The BBC has ordered a third series of “This City Is Ours,” its Liverpool crime drama, before the second series reaches screens. Series two launches Sunday, Oct. 25, on BBC One and iPlayer. Commissioning a follow-up this early is unusual, and it signals how much confidence the corporation has in a show that gave it a rare breakout hit. The first series was the BBC’s most watched new drama launch of 2025, averaging 5.8 million viewers on a consolidated basis, with an opening episode that drew over 7.8 million.
Critics followed audiences. The debut series earned BAFTA Television Award nominations for best drama and for leading actor James Nelson-Joyce. Stephen Butchard created the series and wrote it. He returns as lead writer for series three. Butchard, who grew up in Kirkby, will again shoot at home. Production on the third run takes place in the Liverpool city region next year, and he credited the “breathtaking response” to series one for the decision.
The story centers on crime boss Ronnie Phelan, played by Sean Bean, who tries to retire and triggers a power struggle between his right-hand man Michael Kavanagh and his son Jamie. Series two picks up with Michael and Diana barely settled in Spain before they are pulled back to answer questions about Ricardo’s death. Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Onslow return in those roles, joined by Shaun Evans as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, fresh from prison, and Álvaro Morte of “Money Heist” as Felipe.
BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt commissioned the series, which is produced by Left Bank Pictures. Charlotte Moore, Rebecca Hodgson and Sian McWilliams executive produce for Left Bank, alongside Butchard and the BBC’s Jo McClellan. Left Bank’s Hodgson said the company is thrilled to bring the “family” back together. The show also travels. Sony Pictures Television distributes it internationally, and AMC+ carries the first series in the United States. The BBC has not announced a start date for series three.
