The Long Game: Tom Hardy’s ‘Taboo’ Resurrected After Nine-Year Hiatus
The Long Game: Tom Hardy’s ‘Taboo’ Resurrected After Nine-Year Hiatus
In the fast-paced world of streaming and television, a nine-year gap between seasons is usually a death sentence. But James Keziah Delaney is not a man who stays dead.
In what is being hailed as one of the most patient greenlights in television history, the BBC and FX have officially moved Taboo into active production for its long-awaited second season. First hitting screens in January 2017, the gritty, mud-soaked period thriller has lived in a state of "development hell" so long that many fans had abandoned hope. However, as of early 2026, the stars and more importantly, the schedules, have finally aligned.
Why the Nine-Year "Exile"?
The delay wasn't due to a lack of interest, but rather the sky scraper style success of its creator and star. Tom Hardy, who co-created the series with his father Chips Hardy and Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, has spent the last near-decade anchored to the Venom franchise and various prestige film projects.
"I’ve been busy," Hardy admitted in a recent interview, citing his seven-year commitment to Sony’s Marvel universe as the primary hurdle. "Taboo is a passion project for me, my family, and Steven. We wanted to wait until we could commit to doing it properly rather than rushing it."
What to Expect in Season 2
When we last saw James Delaney in 1814, he was sailing toward the "New World" with a band of misfits, having successfully outmaneuvered the East India Company. While plot details for the new eight-episode run are being kept under a shroud of Delaney-esque secrecy, Steven Knight has confirmed that the scripts are largely complete.
-
The Setting: The story will reportedly shift from the grime of London to the rugged frontiers of America and the Azores.
-
The Themes: Expect more of the show’s signature blend of corporate espionage, dark mysticism, and brutal historical realism.
-
The Cast: While several key characters met their end in Season 1, Hardy is confirmed to return as the "Devil Delaney," with rumors suggesting Stephen Graham and Jessie Buckley may also reprise their roles.
A Cult Classic Reborn
The renewal marks a significant win for "slow-burn" television. In an era where shows are often canceled after a single season if they don't immediately go viral, the resurrection of Taboo proves that a strong enough IP—and a dedicated enough lead—can survive nearly a decade of silence.
With production reportedly kicking off in the spring of 2026, fans can likely expect the "Devil" to return to their screens by late 2026 or early 2027.
