Taboo explores the dark side of 19th-century London, its political and business corruption involving the East India Company, criminal gangs, the misery of the working class, and the increase in wealth of the rich. The eight-episode series was created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and his father, Chips Hardy, based on a story written by Tom and Chips Hardy. The first series was directed by Kristoffer Nyholm and Anders Engström. Max Richter composed the score. The series has received generally favourable reviews, with critics praising Hardy's performance, visual presentation and pacing.