Paramount+ debuted its highly anticipated original series, MobLand, on March 30, 2025, captivating audiences with its gritty portrayal of London’s criminal underworld. Starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, the show follows two rival crime families embroiled in a fierce conflict, with Hardy playing Harry Da Souza, a fixer tasked with navigating the treacherous landscape of loyalty and survival.
Created by Ronan Bennett, known for the British crime drama Top Boy, MobLand has drawn comparisons to the works of Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the popular Yellowstone franchise. Although the show is not connected to Sheridan, its themes resonate with fans of his series, such as family loyalty, violence, and the struggle for power.
With its first season consisting of ten episodes, MobLand will release new episodes every Sunday, culminating in a finale on June 1, 2025. The series is set against the backdrop of London, depicting the brutal conflict between the Harrigans and the Stevensons, two crime families whose enterprises span the globe.
In the premiere episode, Harry Da Souza is called upon to resolve a problem after a night out goes awry for the sons of the rival families. As tensions escalate, Conrad Harrigan, portrayed by Brosnan, gathers his clan to devise a plan to regain control. The show’s plot intricacies and character dynamics are expected to keep viewers engaged as the story unfolds.
While MobLand is a departure from Sheridan's neo-Western genre, its appeal to a traditionally masculine audience is evident. The series tackles familiar themes of crime, territory, and family, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy Sheridan’s storytelling style. However, the show’s unique flavor is heavily influenced by director Guy Ritchie, known for his sharp and gritty storytelling.
As MobLand launched, it coincided with the nearing conclusion of Sheridan's 1923, which airs its season finale on April 6, 2025. This timing is fortuitous for Paramount+, as many viewers looking for similar programming may find MobLand a fitting successor to fill the void left by 1923.
Critics have had mixed reactions to the series. Some praise Hardy's performance as Harry Da Souza, noting that he strikes the right balance between being intelligent and deferential, while others feel that the show lacks originality. One critic remarked, "Hardy is excellent here, finding the right tone for a man who is often the smartest one in the room but can't let on that he knows that." Yet, another noted that the show appears to be filled with Ritchie's clichs, stating, "It's the tiresome Ritchie clichés that grate – and they're everywhere."
Despite the mixed reviews, MobLand has the potential to attract a dedicated following. The star-studded cast, which includes Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, and Helen Mirren, adds to the show's allure. Mirren's role as Maeve Harrigan, Conrad's wife, showcases her versatility, even as some critics have described her character as a "coke-snorting gangster granny"—an image that may not resonate well with all viewers.
For those interested in watching MobLand, it is available for streaming on Paramount+, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. Each of these services offers free trials for new subscribers, making it easy for viewers to explore the series without immediate commitment. Paramount+ plans start at $7.99 per month after a 7-day free trial, while Fubo and DirecTV Stream provide various packages that include live TV channels and additional features.
As Paramount+ continues to expand its repertoire of original programming, MobLand represents a strategic move to diversify its offerings beyond the Taylor Sheridan umbrella. The platform has relied heavily on Sheridan's works, including Yellowstone and its prequels, but the introduction of MobLand indicates a desire to branch out and explore new narratives.
In a competitive streaming landscape, Paramount+ recognizes the importance of developing captivating new series. With the combination of Ritchie’s directing style and Bennett’s storytelling, MobLand is poised to carve out its niche among crime dramas. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and whether it can stand on its own merit, distinct from the comparisons to Sheridan's acclaimed works.
In summary, MobLand debuted on March 30, 2025, and has quickly become a focal point for fans of crime dramas. With a compelling cast, a gripping storyline, and the influence of notable creators, it aims to engage audiences as it unfolds weekly on Paramount+. Whether it will ultimately resonate with viewers or be seen as just another entry in the crowded genre remains to be seen.
