Wednesday 28 January 2026 6:01 am | Updated: Tuesday 27 January 2026 6:52 pm
HBO's Industry Shows Finance Is Sexy Again
By: Matt Kenyon, Newsletter Editor
HBO's finance-focused series Industry failed to make a significant impact upon its debut in 2020. However, its remarkable rise in popularity by 2026 prompts an intriguing question: could this resurgence serve as an indicator of broader economic shifts, perhaps even signalling a recession? Matt Kenyon explores the show's journey and its reflection of contemporary corporate glamour.
From Sleeper Hit to Cultural Phenomenon
Konrad Kay and Mickey Down's initially under-the-radar series Industry has undergone a quiet yet profound transformation. What began as a claustrophobic drama centred on trading floors has evolved into an irreverent and mildly deviant 'state of the nation' romp. Its narrative now sweeps through the City of London, Westminster, and beyond, capturing a spirit that aligns closely with the mission of this very newspaper.
The show's first season in 2020 resulted in one of the weakest premieres in HBO's storied history. Yet, by its second season, viewership surged by an impressive 60 per cent. Fast forward to 2026, and Industry has firmly established itself as a genuine cultural touchstone. This ascent likely stems from its ability to capture a new zeitgeist, one where corporate life and the stability of a regular salary have once again become aspirational goals.
Satirising Finance and Politics
For those yet to discover the series, it offers a sharp lampooning of the various fads and bubbles that periodically engulf the finance world. Topics such as ESG investing, pandemic-driven trends, and questionable fintech ventures are all fair game for the writers' critique.
In a notable meta-moment, the series has even name-checked City AM. A storyline features a beleaguered energy founder, portrayed by Kit Harington, turning to his closest press contacts in a desperate attempt to salvage a disastrous listing on the London Stock Exchange. However, the mere fact of having an IPO might be one of the show's less realistic elements, given current market conditions.
The social and political satire can, at times, feel a touch heavy-handed. The latest season opens with a succession of cringe-inducing, faux-'West Wing' style corridor walks, packed with expositional dialogue concerning Labour's online safety legislation.
A Critique of Financial Trends
Look beyond the portrayals of hard drugs, explicit content, and sweary diatribes, and Industry presents a surprisingly effective critique of a financial sector often obsessed with passing trends and vulnerable to international headwinds. The London office of the fictional firm Pierpoint—a name hinting at the 'P' in JP Morgan—is depicted as constantly anxious about the shifting whims of its New York headquarters.
Enigmatic American financiers and founders appear throughout the series, casually dispensing cash into the eager hands of various London upstarts. In a recent episode, the elusive figure known as '47' is even spotted in the distance on an unspecified Florida golf course.
The rise of Industry arguably holds up a mirror to the past five years. In 2020, its world felt somewhat grubby and unrelatable. Today, it seems many have drifted closer to embracing the show's distinctive vibe.
Is Clapham Cool Again?
This notion would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but there is a creeping sense that Clapham might be edging back into style—though perhaps for all the wrong reasons. Anecdotal evidence suggests a demographic shift towards a slightly older, trendier, and less overtly cheerful crowd.
This change reflects grim economic realities. The once-endless churn of 22-year-old graduates into this South-West London suburb has begun to stutter. The fact that establishments like the famous club 'Revs' cannot survive in the current market speaks volumes. One might cautiously predict that in 10 to 15 years, Clapham could develop an oddly Hackney-like feel.
NHS Data Hoarding: A Personal Plea
My first office job involved systematically destroying paperwork at a provincial hospital during the summer of 2018. At that time, the public sector was caught in a gleeful frenzy over the decentralising possibilities promised by newly enforced GDPR legislation.
Flash forward almost eight years, and I suffered a severe jaw infection following complications from surgery conducted shortly after those privacy laws were introduced. The response from A&E, my GP, and multiple emergency dentists was unanimous: Let's do some fresh X-Rays. The situation serves as a stark reminder that sometimes we reap what we sow.
The Case for the 'Crap' Smartphone
After four years of loyal, dogged service, my previous phone wheezed its last breath recently. Ours was a strained relationship; I often accused its vibrant screen of sapping away my best years.
I have attempted to wean myself off before, spending a tough month last summer reviewing the minimalist Light Phone iii. However, I soon found myself missing crucial messages, emails, and calendar events. The reality is that a smartphone remains mandatory for modern life—e-tickets, dating apps like Hinge, and countless other necessities.
The solution? Opt for a deliberately 'crap' one. I sourced a refurbished 2022 iPhone SE online for just under £100. At its launch, it utilised year-old specifications wrapped in an eight-year-old design. Today, it stands as an oddly usable relic. I detest using it, which means I rarely do. In this case, that is its perfection.
Euston's Long-Awaited Revival
The long-awaited HS2 tunnel linking London Euston and Old Oak Common is finally shovel-ready. Given the project's notoriously troubled history, public sentiment remains mixed. Nevertheless, there is hope that this development could finally lead to the improvement of what is often considered London's worst major train station.
Could this mean a form of justice for the original Euston station? Built in 1837, it was torn down and replaced by one of the most pebble-dashed brutalist structures to emerge from the Post-War period. The new HS2 link might herald a much-needed renaissance for this critical transport hub.
Matt Kenyon is the newsletter editor for City AM.
