'Brilliant' Tom Hardy drama streaming free on BBC iPlayer is leaving in a few days

One of Tom Hardy's most popular works is set to leave BBC iPlayer in just one week.

The esteemed British actor, known for his roles in acclaimed TV dramas such as Peaky Blinders and Paramount+'s recent gangster series, MobLand, has also made a name for himself in Hollywood with films like The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road and the Venom trilogy.

However, a slightly less well-known role that still garnered high praise from critics and fans alike is due to depart from iPlayer on Sunday, 1st June.

If you've yet to watch the remarkable miniseries Taboo, co-created by Peaky Blinders genius Steven Knight along with Hardy himself and his father, Chips Hardy, now is your chance.

This captivating eight-part drama follows adventurer and businessman James Delaney (portrayed by Hardy), who returns to London in 1814 after a 12-year stint in Africa, reports .

Set against the backdrop of the end of the War of 1812 with the United States, this expansive historical series delves into the seedy underbelly of England's capital city at the dawn of the 19th Century, including dealings with the East India Company, and offers insight into early London gangs and working-class poverty.

Taboo boasts an impressive 76 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, while casual viewers were even more enamoured, awarding the series a staggering 91 percent score.

Sarah Hughes of The Guardian heaped praise on the series back in 2017, describing it as Tom Hardy's "big, bold and brash" passion project.

"I can't help but adore Taboo," she enthused. "Yes, you can call it a vanity project and yes, it does throw the kitchen sink at the plot then hurl the whole bath in afterwards - but it is also prepared to take risks.

"There will always be those who think Hardy has struck out with this very personal take on the historical drama. I disagree: there's nothing wrong with taking a big swing at a genre - and in Taboo's case, it connects."

The intensely violent and suspenseful period thriller captivated fans, with many returning for repeated viewings.

The show has racked up countless five-star ratings on Google, including an enthusiastic endorsement from one viewer: "I can't believe I only just found out about this series.... it's brilliant, my husband and I watched the entire first season in 2 evenings!

"I can't believe [it] hasn't been picked up by Netflix or HBO etc. This series would be absolutely huge if it was. Every actor in this show is a true talent and Tom Hardy, of course, blows me away with his skill."

Another fan exclaimed: "What an amazing drama. Had me gripped every week. So much so, that I watched it again on bbc iplayer and still enjoyed it immensely."

Praise keeps pouring in for the television hit, with a five-star review gushing: "Absolute class. I watched this when it was on TV when it first released and have just gone back to it. Every single moment is pure brilliance."

As the deadline looms with barely a week left on the free streaming platform, consider this your cue to binge-watch the acclaimed series featuring Tom Hardy without delay.

Taboo is available on BBC iPlayer until Sunday, 1st June.