James Norton stars in the BBC crime drama McMafia, which critics have hailed as a 'thrilling watch' comparable to The Night Manager. Despite its acclaim, the series was cancelled after one season, and fans continue to clamour for more episodes.
What Is McMafia About?
Spanning eight episodes, McMafia plunges viewers into the murky world of the Russian mafia. Norton plays Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss living in London, whose father schemes to break free from the organisation. As his family's sinister past is exposed, Alex confronts a dangerous underworld of syndicates, money laundering, and corrupt political figures.
Critical Acclaim and Comparisons
Critic James Croot described the show as 'a thrilling watch that's filled with provocative gestures, portentous moments and the same gripping tension that made fellow recent British series like Bodyguard and The Night Manager so binge-worthy.' The series first aired in January 2018 and was warmly received, but never progressed beyond its initial run.
Fan Reactions
One devoted fan on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: 'McMafia was the best and smartest TV show about money laundering I've ever seen. The writing was well researched; the writers knew their subject matter. The scripts were very good, and James Norton's performance was awesome. I hope Norton is strongly considered for the role of James Bond before he gets too old.'
Another admirer shared: 'Well-put together show with a strong plot that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. Props for casting real Russian actors with authentic accents! Disappointing that there are only 8 episodes in the very first season, I want more!'
Cast and Performances
Alongside Norton, McMafia stars Juliet Rylance as Alex's fiancée, Aleksey Serebryakov as his father, David Strathairn, Merab Ninidze, and Faye Marsay. Fans have highlighted how Norton 'disappeared' into the character, a performance 'fascinating to watch'. Norton is no stranger to crime dramas, having played Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley and Sidney Chambers in Grantchester.
Why Was McMafia Cancelled?
The series was never recommissioned for a second season, despite its warm reception. After years of uncertainty, Misha Glenny, whose book inspired the show, confirmed in 2025 'with great sadness' that McMafia had been axed. It came 'close to filming' the second series on two occasions, but the reason for its cancellation remains a mystery.
All eight episodes of McMafia are available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer.
