'This City is Ours' Renewed for Second Series After Breakout Success on BBC iPlayer

Image: BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack

By Jon Donnis

The critically acclaimed Liverpool-set crime drama This City is Ours will return for a second series on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, following the success of its debut run.

Created by Stephen Butchard and produced by Left Bank Pictures, the show follows Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana (Hannah Onslow), whose relationship is tested by the collapse of Michael's criminal empire. With Sean Bean co-starring as Ronnie, the drama explores betrayal, ambition and gang warfare after a key drug shipment disappears.

The first series has proved a major hit, attracting over 6.6 million viewers for its opening episode and becoming the BBC's most watched new drama of the year so far. It also sparked a viral moment thanks to the Phelan family's memorable line-dance to "House of Bamboo".

Viewers have raced ahead on BBC iPlayer, with nearly 3 million streaming the finale before its BBC One airing on Sunday 11 May.

Stephen Butchard expressed gratitude for the audience's investment, calling the opportunity to continue the story a "gift". Left Bank Pictures' Sian McWilliams teased more betrayals and unfinished business ahead.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised the show's "classy" delivery and strong audience response, confirming the new series will delve deeper into the Phelans' criminal underworld.

Series two will comprise eight episodes and continue to be written by Butchard. It will be executive produced by Andy Harries, Rebecca Hodgson and Sian McWilliams for Left Bank Pictures, with international distribution by Sony Pictures Television.

Series one of This City is Ours is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer. Further updates on series two are expected soon.