'Peaky Blinders' boss has bold message for Netflix, Prime Video and others

Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is demanding that streaming giants pay profits to UK production.

Appearing at SXSW London 2026, he took aim at Netflix, Prime Video, among others.

"The issue for me is: They come here, they make big blockbuster productions which is great for job creation in the British sector."

“But they keep all profits. I just feel there’s a conversation to be had."

"It’s not [a] tax. it’s a two-way street," he shared.

Upon making his criticism, Knight said the streaming platforms should "leave" a slice of profit for the UK's TV drama sector.

“If you’re going to come and take advantage of what we have, then maybe financially there is a 1 percent, 2 percent, something that is left behind that helps us to maintain," he said.

It is unclear whether Knight is arguing for a percentage of revenue or profits.

His remarks come after a UK parliamentary committee suggested a 5% levy on OTT platforms' revenue generated from U.K. subscribers.

However, Netflix pushed back on the proposal, arguing that the “goal should be to incentivize rather than penalize investment and success.”