Netflix UK Releases Trailer For The English Game

Netflix UK has released the official trailer for The English Game, a period drama that delves into the origins of modern football while exploring class struggles and social change in 19th-century Britain. Written and produced by Julian Fellowes, best known for creating Downton Abbey, the series combines historical drama with the timeless appeal of the world’s most popular sport.

Set in the late 1800s, The English Game traces how football evolved from an elite pastime played by upper-class gentlemen into the working-class phenomenon that spread across the globe. At the heart of the story is the clash between two teams — one representing the privileged amateurs and the other made up of factory workers determined to challenge the status quo.

The trailer teases a series rich in drama and authenticity, with detailed period costumes, gritty industrial settings, and intense matches that capture the passion of early football. Beyond the game itself, the show examines the broader social divisions of Victorian England, weaving in themes of class inequality, ambition, and unity through sport.

The cast includes Edward Holcroft and Kevin Guthrie in leading roles, portraying characters on opposite sides of the football divide. Their performances promise to bring both conflict and empathy to the story, showing how the sport gradually became a unifying force despite deep-rooted social barriers.

Julian Fellowes’ involvement ensures that The English Game carries the same attention to detail and layered storytelling that made Downton Abbey a global success. His ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling human drama is expected to make this series appealing to a wide audience, from football enthusiasts to fans of period dramas.

For Netflix UK, The English Game represents another step in delivering high-quality British drama to global audiences. The series highlights the platform’s ongoing investment in stories that combine local history with universal appeal, ensuring that the narrative resonates beyond the UK.

Critics have already noted that the show has the potential to attract viewers who might not usually watch sports dramas, thanks to its strong character arcs and focus on broader social themes. At the same time, football fans will appreciate the historical insights into how the modern game was born.

With the trailer now released, anticipation is building for the premiere. The English Game promises to be more than just a sports drama — it’s a story about ambition, unity, and the power of a simple game to bridge divides and inspire change.