House of Guinness ending explained: Anne's acceptance, Edward's sacrifice, and Arthur's election day 

Steven Knight's House of Guinness is finally streaming on Netflix. The brain behind Peaky Blinders is back with another Succession-esque family drama, inspired by the real-life brewing family dynasty that eventually became one of the biggest manufacturers of stout in Britain.

Netflix's latest drama series is set in Ireland in May 1868, following Sir Benjamin Guinness' death, who is credited with expanding his family business significantly. Now, the responsibility of the Guinness legacy rests on his four children: Benjamin, Anne, Arthur, and Edward. While Anne and Benjamin are conveniently excluded from their father's will, Arthur and Edward inherit their father's estate. However, their inheritance comes with one condition: the brothers must stay connected and work together.

As the House of Guinness comes to an end, each of Benjamin's children faces tough decisions that will influence their family's legacy. While Arthur shifts his focus to politics, Edward and Anne turn to philanthropy.

The youngest sibling, Benjamin, who dabbled in alcohol and gambling throughout the series, finally gained acceptance from his sister, and his mistress Christine was officially accepted into the family.

Here is the complete ending explained.

House of Guinness ending explained: Edward made a big sacrifice

While Arthur had aligned himself with his late father's politics, Edward was determined to expand his family business to the U.S. and elevate their family's legacy in philanthropy. Edward's sister, Anne, also participated in philanthropy, but it was Edward who ultimately bolstered his family's political image. However, this came after a sacrifice on Edward's part as he finally decided to let go of his feelings for Ellen.

While Edward was involved in a passionate affair with Ellen throughout the series, their relationship reached a breaking point in the finale, and the couple parted ways. Edward's feelings for Ellen remained genuine, but he made this decision to strengthen his family's position.

In the House of Guinness finale, Edward made two monumental decisions that will impact his family for the next century. First, he accepts the harp of Brian Boru (a key symbol of Irish identity) as Guinness' emblem, and second, he marries Adelaide. Adelaide has been a loyal partner in all of Edward's philanthropic efforts, but their relationship lacks the passion he shares with Ellen. Nonetheless, he made this sacrifice for his family and prioritized their needs above his own.

House of Guinness ending explained: Anne pivots to philanthropy

While Edward and Arthur were chosen as the inheritors of their family brewery in the House of Guinness, both Anne and Benjamin also carved their individual paths. Anne was the only daughter of Sir Benjamin, who was certainly disappointed to get nothing in her father's will. However, her tragic miscarriage and her experiences during travel made her see the state of the country, which was suffering after the famine.

While her father left her with no agency, she also made an important decision in the finale by redirecting her family's fortunes towards philanthropy. Her decision to give 10% of her family's profits to the poor not only gave her family a new direction but was also faithful to the real-life figure of Anne Guinness, a renowned philanthropist.

House of Guinness ending explained: What happened on Arthur's election day?

Moving on to the second man of the hour in the House of Guinness, Arthur was the other son left with his father's brewery after his death. However, Arthur had no intention of expanding the family business and instead wanted a career in politics. While Arthur was determined to regain his father's seat in parliament, his sexuality posed a major obstacle. His secret relationship with Michael and his hostility toward Patrick Cochrane (a Fenian) threatened his political career. Although Arthur entered into a marriage of convenience with Lady Olivia Hedges-White in the House of Guinness, it did not work out.

In the finale, Arthur uncovered Olivia's secret relationship and her eventual pregnancy with Sean Rafferty. During this personal turmoil, Arthur's Election Day was further overshadowed by Patrick's presence, who was determined to destroy the Guinness family and kill Arthur.

The House of Guinness finale ends on Election Day, with Patrick entering armed and intent on taking a life. While Anne signals Sean, Patrick takes a shot, and the series concludes on a cliffhanger. Arthur is the main target on Patrick's mind, but it's unlikely he'll die, considering the real-life figure lived into the 1920s. The cliffhanger was certainly biting, and it remains to be seen who was shot (and will they survive) if/when House of Guinness returns for Season 2.

House of Guinness is streaming on Netflix.

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