This City is Ours is a high-stakes British crime drama created by Stephen Butchard that premiered on BBC One on March 23, 2025, and has since become a global streaming phenomenon on AMC+ as of March 2026. Set against the visceral backdrop of modern-day Liverpool, the eight-part first series stars Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan, a veteran gang leader whose decision to retire triggers a Shakespearean power struggle between his volatile son Jamie (Jack McMullen) and his loyal lieutenant Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce). In October 2025, the BBC officially commenced filming for Series 2, with new episodes expected to debut in late 2026. The show is widely praised for its “Scouse Sopranos” aesthetic, blending brutal underworld violence with a grounded, relatable love story between Michael and his partner Diana (Hannah Onslow) as they navigate a dangerous quest for a better life.
Plot Overview and Thematic Depth
At its core, the series is more than a standard police procedural; it is a “dynastic tale” exploring the corruption of love by greed and pride.
The Succession Crisis
The narrative engine of Series 1 is the disintegration of the Phelan crime family. After decades of successfully importing cocaine from Colombia, Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean) seeks an exit strategy, but the vacuum he leaves behind exposes deep-seated rivalries. The tension between Michael, who seeks redemption through a “crime-free future,” and Jamie, who believes power is his birthright, creates a volatile environment where no one is truly safe.
A Modern Shakespearean Tragedy
Creator Stephen Butchard has likened the show to a “Liverpudlian Macbeth.” The drama focuses on “people chasing dreams,” specifically the dream of a normal life. This is most evident in Michael and Diana’s subplot involving IVF treatments—a jarring yet humanizing juxtaposition against the “chilling, mostly unseen universe” of organized crime they occupy.
Cast and Character Profiles
The show features a mix of BAFTA winners and rising stars who deliver what critics describe as “visceral, character-driven” performances.
The Phelan Family
Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean): The aging patriarch whose “gnarly bastard” energy masks a shocking secret as a long-term police informant.
Jamie Phelan (Jack McMullen): Ronnie’s arrogant and ambitious son. His reckless nature and desire to “modernize” the gang frequently put the family’s stability at risk.
Elaine Phelan (Julie Graham): The matriarch and “heart of the Phelans.” She prioritizes family above all else but is forced to reckon with the brutal reality of Michael’s actions in the finale.
The Protege and the Outsiders
Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce): Ronnie’s right-hand man who undergoes a moral awakening. His internal struggle between loyalty to the gang and love for Diana is the show’s emotional anchor.
Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow): Michael’s partner, a restaurant manager with a dark history of her own. She serves as the catalyst for Michael’s desire to leave the underworld.
Cheryl Crawford (Saoirse-Monica Jackson): The wife of a gang associate who provides a cynical, soul-sucking perspective on life as a “moll.”
Series 1 Ending Explained (Spoilers)
The finale of the first series left viewers with massive cliffhangers that set the stage for the 2026 continuation.
The Death of a Patriarch
The biggest twist of Series 1 was the revelation that Ronnie Phelan had been a police informant for years, explaining his ability to evade justice. This discovery leads to a confrontation where Michael admits to killing Ronnie, claiming it was “necessary” to protect the operation. This confession creates a permanent rift between Michael and the Phelan family, specifically Elaine.
The Power Shift
Following the death of Colombian supplier Ricardo, a temporary peace deal is struck. Michael’s right-hand man, Banksey, and Bobby Duffy are installed as co-leaders. However, Jamie and his cousin Rachel (the gang’s accountant) remain resentful of their sidelined positions, suggesting that Series 2 will focus on their attempt to reclaim the “kingdom.”
Filming Locations and Production
The production values of This City is Ours are noted for their “epic” and “cinematic” quality, utilizing a mix of urban and Mediterranean settings.
Liverpool: The Cinematic Metropolis
Filming primarily took place in and around Liverpool. Locations such as the West Croydon-esque high-rises, MediaCity surroundings, and local Liverpool pubs were used to create an authentic “Scouse” atmosphere. Stephen Butchard emphasized that the city’s “can-do attitude” and poetic accent were integral to the show’s identity.
Spanish Estates
To contrast the gritty streets of Liverpool, the production moved to Spain to film the Phelan family’s luxurious villa. These scenes provide a “Sopranos-style” look at the spoils of crime, featuring sun-drenched outbuildings that ironically serve as locations for some of the show’s most grisly murders and negotiations.
Practical Information and Viewing Guide
As of 2026, This City is Ours is more accessible than ever for global audiences.
Where to Watch in 2026
UK: All 8 episodes of Series 1 are available as a box set on BBC iPlayer.
US: The series premiered on AMC+ on March 5, 2026, with new episodes dropping weekly.
International: Sony Pictures Television handles global distribution; the show is also available on Sony LIV in certain regions.
Series 2 Status
Renewal Date: May 11, 2025.
Filming Start: October 10, 2025.
Expected Air Date: Late 2026 on BBC One.
Episode Count: Likely to follow the 8-episode format of the first series.
FAQs
Is “This City is Ours” based on a true story?
No. While the organized crime setting is realistic, the story of Ronnie Phelan and his family is entirely fictional, created by Stephen Butchard.
Who plays Ronnie Phelan?
The character is played by Sean Bean, famous for his roles in Sharpe, Game of Thrones, and Time.
Will Sean Bean be in Series 2?
Given his character’s death in the Series 1 finale, he is unlikely to return unless in flashbacks, though his “ghost” looms large over the family’s future.
How many episodes are in the first series?
There are 8 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long.
What happened to Michael at the end?
Michael admitted to killing Ronnie and expressed his desire to leave the crime world and start a life with Diana, though his past remains a significant threat.
Where was the show filmed?
Filming locations included Liverpool, England, and various sites in Spain.
Who is the creator of the show?
Stephen Butchard, the writer behind The Last Kingdom and The Good Mothers.
Is Diana pregnant at the end of Series 1?
Yes, the subplot involving IVF concludes with the couple facing the danger of their world while expecting a child.
What is the “Project Zeus” equivalent in this show?
While not named “Project Zeus,” the “missing shipment” from Colombia serves as the central crisis that triggers the plot’s primary conflict.
Is Saoirse-Monica Jackson in the show?
Yes, she plays Cheryl Crawford, moving away from her comedic Derry Girls roots for a grittier role.
Can I watch “This City is Ours” in the USA?
Yes, as of March 2026, it is available to stream on AMC+.
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