‘Industry’ – Season One – Review
If you like your television bold, provocative, and unrelenting, then HBO’s Industry is the show for you. From the minds of Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, this high-finance drama is an intoxicating, adrenaline-fueled ride through the cutthroat world of London investment banking, where only the strongest—and most ruthless—survive. With its razor-sharp writing, fearless performances, and an unflinching approach to power, sex, and ambition, Industry cements itself as one of the most gripping new dramas in recent years.
The financial world has always been a fascinating backdrop for drama, but Industry doesn’t just use it as window dressing—it immerses itself fully in the trenches of this high-stakes battlefield. Unlike other finance-centric shows that focus on top executives, Industry shifts its gaze to the raw, hungry graduates fighting for survival in their first year at the prestigious Pierpoint & Co. This fresh perspective makes for an electric watch, as these young hopefuls claw their way to the top (or plummet spectacularly) in an environment that chews people up and spits them out without a second thought.
The story revolves around Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold), an ambitious American outsider who arrives in London eager to prove herself but is quickly met with a world that is as unforgiving as it is enticing. Alongside her, we follow a diverse group of recruits, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Gus (David Jonsson), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan), each bringing their own baggage and ambitions to the chaotic trading floor. As they navigate gruelling work hours, impossible expectations, and an office culture that thrives on excess, they soon realise that their biggest competition isn’t just the market—it’s each other.
What sets Industry apart is its sheer authenticity. Creators Down and Kay, both former bankers themselves, bring a level of realism that’s rare in television. The cutthroat nature of Pierpoint & Co. is depicted in all its brutal glory, from the relentless pressure to perform to the morally dubious ways people secure their positions. The dialogue is laced with insider jargon, but rather than alienating viewers, it draws them into the chaos, making them feel like they’re right there on the trading floor.
This authenticity extends to the show’s exploration of sex, drugs, and power. Industry refuses to sanitize the excesses of high finance, embracing the messy, self-destructive ways its characters cope with the immense pressure. The result is a show that feels raw, urgent, and completely unpredictable.
Leading the charge is Myha’la Herrold, whose performance as Harper is nothing short of mesmerizing. She’s the ultimate wildcard—brilliant yet reckless, confident yet deeply insecure. Herrold plays her with a magnetic intensity, making Harper both deeply frustrating and impossible to look away from.
Marisa Abela shines as Yasmin, a privileged but underestimated recruit whose journey from overlooked assistant to formidable power player is one of the season’s most satisfying arcs. David Jonsson’s Gus exudes charm and intelligence, though his unwillingness to play the game leaves him vulnerable. Harry Lawtey’s Robert is all swagger and self-destruction, while Nabhaan Rizwan’s Hari provides an early gut punch that sets the tone for the rest of the season.
The supporting cast is just as formidable, with Ken Leung’s Eric Tao stealing every scene as the ruthless yet oddly paternal managing director. His mentorship of Harper is one of the show’s most complex dynamics, oscillating between genuine care and ruthless exploitation.
From its slick cinematography to its pulsating electronic soundtrack, Industry oozes style. Directors like Lena Dunham (who helms the electrifying first episode) bring a kinetic energy that mirrors the high-pressure environment of Pierpoint. Every shot, every frantic phone call, every coke-fueled after-hours party serves to heighten the tension, making the series impossible to turn away from.
The writing is equally sharp, effortlessly blending corporate strategy with deeply personal struggles. Characters aren’t just grappling with office politics—they’re wrestling with identity, class, privilege, and the crushing weight of expectation. The show’s refusal to spoon-feed its audience only adds to its appeal, trusting viewers to keep up with its breakneck pace.
Industry isn’t just another workplace drama—it’s a ferocious, high-stakes thriller that captures the raw ambition and desperation of a world where one wrong move can end a career before it even begins. With its fearless storytelling, standout performances, and a world that feels all too real, this is prestige TV at its most addictive.
Industry is currently streaming on Neon.
Image: SKY TV
