Fans are clamouring for a second series of the BBC crime drama McMafia, which has been described as 'as good as The Night Manager'. The show, starring James Norton, was cancelled after just one season, leaving viewers gutted.
What Happened to McMafia?
McMafia aired in January 2018 and ran for eight episodes. It follows Alex Godman (James Norton), the son of a Russian mafia boss in London, as he gets drawn into the world of organised crime, money laundering, and corrupt politics. Despite critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, the BBC never commissioned a second series.
In 2025, Misha Glenny, whose book inspired the show, confirmed 'with great sadness' that McMafia had been cancelled. He revealed that a second series was 'close to filming' twice, but the reasons for its axing remain unclear.
Critical and Fan Reception
Critic James Croot praised the programme, stating: '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.'
One fan on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: 'McMafia was the best and smartest TV show about money laundering I've ever seen on TV. The writing was well researched; the writers knew their subject matter.' They added: '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 viewer commented: '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
Norton leads the cast alongside Juliet Rylance as Alex's fiancée, Aleksey Serebryakov as his father, David Strathairn, Merab Ninidze, and Faye Marsay. Fans have remarked on how the actors 'disappear' into their characters, which is 'fascinating to watch'. Norton is no stranger to gritty crime dramas, having previously played Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley and Sidney Chambers in Grantchester.
Where to Watch McMafia
All eight episodes of McMafia are currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
