A Thousand Blows sees British actor Stephen Graham play a dangerous underworld boxer in a period drama by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight who is lead writer on the six-part series. Stephen Graham is also a co-producing the show.

A Thousand Blows is set in 1880s Victorian London, and based on real-life characters and events. The series shines a light on the illegal boxing rings that existed in Victorian inner cities by following two best friends from Jamaica, Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Loevehall), who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent world of post-industrial London. The Crown star Erin Doherty plays Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants, the notorious all-female London gang. Time and Help star Stephen Graham will play seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson.