The BBC's latest crime thriller, This City Is Ours, has captivated audiences since its premiere on March 23, 2025. Featuring a stellar cast, including Sean Bean as the drug lord Ronnie Phelan, the show has been praised as one of the best new dramas in years, drawing comparisons to acclaimed series like Kin and The Sopranos.
Set against the gritty backdrop of Liverpool, This City Is Ours explores the complicated dynamics within a crime family on the brink of collapse. After decades of ruling the drug trade, Ronnie is contemplating retirement, a decision that sends shockwaves through both his empire and personal life. His protégé, Michael Kavanagh, portrayed by James Nelson-Joyce, has other plans. With Jamie Phelan, Ronnie's son, eager to inherit the family’s criminal enterprise, tensions rise and alliances are tested amidst love, ambition, and betrayal.
Viewers have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm for the show. James F Manning, who reviewed it on Google, stated, "This is a brilliant crime drama. James Nelson-Joyce is brilliant as Michael Kavanagh... a right-hand man of one of the most powerful crime families in Liverpool." Other fans echoed his sentiments, with one praising the series as "one of the best dramas I’ve seen in years."
Moreover, the cast includes an impressive lineup of actors, such as Jack McMullen as Jamie and Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams, Michael's love interest. The intertwining of Michael's romantic life with his criminal endeavors adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as expressed by co-star Laura Aikman, who commented on the series, "It’s interesting to see how quickly they can turn against each other under certain circumstances."
But the show’s influence extends beyond just entertainment; it has also significantly bolstered the local economy. The Liverpool City Region’s Production Fund invested in This City Is Ours, contributing £9 million to the area, as confirmed by Steve Rotheram, the region's mayor. In his words, "The LCR Production Fund isn’t just bringing millions into our local economy—it’s opening doors for local people, giving them life-changing opportunities and helping them get a foot in the door of the industry." This investment created around 300 jobs and supported 17 trainees and two apprentices during the 17 weeks of filming across various iconic Liverpool locations.
As fans have started binge-watching the entire series, it’s not just the acting and storytelling that have captured their attention. The series has acquired a reputation for strong performances and unexpected plot twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. One fan remarked, "Wow! Way more to this than I expected and such an exciting edge of your seat watch. Excellent story and plot twists. Acting from all of the cast is top notch. Highly recommended!" This sentiment was shared by many, with numerous viewers eager for a second series.
However, the show does not shy away from darker themes inherent in the world of organized crime. As the stakes rise, the chaos reaches a peak when a shipment of cocaine from Colombia goes missing, triggering a violent power struggle among the gang members. While this might sound like a familiar trope, the fresh execution and strong character development propel the story forward in compelling ways.
As the plot unfolds, the series delves into themes of family loyalty versus ambition. Characters are often faced with difficult choices that test their morals and commitment to one another. This is further highlighted by the character dynamics between Ronnie and Michael, particularly when secret agendas come to light. Critics and fans alike are keen to see how these tensions play out in future episodes.
The incorporation of Liverpool's vibrant culture, coupled with a lively soundtrack, enhances the viewing experience. The city acts as a character in its own right, providing authenticity to the storylines. As fans take to Twitter, many comment on the show's atmospheric depiction of their city, reinforcing a sense of local pride.
Despite its thriller elements, the show has a love story at its core, which Sean Bean described in a press release: "At the end of the day, it’s a love story—but not your normal romance, it’s a brand new love story for now. People watching are going to love it, too." This blend of crime drama and personal stakes appears to resonate with viewers, making it a timely addition to BBC's drama lineup.
As episode two aired, audiences were already buzzing with theories and insights, eager to decipher the intricate web of relations and the inevitable twists ahead, signaling a promising future for the series. One viewer stated, “Haven't seen anything decent on the beeb in forever, and then they drop #thiscityisours, and I remember how good they are. Just the first episode, but I'm hooked.”
With all episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, This City Is Ours ensures that fans can dive deep into the world of gang warfare and family drama anytime they wish. New episodes are scheduled to air on BBC One, maintaining the excitement and engagement of this gripping narrative.
