The BBC has confirmed that the Liverpool crime drama This City is Ours will return for a second series on Sunday, October 25, taking over the slot previously held by the prison drama Time, which aired its finale on Sunday, October 18.
Time, starring David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran, concluded what is believed to be its final series. The three-part season was set in a Young Offenders Institution, following the show's debut in 2021 with Stephen Graham and Sean Bean, and a second series in 2023 featuring Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey.
Time's Final Series Draws Emotional Reactions
The BBC had previously teased the storyline: “Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes in the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?”
“Meanwhile, two teenage young offenders, Peter and James, struggle through the terrifying first weeks and months of their incarceration. Can James ever face his broken parents after an unforgivable act of violence and will Peter tell the truth about the death of an innocent man, or does family loyalty mean more?”
“An unlikely friendship between them looks to shift the trajectory of their futures, but in an increasingly unstable environment, is change ever possible?”
Viewers described the programme as "gut-wrenching" as it concluded. One person wrote: "It's mixed emotions watching Time. This series with the young offenders has been the hardest watch, because you feel helpless. So many issues that can't be solved over night (or really even at all). It's so sad."
Another called it "harrowing, sad, devastating but brilliant!" while someone else said: "Just finished episode 3 and it was outstandingly brilliant, the gasp moment hits hard the endings are perfect. The BBC at its finest."
One viewer described it as "a phenomenal piece of television," adding: "The first episode was heartbreaking, and by the third, I genuinely gasped and had to hit pause to process what I'd just watched. The emotional impact of this series is something else." Another viewer wrote: "If you still believe in quality BBC drama can I recommend #Time which concludes tonight. Harrowing."
This City is Ours Returns with New Cast Additions
The BBC has confirmed that This City is Ours will take over the slot, with its second series scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, October 25. The synopsis teases: "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."
James Nelson-Joyce reprises his role as Michael Kavanagh alongside Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams. The second series welcomes new additions Shaun Evans as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, recently released from prison, and Álvaro Morte as Felipe Guzman, a member of the Colombian cartel and younger brother of Ricardo, who was killed at the close of the first series.
Fans Praise the Liverpool Drama
The Liverpudlian drama, which also featured Sean Bean in the opening season (though his character was killed off), was hailed "absolutely brilliant" by fans when it first aired. One fan said: "Liverpool crime drama is top notch," as another wrote: "Binge watched in one day." Another declared it "a true masterpiece", with yet another adding: "Easily one of the best TV shows I've watched for a very long time."
Someone else described the "gritty" drama as "riveting", while another enthused: "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."
Time is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. This City is Ours airs from 9pm on Sunday, October 25, on BBC One and iPlayer.
