Peaky Blinders Meets the Tube: A Gritty Triumph in Underground Advertising

There are few TV shows that punch through the noise and carve out a place in British culture quite like Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy’s ice-cold portrayal of Tommy Shelby, the iconic caps, razor-sharp suits, and a storyline soaked in danger and ambition – it’s all become the stuff of legend. But here’s the twist: the Peaky Blinders gang didn’t just take over Birmingham… they stormed the London Underground too.

As the buzz built around Series 5, BBC turned to the very people who fuelled the show’s cult status – the fans. In a bold move, they invited creatives across the UK to design promotional artwork, bringing to life the characters we love (and fear). From over 1,000 submissions, 16 striking artworks were chosen. And where did they showcase them? Not tucked away online. They hit the streets – and more importantly, the platforms, tunnels, and escalators of the London Underground.

When Polly and Tommy Ruled the Underground

Among the chosen artworks, two stood out — powerful illustrations of Polly Gray and Tommy Shelby, larger than life on 48 Sheet posters across major Tube stations. Picture commuters at Euston and Paddington, eyes locked on Polly’s fierce stare or Tommy’s shadowed profile. This wasn’t just an ad campaign; it was a statement.

With more than 789,000 people passing the murals, the campaign proved something crucial: OOH (Out-of-Home) advertising on the London Underground still has the power to make cultural waves.

Want your brand in front of millions? This is how it’s done.

Why the Tube Works for TV, Film, and Everything In Between

Let’s not beat around the bush – the London Underground isn’t just public transport; it’s prime real estate for your brand. Just ask the BBC. Or Netflix. Or Vicks. Or the Financial Times. All have leveraged this iconic space to speak directly to Londoners where they commute, wait, think, and scroll.

From bold 48 Sheet posters to immersive Station Takeovers, Tube advertising lets you turn a passive journey into a branded experience.

Whether it’s the haunting eyes of Tommy Shelby or your product’s hero shot, nothing commands attention like well-placed OOH creative at hotspots like:

• Liverpool Street
• London Bridge
• King’s Cross St. Pancras

A Fan-Powered Campaign with Grit and Glory

This wasn’t a conventional ad campaign — it was a national conversation. Fans travelled across the country to see their work displayed, snapping photos and fuelling the buzz across social media. It was raw. Real. And utterly effective.

The result? BBC iPlayer shattered streaming records. Brand consideration among under-35s skyrocketed by 150%. And Peaky Blinders reclaimed its throne as the BBC’s golden drama.

All from a fan-led art campaign plastered on Tube walls.

Ready to Make Your Brand the Next Underground Icon?

Whether you’re launching a film, product, or idea — the Underground delivers unmatched reach, cultural relevance, and impact. From Tube Car Panels to Digital 6 Sheets, we’ll help you choose the right format and location to stop Londoners in their tracks.

Just like the Peaky Blinders campaign, your brand deserves a stage as big as its ambition. And there’s no stage quite like London’s busiest stations.

Let’s bring your brand to the heart of London.

Contact London Underground Advertising and let’s plan something unforgettable.

By order of the advertising Peaky Blinders.