The BBC crime drama This City is Ours has been commissioned for a third series, just days before its second season is due to air. The show, which stars Sean Bean as gang leader Ronnie Phelan, first aired in 2025 and has been praised by fans as a “masterpiece”.
Third series confirmed ahead of season two premiere
The second season of This City is Ours is set to return to screens on Sunday, October 25. Stars of the show, including Laura Aikman and Julie Graham, appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (20 October) where they confirmed the news.
Julie Graham shared: “The show has been commissioned for series three.” She went on to clarify: “Whether all the characters come back, you just don’t know. They’re bold enough to get rid of a main character, we just don’t know what this show, but that’s the surprise. Anyway, we’re over the moon, it’s incredible, it’s a testament to the show.”
Cast and crew react to early commission
Speaking about the production, Julie added: “It’s testament to the show that every single crew member came back to do a second series. We’ve got a fantastic production team, an amazing crew, obviously a stellar cast. It was great fun and even though it’s a very serious show, the subject matter, it’s great fun to make.”
Hannah Onslow, who plays Diana Williams, said: “It’s a really hard-working cast and crew and they all really deserve it.”
Stephen Butchard, creator, lead writer and executive producer, said: “Following the quite breathtaking response to series one, 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!”
What to expect in series two
The BBC previously teased the plot for the new season: “Picking up from where things were left at the end of series one, Michael and Diana have barely arrived in Spain when they are dragged back into the fold to answer questions around Ricardo’s death. Back in Liverpool, tensions continue to bubble amongst the remaining members of the gang. Meanwhile, an old school gangster from Ronnie's era, recently out of prison, wants compensation from the firm.”
Julie hinted that there’s “a lot of jeopardy” in the upcoming episodes, while Hannah said: “[Creator Stephen Butchard] is so good at those ‘hold your breath’ little set pieces, they come hard and fast. As the series goes on, it gets more and more tense.”
The second season sees James Nelson-Joyce return as Michael Kavanagh alongside Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams. New cast members include Shaun Evans as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, recently out of prison, and Álvaro Morte as Felipe Guzman, a member of the Colombian cartel and younger brother of Ricardo, who was murdered at the end of the first series.
Fan and executive praise
Fans have previously called the show “absolutely brilliant”, with one saying: “Liverpool crime drama is top notch,” and another writing: “Binge watched in one day.” Someone else described the “gritty” drama as “riveting”, while another said: “An absolutely wonderful drama, full of Scouse wit, lurking, danger and glamour set in the backdrop of our beautiful city. The plot is cleverly crafted with some jaw-dropping moments.” Another called it “a true masterpiece”, and one praised it as “Easily one of the best TV shows I’ve watched for a very long time.”
Rebecca Hodgson, executive producer at Left Bank, said: “Left Bank are thrilled to be getting the This City is Ours family back together. The world that Stephen Butchard has created is so special and one that we all love spending time in. Our amazing cast and crew, led by lead director Saul Dibb, have stuck with us for two series, and it’s testimony to their talent that we have been commissioned for a third series. We are very grateful to Lindsay Salt and Jo McClellan at the BBC for continuing to believe in us and for wanting more. We can’t wait for our audience to see series two and then series three!”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “We're delighted to share that This City is Ours will return for a third series. Stephen Butchard and the team at Left Bank have built a world filled with ambition, authenticity and heart that has been embraced by millions. With series two still to come this weekend, there's so much for viewers to look forward to.”
This City is Ours airs from 9pm on Sunday, October 25, on BBC One and iPlayer.
