This City Is Ours, the BBC’s gripping crime drama set in Liverpool, has been officially renewed for a second season. Following its debut in March 2025, the series captivated audiences, becoming the broadcaster’s most-watched new drama of the year with over six million viewers. The show’s compelling narrative, centered around the Phelan family’s entanglement in the city’s drug trade, has left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
The Journey So Far
Season 1 Recap
The inaugural season introduced viewers to the complex dynamics of the Phelan family. Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean), the family’s patriarch and gang leader, seeks to retire, leaving a power vacuum that ignites tensions between his son Jamie (Jack McMullen) and trusted lieutenant Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce). As alliances shift and betrayals unfold, the series delves deep into themes of loyalty, ambition, and the quest for power.
Critical Acclaim
Critics lauded the series for its authentic portrayal of Liverpool’s underworld and its nuanced character development. The performances, particularly those of Nelson-Joyce and Bean, received widespread praise, with The Daily Telegraph awarding the show five stars and highlighting its “superb crime thriller of betrayals and shifting loyalties.”
Season 2: What Lies Ahead
Plot Expectations
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the conclusion of Season 1 set the stage for escalating conflicts. Michael’s desire to leave the criminal world and start anew with his pregnant partner Diana (Hannah Onslow) is thwarted by Jamie’s suspicions and vendetta. The power dynamics within the Phelan family are poised for further upheaval, especially with the introduction of new criminal alliances and the fallout from previous betrayals.
Cast and Characters
The core cast is expected to return, including:
- James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh
- Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams
- Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan
- Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan
- Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy
- Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy
- Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford
- Mike Noble as Banksey
Despite the on-screen death of Ronnie Phelan, producers are considering Sean Bean’s return through flashback sequences to explore his character’s backstory.
Production and Release
While an official release date has not been announced, industry speculation suggests that Season 2 could premiere in early to mid-2026. The series will continue to be produced by Left Bank Pictures, with Stephen Butchard returning as the lead writer.
Conclusion
The renewal of This City Is Ours for a second season reaffirms its status as a standout in British television drama. With its intricate storytelling and compelling characters, the series is poised to delve deeper into the complexities of crime, family, and power in Liverpool’s underworld. Fans can anticipate a continuation of the high-stakes drama that made the first season a resounding success.
