The BBC has confirmed that crime drama This City is Ours will return for a third series, with filming scheduled to take place in Liverpool in 2027. The renewal was announced before the second season had even made its debut.
Creator on the show's success
Creator Stephen Butchard told the BBC there had been a "quite breathtaking response" to the first outing, adding: "Myself, the cast and our wonderful crew were all determined not to drop the ball and endeavour to deliver an even better series two."
"No spoilers, but I'm hoping this fantastic early commission from the BBC for a third series is an indication that we may have come close to doing just that. Many, many thanks to Lindsay Salt, Jo McClellan and all at BBC Drama for their never-ending support."
"And of course, sincere thanks to all who have watched, embraced and spread the word. I hope you enjoy series two as much as we enjoyed making it - can't wait to do it all over again."
Season two twists and new threats
The second series has already delivered numerous shocking twists, leaving audiences eager to discover what becomes of Banksey, played by Mike Noble. The show, shot on location across Merseyside and Spain, follows Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana (Hannah Onslow) as they are pulled back into the criminal underworld to face consequences for Ricardo Guzman's (Daniel Cerqueira) murder.
His younger sibling, Felipe (Álvaro Morte), has now assumed control of the cartel and wastes little time seeking retribution, vowing to obliterate what Michael holds most dear. A fresh danger also emerges in the form of Ozzie Thompson (Shaun Evans), a recently-freed old-school criminal from Ronnie's (Sean Bean) history, who is seeking either compensation or vengeance.
Viewer response and casting hopes
According to the BBC, the hit series has pulled in an average of 6.3 million viewers thus far. Casting announcements for series three are expected shortly, though actor Nelson-Joyce has already put forward Line of Duty's Daniel Mays for a potential cameo, telling Digital Spy the one performer he would most love to share scenes with. He said: "So many people have messaged me going 'I want to be in this', but [I would pick] Daniel Mays," while actress Onslow suggested Anne-Marie Duff would provide a "great" foil to Julie Graham's Elaine Phelan.
Fans have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to plead for the third series to land sooner rather than later, with one posting: "What can I say #thiscityisours absolutely amazing cannot wait for Season 3 sorry but my favourite is #Banksy Mike Noble." Another added: "Roll on season 3 #ThisCityIsOurs." Over on Facebook, one enthusiast wrote: "Please close the city and start filming series 3.. gutted it's come to the end.. I need more." Another added: "Absolutely brilliant, here's to season 3."
Opening up on returning for season two, Jamie Phelan actor Jack McMullen told the BBC ahead of the premiere: "This is one of those jobs that just ticks every box. I've been friends with James Nelson-Joyce, Bobby Schofield (Bonehead), and Mike Noble (Banksey) for a long time, and to get to do a job like this at home in Liverpool and experience it with the local people is so special."
"The response that we've got has just blown me away. That was one of the things that was most important to us at the beginning - we're making a show that's about the city, for the city, in a way. When we were shooting series one, I was thinking about how it was going to be received by the people of Liverpool, and the response has been nothing but positive."
This City is Ours season 2 is on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays on BBC One.
