Netflix’s ‘The Gentlemen’ Returns with Star Power, but Drops 45% in Viewership
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Netflix’s The Gentlemen has returned with its original stars, a new chapter of Eddie Horniman’s criminal rise, and another round of Guy Ritchie’s stylish crime drama. Season 2 debuted on September 3 with all 8 episodes, bringing back Theo James as Eddie, Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass, Ray Winstone as Bobby Glass, Daniel Ings, and Giancarlo Esposito.
The return came after a two-year gap following Season 1, which became a major Netflix success after its 2024 premiere. This time, however, the numbers have been notably lower.
The Gentlemen Season 2 recorded 6.7 million views during its first 4 days, placing it at No. 3 on Netflix’s English-language TV list for August 31 through September 6. The figure represents roughly a 45% decline from Season 1’s opening audience, which exceeded 12 million views in its first 3 days. Despite the softer start, the series has already secured a third season, while Season 2 has also received stronger early reviews than its predecessor.
We further break down the show’s decline in viewership.
The Gentlemen returns with familiar faces but a much smaller opening. The show entered its Season 2 with a substantial cast and an established audience, but its initial viewership was almost half of what the first season achieved.
The 6.7 million views recorded across 4 days put the show behind Death of a Pastor’s Wife and Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black on Netflix’s English TV ranking.
The difference is particularly striking when compared with the show's first season premiere. The Gentlemen premiered in 2024 with more than 12 million views during its first 3 days, making Season 2’s 6.7 million a significant drop. The returning series did, however, remain firmly within Netflix’s Top 10, while Season 1 itself also appeared on the latest chart at No. 5 with 3.2 million views.
The two-year break between seasons is one notable difference from the show's original run. The first season arrived as an 8-episode release in 2024, while viewers had to wait until September 2026 for the continuation.
The early reception has not followed the same downward path as the audience figures. Season 1 currently has a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Season 2 holds an 83% Certified Fresh score.
The story itself has also expanded considerably. Eddie is no longer simply trying to understand the criminal operation he inherited. One year has passed since he and Susie joined forces with Bobby’s overseas empire, and their business is moving into new territory. The pair take their operation from the cannabis farm beneath Halstead to Italy, where they establish a foothold among powerful local figures.
The expansion brings Eddie into contact with Marco Moretti, played by Sergio Castellitto, and Cico Maldini, played by Michele Morrone. Marco is described as a powerful Italian crime boss, while Cico serves as a fixer who helps Eddie and Susie navigate the country's criminal world. Their presence gives the season a new setting and introduces another layer of danger around Eddie’s growing ambitions.