McMafia, a British crime drama starring James Norton, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer, drawing comparisons to popular series like Bodyguard and The Night Manager. The eight-episode series, which first premiered in January 2018, delves into the dangers of organised crime through the lens of the Russian mafia.
Plot and Cast
James Norton plays Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss living in London. As his father plots to escape the organisation, Alex's family's dark past resurfaces, forcing him to confront a world of syndicates, money laundering, and corrupt political leaders. The cast also includes Juliet Rylance as Alex's fiancée, Aleksey Serebryakov as his father, David Strathairn, Merab Ninidze, and Faye Marsay.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
Critic James Croot described the show as "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." Fans have praised Norton's performance, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer calling McMafia "the best and smartest TV show about money laundering I've ever seen." Another fan noted the actors "disappear" into their roles, making it "fascinating to watch."
Cancellation After One Season
Despite its positive reception, McMafia was never renewed for a second season. Misha Glenny, whose book inspired the series, confirmed in 2025 "with great sadness" that the show had been cancelled, revealing it was "close to filming" the second series twice before being dropped by the BBC. The reason for its cancellation remains unknown.
Where to Watch
All eight episodes of McMafia are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
