The BBC’s latest crime drama, This City Is Ours, has stormed onto screens in 2025, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of Liverpool’s underworld.

Premiering on March 23, 2025, this eight-part series, created by Stephen Butchard, blends visceral storytelling with complex characters, anchored by a stellar cast including Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce.

Set against the backdrop of Liverpool—a city with deep Irish roots—the show offers more than just a gangster tale; it’s a narrative of love, betrayal, and power that resonates with echoes of Irish influence.

Let’s dive into what makes this series compelling, explore its subtle Irish connections, and answer some burning fan questions.

A Tale of Crime and Redemption

At its core, This City Is Ours follows Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), a seasoned criminal who’s spent his life under the wing of crime boss Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean).

Michael’s world shifts when he falls in love with Diana (Hannah Onslow), sparking a desire to leave the drug trade behind.

Meanwhile, Ronnie’s retirement plans ignite a power struggle with his volatile son Jamie (Jack McMullen), threatening to unravel their cocaine empire.

Filmed in Liverpool and Marbella, Spain, the series juxtaposes gritty urban streets with sunlit villas, creating a stark visual contrast that mirrors its moral complexities.

The show’s Shakespearean undertones—betrayal, ambition, and hollow victories—have earned it comparisons to The Sopranos and The Godfather. Yet, it carves its own path with authentic Scouse dialogue and a focus on Liverpool’s unique identity, a city shaped by its docks, music, and immigrant heritage—including a significant Irish diaspora.

The Irish Connection: Liverpool’s Celtic Soul

Liverpool’s history is inseparable from Ireland. During the 19th century, the Great Famine drove hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants to the city, many arriving via its bustling port.

By 1841, over 20% of Liverpool’s population was Irish-born, leaving an indelible mark on its culture—think of the Beatles’ Irish ancestry or the city’s love for a good craic. This City Is Ours doesn’t explicitly spotlight this history, but the Irish influence hums beneath the surface.

Director Saul Dibb has noted Liverpool’s “Irish influence” as part of its dock-city character, a nod to the shared resilience and wit that define both places.

The christening scene in Episode 1, with its Catholic undertones and ostentatious celebration, feels like it could be set in Dublin as much as Liverpool. The Phelan family name itself—Ronnie, Elaine (Julie Graham), and Jamie—carries an Irish ring, hinting at ancestral ties to the Emerald Isle. While the series doesn’t delve into genealogy, this subtle flavor adds depth to its portrayal of a tight-knit, flawed clan.

Then there’s Saoirse-Monica Jackson, the Derry Girls star who plays Cheryl, a peripheral yet poignant figure. Her Northern Irish roots bring an authentic Celtic cadence to the cast, and her character’s warning to Diana—“There’s nothing good about our men”—echoes the sharp-tongued realism of Irish storytelling. It’s a small but striking link, tying Liverpool’s underworld to Ireland’s own narratives of struggle and survival.

Standout Performances and Irish Echoes

Sean Bean, with his unmistakable Yorkshire growl, commands as Ronnie Phelan, a patriarch contemplating legacy amid chaos.

James Nelson-Joyce, however, steals the show as Michael, his predatory intensity softened by a yearning for redemption. Critics have lauded his magnetic presence, with The Telegraph calling him “a puma on the prowl.” Hannah Onslow’s Diana brings quiet strength, while Jack McMullen’s Jamie is a loose cannon you love to hate.

The ensemble shines too—Julie Graham’s tough-as-nails Elaine and Mike Noble’s unforgettable Banksey add layers to the gang’s dynamic.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s Cheryl, though not central, carries an Irish grit that feels like a nod to Liverpool’s sister city across the Irish Sea. Her presence recalls tales like those of the Dubliners—ordinary lives caught in extraordinary strife—mirroring the women in This City Is Ours who navigate the fallout of their men’s choices.

Why It Works: Grit, Heart, and a Touch of Humor

Stephen Butchard’s writing is the series’ backbone, weaving tension with dark humor and authentic dialogue. Lines like “gone to Estepona” (code for death) showcase a coded language that feels both Scouse and Irish in its cleverness. The show’s pacing builds slowly, with Episode 1 setting the stage and Episode 2 igniting the power struggle, culminating in a stunning finale that critics call “operatic.”

Liverpool’s Irish heritage amplifies this authenticity. The city’s humor and heart—qualities often linked to its Celtic influx—shine through in moments like the gang’s casual banter over cocktails post-murder. It’s a blend of menace and farce that The New Statesman dubbed “a superior Scouse Dallas,” a compliment that could easily extend to an Irish gangster epic.

An Irish Angle: What Could Have Been

Imagine if This City Is Ours leaned harder into its Irish roots. A subplot tracing the Phelans’ origins to Irish immigrants fleeing the Famine could have added a historical layer, paralleling Michael’s quest for a new life with his ancestors’ escape. Or picture a rival gang from Dublin, bringing trans-Irish Sea tensions to the fore. While the series stands strong without these, the Irish spirit in Liverpool’s DNA offers fertile ground for future exploration—perhaps in a Series 2?

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Where can I watch This City Is Ours? The series is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with all eight episodes dropping on March 23, 2025. It also airs weekly on BBC One at 9 PM Sundays. Outside the UK, a VPN can unlock BBC iPlayer, though international distribution via Sony Pictures Television is pending.

Is This City Is Ours good? Yes! Reviews range from The Telegraph’s five stars for its “superb” thriller elements to The Guardian’s three-star “generic” critique. Fans praise its acting and twists, calling it “the best thing in years.”

Is there going to be a Series 2 of This City Is Ours? No official word yet. As of March 31, 2025, the BBC hasn’t confirmed a second season, but the show’s reception and open-ended potential suggest it’s possible.

What happens to Michael in This City Is Ours? Michael battles to protect Diana and their unborn child amid the gang’s collapse. The finale sees him confront Jamie, with a shocking resolution—watch to avoid spoilers!

Is the city on Amazon Prime? No, This City Is Ours isn’t on Amazon Prime. It’s a BBC exclusive for now.

What is This City Is Ours about on BBC? It’s a crime drama about Michael, a Liverpool gangster torn between love and loyalty as his boss retires and a power struggle erupts.

This City Is Ours Episode 1? It introduces Michael’s love for Diana and the chaos of a missing cocaine shipment, aired March 23, 2025.

How many episodes? Eight, all available on BBC iPlayer.

Review? Gritty, intense, and well-acted, with a slow-burn start that pays off.

Trailer? Check the BBC’s official YouTube channel for a tense preview.

Final Thoughts

This City Is Ours is a triumph of British drama, blending Liverpool’s rough charm with universal themes of love and power. Its Irish undertones—via heritage, cast, and spirit—add a unique hue, making it a must-watch for fans of crime sagas and Celtic connections alike. Catch it on BBC iPlayer and see why it’s sparking Series 2 buzz!