This City Is Ours Series 2: Cast, Plot & BBC Updates
The Liverpool gangland has a new kingpin. A massive 5.8 million UK viewers tuned in to watch the crown slip.
Stephen Butchard’s 2025 BBC crime drama throws viewers straight into a violent power struggle. The show grabbed immediate critical acclaim. Whether you are halfway through the first run on iPlayer or desperate for Series 2 details, we have you covered. This guide breaks down the cast, the real-life filming locations, and the future of the BBC’s biggest new drama.
This City Is Ours is an eight-part British crime drama on BBC One, starring Sean Bean as Liverpool gang boss Ronnie Phelan. Following a violent power struggle between Ronnie’s son and his right-hand man, the highly successful 2025 series has been officially renewed, with Series 2 filming already underway.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Butchard created the show, and BAFTA-winner Saul Dibb directed the first block.
- Viewers can stream all eight episodes on BBC iPlayer right now.
- The show stars Sean Bean, James Nelson-Joyce, and Jack McMullen.
- Crews filmed the production on location across Liverpool and Spain.
- The BBC commissioned Series 2 in May 2025, and filming began in October 2025.
Quick Start: Series 1 Overview
- Genre: Organised Crime Drama / Thriller
- Length: 8 Episodes (approx. 60 mins each)
- Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer (UK)
- Status: Renewed for Series 2
The Plot: Inside the Phelan Crime Family
Veteran gang leader Ronnie Phelan wants out. He floats the idea of retirement. Instantly, he creates a dangerous power vacuum within his own criminal organisation.
Official production releases describe the show perfectly. They call it a story about family, and love destroyed and corrupted by ambition, pride, and greed.
Common Mistake: Viewers often assume this is just a standard, fast-paced action thriller. It is actually a tense, slow-burn family drama focusing heavily on loyalty and succession.
Michael Kavanagh vs. Jamie Phelan
The entire conflict hinges on two men. Michael Kavanagh is Ronnie’s highly trusted right-hand man. Jamie Phelan is Ronnie’s volatile son. The two men battle bitterly for control of the criminal empire.
The succession crisis breaks down into three core problems:
- The Old Guard: Ronnie Phelan wants a clean exit strategy before rival gangs notice his weakness.
- The Bloodline: Jamie expects to inherit the business simply by birthright, despite lacking basic leadership skills.
- The Earner: Michael has the operational brains to modernise the gang and firmly believes he deserves the top job.
This City Is Ours Cast & Characters
The show packs some serious acting talent. Viewers expect nothing less from premium British drama.
James Nelson-Joyce delivers a stunning performance as Michael Kavanagh. His work earned him a Leading Actor nomination at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards. Hannah Onslow shares the screen as Diana Williams, Michael’s partner, adding deep emotional stakes to his power grab. Check out the full BBC Cast Announcements if you want a deeper dive into the supporting roles.
The Phelan Empire Breakdown
| Character Name | Actor | Role in the Organisation | Key Loyalty/Motivation |
| Ronnie Phelan | Sean Bean | Veteran Crime Boss | Seeking retirement and a secure legacy. |
| Michael Kavanagh | James Nelson-Joyce | Trusted Right-Hand Man | Ambition, survival, and modernising the business. |
| Jamie Phelan | Jack McMullen | Ronnie’s Son | Nepotism, pride, and volatile control. |
| Diana Williams | Hannah Onslow | Michael’s Partner | Protecting her family and supporting Michael. |
Where Was ‘This City Is Ours’ Filmed?
Crews did not just stay in studios. They hit the streets. The production predominantly filmed in Liverpool. They also shot key scenes in Spain.
This creates a massive visual contrast. You see the gritty Merseyside streets. Then, you see luxurious Spanish villas. Fans love to track down these actual locations for holiday planning. Set-jetting is a massive trend, and this show fuels it perfectly. If you want to visit the actual streets, you can find detailed routes via the Liverpool Film Office Production Notes.
Key Filming Regions
- Liverpool City Centre: Used heavily for establishing shots and legitimate business fronts.
- Merseyside Suburbs: These highlight the deep, generational roots of the Phelan family.
- Coastal Spain: Showcases the cartel connections and high-end money laundering operations.
Mid-Article Summary Box
- The show is an eight-part BBC iPlayer exclusive.
- Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce lead the cast.
- The plot centres on a violent succession crisis in Liverpool.
- Series 2 is officially confirmed and currently in production.
Viewer Reception & Award Success
The numbers speak for themselves. Series one was highly successful for the broadcaster. It became the BBC’s most-watched new drama launch of 2025. An average of 5.8 million viewers watched the Phelan family tear itself apart.
Critics loved it just as much as the public. The series bagged a nomination for the Best Drama Series category at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards.
Creator Stephen Butchard summed up the massive appeal perfectly. He stated, “Although the show heavily explores a really brutal world, it also has enormous heart.”
Everything We Know About Series 2
Fans want more. The BBC delivered. In May 2025, the network officially renewed the show for a second eight-part series.
The turnaround is fast. Filming for the second series officially commenced in October 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting an exact release date. Based on typical production schedules, late 2026 seems highly likely. You can track early cast updates via the BBC Media Centre S2 Confirmation.
Should You Watch It? The Verdict
Still unsure? Use this quick test to decide.
Do you enjoy gritty UK crime and gangland dramas? If yes, keep reading. Are you a fan of actor Sean Bean or BAFTA-nominated performances? If yes, highly recommended. Watch the eight-part series on BBC iPlayer today.
If you prefer character-driven power struggles over pure action, it is still well worth your time. Many viewers binge the show rapidly. Data shows that by episode three, viewers are frantically searching for cast details online. The gripping character arcs hook you fast.
End Summary
This City Is Ours cemented itself as a powerhouse of modern British television. It blends phenomenal performances with a brutal narrative. Series 1 broke viewership records. Series 2 is already in the works. There has never been a better time to dive into the Liverpool underworld.
Next Steps:
- Stream all eight episodes of Series 1 on BBC iPlayer.
- Check out James Nelson-Joyce’s BAFTA-nominated performance.
- Bookmark this page for the latest Series 2 release date announcements.
FAQs
Is This City Is Ours based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional eight-part British crime drama created and written by Stephen Butchard.
How many episodes of This City Is Ours are there?
There are eight episodes in the first series. The second series will also consist of eight episodes.
Where can I watch This City Is Ours in the UK?
The series was commissioned for BBC One and is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.
Has This City Is Ours been renewed for Season 2?
Yes. The BBC officially renewed the show for a second series in May 2025. Filming began in October 2025.
Who plays Michael Kavanagh in the series?
Actor James Nelson-Joyce plays Michael Kavanagh. He received a Leading Actor nomination at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards for the role.
Was the show actually filmed in Liverpool?
Yes. The production is set and predominantly filmed in Liverpool. Crews also used locations in Spain.
Who directed the first series?
BAFTA award-winner Saul Dibb served as the Lead Director for the first series.
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