shows. There was a Peaky Blinders Festival in Digbeth attended by 20,000 people – including the Mayor of Birmingham – in full Peaky Blinders costume.
• This is what is known as a ‘cottage industry’ – unofficial, ‘satellite’ products
  that provide fans with an extended experience beyond the TV screen.
• There are social media groups around the world dedicated to Peaky Blinder cosplay. Examine the #peakyblinders threads on TikTok or another platform.