Industry season 4 takes a risky step away from Pierpoint – and it’s all the better for it

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The world of business often throws ordinary people into complicated and stressful situations, even if they have no experience with it.

People often ask if the show ‘Industry’ is just about wealthy bankers and their fashion choices. While those elements are definitely present, what really makes the show great is the constant tension, unpredictable events, and the feeling that everything could fall apart at any moment – offering a rare glimpse into a high-pressure world most of us don’t experience.

Earlier seasons of Industry excelled at showing the absolute worst day in someone’s life, set against the intense and competitive world of high finance. Season 3 continued this trend, becoming even more intense and leading many viewers to believe it might be the show’s final season. This wasn’t due to a lack of interest, but rather because the storylines and characters seemed to have reached a natural conclusion, a point where many creators would choose to end the series.

Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the creators of the show and both former bankers, have been given an early renewal and the opportunity to expand the scope of ‘Industry’ beyond its original setting. The new season moves beyond a simple ‘financial drama,’ though that world remains important. These episodes focus on pushing boundaries and exploring what the characters – and the show itself – are capable of.

The earlier seasons took place at Pierpoint & Co, a high-powered London investment bank where the ambitious group of new graduates faced intense challenges in their first year.

Only Harper and Yasmin will be back for more complex and surprising storylines.

Okay, so Pierpoint’s gone, snapped up by Egyptian investors at the end of season three, and I was really wondering where “Industry” would take us next. But honestly, after finishing the whole series, the better question is where doesn’t it go? They really threw everything at the wall this season!

Moving beyond the confines of its initial setting allows the show to explore new and previously untouched areas. While the series doesn’t dwell on any single topic for long, it consistently and skillfully tackles complex issues like politics, race, class, and wealth. It brilliantly portrays how class continues to shape British society, and by incorporating current events, the show creates a captivating and compelling narrative.

Look, this season of Industry isn’t shying away from tough topics – we’re talking politics, the rise of extremism, and Harper’s really blunt admission that she feels like a pawn. I suspect some viewers will find that uncomfortable, but honestly, if you’re easily rattled by current events, this probably isn’t the show for you anyway. It’s a high-stakes, anxiety-inducing drama, and that’s the point.

Though some moments might appear jarring or random – like when Haley warns Charlie about her boyfriend, emphasizing his race with a hateful slur – they actually mirror current social issues. These moments, combined with the show’s exploration of wealth, privilege, and power, create a complex picture that becomes clearer as the series unfolds.

Some viewers might not be thrilled to see politics become a bigger part of the show, and it could even be upsetting for others. However, real-world events have always influenced the financial world depicted in the series – that’s essentially what the show is about. So, it’s not surprising that Yasmin is now involved in that world, and her husband, Henry (played by Kit Harington, who gives a standout performance this season), is simply trying to support her ambitions.

The key player this season is Tender, a payment processing company aiming to become a full-fledged bank. This is a significant step, particularly given their connection to Siren, an app similar to OnlyFans that’s drawn attention, especially now with new online safety legislation being debated.

By the end of the first episode, Whitney Halberstram (Max Minghella) reveals a surprising twist, hinting at the exciting possibilities for the rest of the season and creating a mysterious atmosphere that will keep viewers engaged.

The biggest gamble with Season 4 of Industry is immediately apparent: the premiere doesn’t start with the characters we know. Instead, we meet new faces – Shipka as a Tender employee and Heaton as an ambitious financial journalist. The familiar energy of nightclubs, drugs, and pulsating dance floors quickly establishes that this season feels like a return to form. As soon as the opening title card appears, it’s clear: Industry is back in full force.

This season of Industry is bolder than ever, and it’s great to see Harper and Yasmin back. The opening scene with Harper is particularly striking – she steps out of a Range Rover looking effortlessly cool in a matching suit, perfectly set to the music of New Order. As a fan of this complex and flawed character, I’m thrilled there are more scenes focusing on her, and thankfully, this season delivers.

This season, Harper is performing at the peak of her abilities, and we see her reconnect with her mentor, Eric Tao. The show also offers glimpses into her personal life, exploring her relationships with trader Kwabena, her assistant Sweetpea, and her complicated family. Some of Harper’s most impactful moments are surprisingly subtle and melancholic. In contrast, Yasmin, played by Abela, shines in flamboyant scenes as Marie Antoinette, and her storyline is likely to be controversial.

The exciting thing about this new season of Industry is that it completely breaks from tradition, keeping viewers guessing. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable or even unsettling moments, and in fact, it leans into them even more effectively than before. That’s always been a hallmark of the show, and this season delivers on that promise.

You won’t see the season 4 finale coming – and that’s what makes it so amazing. The show has always kept viewers guessing, but this season takes it to another level, moving beyond the world of finance to explore deeper, more unsettling questions about power and who truly controls things. It’s masterful storytelling.

Leaving the traditional financial world allows businesses to connect with areas they’ve often overlooked. This broader perspective ultimately leads to better outcomes.

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You can currently watch seasons 1 through 3 of Industry on BBC iPlayer in the UK. Season 4 will premiere on Monday, January 12, 2026, on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In the US, the show is available on HBO.

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Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a BA degree in English Literature.

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2026-01-12 11:35