Guy Ritchie has had a whirlwind 2026, and his latest Netflix venture is making waves—though not without a few bumps. The Gentlemen Season 2, the spin-off of his 2020 film, has officially claimed the #1 spot on Netflix's global charts. But here's the twist: despite the top ranking, the show is seeing a significant drop in audience compared to its debut season.
Ritchie's year kicked off with the Prime Video series Young Sherlock, a prequel to the Sherlock Holmes universe, which premiered in March. After a month of anticipation, Prime Video renewed it for a second season, thanks to its strong streaming performance. Then came his big-screen return, In The Grey, starring Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal. The action thriller didn't exactly set the box office on fire, but it's now available on VOD for a bargain price.
Now, all eyes are on The Gentlemen Season 2, which dropped last Friday. The show, starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, continues the story of Eddie and Susie as they navigate the criminal underworld. The first season was a hit, pulling in 12.2 million views in its opening days back in 2024. This time around, the numbers tell a different story.
According to data released this afternoon, The Gentlemen Season 2 managed only 6.7 million views in the same initial viewing window—a steep 45% decline from Season 1. That's a significant drop, especially considering the show's critical reception has actually improved. Season 2 boasts an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, up from Season 1's 75%. Critics are loving it, but viewers seem less eager to tune in.
Despite the dip, the show remains the most-watched title on Netflix worldwide. It's a testament to Ritchie's enduring appeal, even if the audience isn't as large as before. The question now is whether the show can sustain its momentum or if the decline will continue.
For those unfamiliar, The Gentlemen is a spin-off of Ritchie's 2020 film, which starred Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam. The series, however, features an entirely new cast and storyline. The official synopsis for Season 2 reads: "It's been one year since Eddie and Susie joined forces to work together in Bobby's criminal empire overseas. As they expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby makes appear to be increasingly unsound. Now Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well…"
Ritchie serves as lead writer and producer, and he's directed six episodes of the crime drama. His signature style—sharp dialogue, stylish violence, and a touch of British grit—is on full display.
If you haven't caught up yet, both seasons of The Gentlemen are streaming now on Netflix. And if you're in the mood for more crime thrillers, check out our review of Slow Horses Season 6, which goes darker and wilder than ever. Or, for a different flavor, Sweetpea on Starz is a must-watch. And if you're curious about what else is coming to streaming, here are three picks for September 7.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Gentlemen and all your favorite shows.
