REVIEW: ‘Industry’ Season 4 Returns with More Ambition, Chaos and Twisted Drama
- Kevin Verma
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
After the explosive, high-stakes finale of season 3, many wondered if the immensely talented showrunner duo of Mickey Down and Konrad Kay could maintain that "Sunday night prestige" momentum with its next chapter. I’m happy to report that while it might not snatch the "best season" crown, Industry season 4 is a satisfying, high-pressure expansion of the world we’ve come to love (and fear). Myha’la, Marisa Abela, Ken Leung, Kit Harrington, and Sagar Radia reprise their roles, while Kiernan Shipka, Max Minghella, Kal Penn, and Charlie Heaton are the newcomers to this world.
The performances remain the show’s greatest asset. Abela and Myha’la are great as usual, continuing to anchor the series with that razor-sharp, ruthless chemistry that defines their complex dynamic. This year, however, the writers really put the screws to Kit Harington’s Henry Muck. He is sent through the wringer in ways I didn’t see coming, proving his addition to the cast wasn't just about star-power but a vital part of the show's DNA. He is arguably the third lead of the show, and he is a central focus throughout the season.
We also have some fresh blood this year. Max Minghella joins the fray and is absolutely magnetic in the beginning; he brings a certain shark-like energy, though by the end, his character feels a little too one-dimensional compared to the more layered leads. Charlie Heaton and Kiernan Shipka also pop up and have some really nice moments, adding a bit of variety to the trading madness. On the flip side, after his incredible standalone episode last year, Rishi’s arc this season was a little disappointing. It felt like he was sidelined just as we were getting to the core of his chaos.
The structure of the season is a bit of a tale of two halves. The first half is utterly terrific—fast-paced, nail-biting, and intensely focused. The second half, however, gets a little too heavy on its themes. It tries to deal with too many things at once — navigating personal betrayals, corporate espionage, and a massive influx of political maneuvering. Speaking of which, this is easily one of the slowest seasons so far in terms of pacing, but the stakes feel higher than ever because the show has moved beyond just "making money" and fully into the realm of systemic power and politics.
Despite the slower burn, the dialogue writing remains the best part of the show. The scripts are dense, witty, and incredibly sharp; the writers have a way of making every conversation interesting in some way. The storyline as a whole was very exciting and engaging, populated by so many twisted characters that you truly don't know what they're going to do next. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, even when the jargon gets thick.
If I had to nitpick, the score wasn't quite as impressive or atmospheric as previous seasons, which usually help drive that heart-pounding anxiety the show is known for. It’s not the "best" overall season simply because Season 3 was such a tight, cohesive masterpiece that’s hard to beat. Many will miss Harry Lawtey’s Rob this season, and you can feel his absence.
Ultimately, Season 4 is a very satisfying chapter in the Industry saga. It’s a bit messier and more ambitious, but it remains one of the most intelligent and addictive dramas on television. It manages to balance the "shock value" with genuine character growth, even if those characters are becoming increasingly monstrous. It’s a wild ride that proves this show still has plenty of capital left in the bank. In one of the episodes, someone says, “You’re Undeniable", and that is exactly what this show is. Once you get on the Industry train, you’ll struggle to get off.
About Industry
Premiere Date: January 8, 2026
Episode Count: 8
Showrunner: Mickey Down and Konrad Kay
Executive producers: Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, Ryan Rasmussen, Kathleen McCaffrey, Rebecca Ferguson.
Distribution: HBO
Cast: Myha’la, Marisa Abela, Kit Harington, Ken Leung, Max Minghella, Miriam Petche, Sagar Radia, Toheeb Jimoh, Charlie Heaton, Amy James-Kelly, Roger Barclay, Andrew Havill, Kiernan Shipka, Kal Penn, Jack Farthing, Stephen Campbell Moore, Claire Forlani, and Edward Holcroft.
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