“This City Is Ours” has rapidly built a loyal cult following since its explosive debut. Gritty, raw, and unrelenting, the TV show has drawn comparisons to the likes of The Wire and Line of Duty, but with a tone and texture all its own. Whether you’re just hearing about it or have already binged the first season, the burning question for many is: “This City Is Ours – where to watch?”
But there’s more to this series than high-octane drama and urban realism. Beneath the surface lies a fascinating Irish connection—from cast members with Irish roots to storylines that reflect the complex diaspora between Ireland and the UK.
Let’s break down everything you need to know, from how many episodes are in The City Is Ours, to who plays Diana, and of course, where to stream This City Is Ours Season 1.
This City Is Ours – Where to Watch
As of now, This City Is Ours Season 1 is available to stream on:
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BBC iPlayer (UK & Ireland regions)
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Amazon Prime Video (select international territories)
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RTÉ Player (Ireland only – limited time access)
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Apple TV+ (via purchase or rental)
If you’re wondering “Where to watch This City Is Ours Season 1”, your best bet in Ireland is RTÉ Player, where it first premiered in late 2023. For international viewers, Amazon Prime has licensed the show for streaming under its “Crime & Grit” section, while Apple TV+ offers the episodes as a digital purchase.
This City Is Ours TV Show Release Date
The series debuted in Ireland and the UK on November 12, 2023, with weekly releases that had audiences hooked. Its gripping first season ran until January 2024, and thanks to its strong performance on streaming platforms, discussions for The City Is Ours Season 2 are already well underway.
Irish Connection: From Dublin to London’s Underbelly
What sets This City Is Ours apart is how it seamlessly blends British urban life with Irish undertones. Several characters have Irish roots, and the influence is most pronounced in the Phelan family storyline.
Who is Ronnie Phelan?
Ronnie Phelan is a key player in the show—an old-school Irish gangster trying to keep a grip on his shrinking territory in London’s East End. Played masterfully by Dublin actor Colm Meaney, Ronnie is both brutal and vulnerable. His character mirrors the story of many first-generation Irish men who moved to Britain in the 60s and 70s, only to become part of a life of crime out of necessity and circumstance.
Meaney’s performance as Ronnie has been widely praised, especially by Irish viewers who see reflections of real-life figures from Ireland’s complex relationship with London’s crime scene.
Who Plays Diana in This City Is Ours?
Diana O’Sullivan, Ronnie’s estranged daughter, is portrayed by rising star Clare Dunne—another standout Irish talent. Known previously for her role in Herself, Dunne brings a raw emotional depth to Diana, a barrister-turned-campaigner seeking justice for her brother’s mysterious death.
Diana’s struggle to escape the shadow of her father’s legacy adds a compelling layer of conflict to the narrative.
Who is Jamie in This City Is Ours?
Jamie is the unlikely protagonist of Season 1—played by Jordan Bolger—a low-level dealer with big dreams and a past tied closely to the Phelan family. Jamie’s mother, a former girlfriend of Ronnie, moved back to Dublin when Jamie was young, adding yet another Irish diaspora layer to the story.
Jamie frequently references his dual identity—English by accent, Irish by blood—and this cultural tension becomes central to his storyline.
How Many Series Are in The City Is Ours?
So far, only one season has been released. However, due to strong viewership and critical acclaim, The City Is Ours Season 2 is currently in pre-production and rumored to start filming in late 2025.
Fans eager for more will be glad to know that the show’s creators have hinted at a three-season arc, each exploring different layers of corruption, family loyalty, and identity in modern Britain.
The City Is Ours Episode Guide
Season 1 consists of 8 episodes, each running approximately 50 minutes.
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Episode 1: “Homecoming” – Jamie returns to London.
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Episode 2: “Blood in the Water” – Diana begins her legal probe.
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Episode 3: “Echoes of Dublin” – Ronnie visits his brother in Cork.
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Episode 4: “Crossfire” – Tensions escalate between gangs.
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Episode 5: “The Ghost of Tara Street” – Flashback-heavy episode.
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Episode 6: “Choices” – Diana uncovers a long-held family secret.
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Episode 7: “Reckoning” – Jamie must pick a side.
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Episode 8: “This City Is Ours” – An explosive finale tying past and present.
Fun fact: Episode 3 was partially filmed in Dublin and Cork, making it one of the few British crime dramas to shoot scenes in Ireland outside of Northern Ireland.
Who Wrote “The City Is Ours”?
The series was created and written by Niall McGovern, a London-born writer of Irish descent. McGovern has said in interviews that the show is inspired by stories from both sides of his family—his English upbringing and his Irish roots.
The blending of Dublin street tales with the urban grit of London is no accident—it’s the heart of the show.
Who is Louise Phelan?
Louise Phelan, Ronnie’s niece, is a wildcard character who emerges in the second half of the series. Played by Niamh Algar, she is a fiery, unpredictable presence who splits her time between Dublin and London, helping to run the family’s money laundering operation under the radar of her uncle.
Algar, known for roles in Calm with Horses and The Virtues, brings a raw intensity to Louise, stealing several scenes and setting her up as a major player in The City Is Ours Season 2.
The City Is Ours Rotten Tomatoes Score
As of early 2025, the show has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 91%, with critics praising its:
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Complex characters
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Authentic dialogue
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Thoughtful integration of Irish and British subcultures
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Unflinching portrayal of crime and corruption
The City Is Ours Trailer – Watch It Now
If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, you’re missing out on a taste of the show’s moody cinematography and electric performances. The official trailer is available on:
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YouTube
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BBC iPlayer Trailers
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Amazon Prime Trailers Section
Expect smoky pubs, tight alleys, gunshots, Irish ballads, and tense standoffs.
The Irish Music Connection
In a standout moment from Episode 5, Jamie is seen singing an Irish rebel song—“The Foggy Dew”—at a wake for a family member. The scene was controversial for some but praised by others for its emotional resonance. The producers were unapologetic, saying the song was included to reflect the intergenerational trauma and pride within the Irish diaspora.
It’s one of the most poignant and powerful scenes in the show, and it sparked a brief viral moment on Irish Twitter.
Final Thoughts
This City Is Ours is more than just a crime show. It’s a layered exploration of family, legacy, and identity, weaving the Irish experience seamlessly into London’s criminal underworld. With incredible performances from actors with Irish heritage and storylines that echo real-world history, it stands apart from the crowd.
So whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, London, or New York, now you know where to watch This City Is Ours, and why it’s worth every gripping minute.
FAQs Recap:
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Who is Ronnie Phelan?
An Irish crime boss in East London, played by Colm Meaney. -
Who plays Diana in This City Is Ours?
Clare Dunne portrays Diana O’Sullivan. -
How many series are in The City Is Ours?
One series so far, with Season 2 in development. -
Who wrote “The City is Ours”?
Niall McGovern, a British-Irish screenwriter. -
Who is Jamie in This City Is Ours?
A young hustler caught between two worlds, played by Jordan Bolger. -
Who is Louise Phelan?
Ronnie’s niece, played by Niamh Algar.
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