James Norton's BBC iPlayer series McMafia has been hailed as a 'thrilling watch' that rivals The Night Manager, with fans demanding more episodes. The eight-part crime drama explores the perils of organised crime, immersing audiences in the realm of the Russian mafia.
Plot and Cast
McMafia features James Norton as Alex Godman, son of a Russian mafia boss residing in London, whose father is attempting to break free from the organisation. When his family's sinister history comes to light, he finds himself compelled to confront a shadowy world of criminal syndicates, money laundering, and compromised political figures. The cast includes Juliet Rylance as Alex's fiancée, Aleksey Serebryakov as his father, and David Strathairn, Merab Ninidze, and Faye Marsay in supporting roles.
Critical Reception
Critic James Croot praised the programme, saying: '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 admirer of the series expressed their enthusiasm on Rotten Tomatoes, saying: '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.'
Cancellation After One Season
Originally broadcast in January 2018, fans anxiously awaited a continuation of the compelling narrative, but were ultimately disappointed when no further episodes materialised beyond the initial eight-part run. Despite favourable reception upon release, the series wasn't commissioned for a second run, and any plans in development were abandoned by the BBC. Following years of uncertainty, Misha Glenny, whose book formed the basis for the programme's narrative, confirmed in 2025 'with great sadness' that McMafia had been axed and came 'close to filming' the second series on two occasions.
Audience Praise
Audiences have highlighted how the performers 'disappear' into their roles, creating something 'fascinating to watch'. One McMafia fan said: '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!'
Where to Watch
All eight episodes of McMafia are available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer.
