Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 11 hrs ago
This City Is Ours returns for season two with Michael drawn back into crime
BBC crime drama This City Is Ours returns for season two on 25 October, continuing its story in Liverpool and Spain.
The show follows Michael Kavanagh and the fictional Phelan crime family, whose drug business has been marked by betrayals and violence.
The new season begins six days after the first ended, when Michael and his pregnant partner Diana appear to have left the danger behind.
Ricardo’s killing brings a new threat: his brother Felipe targets Michael, while disputes over leadership trouble the Phelan family in Liverpool.
An old gangster named Ozzie also arrives seeking compensation and possibly revenge.
Michael is pulled back into the family’s criminal problems, putting Diana and her unborn baby at risk as the couple’s relationship remains central to the story.
The BBC has commissioned a third season, though no further details about it are given.
This City Is Ours returns for a second season on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 25 October 2026.
The Liverpool-set drama follows fictional crime boss Michael Kavanagh as he is drawn back into the Phelan family’s troubles.
The new season begins six days after the first season, with Michael and pregnant Diana on a break in the Mediterranean.
Ricardo’s death brings his brother Felipe into conflict with Michael, while a new arrival, Ozzie, seeks compensation or revenge.
Actors James Nelson-Joyce and Jack McMullen rejected claims that the series glamourises crime or negatively stereotypes Liverpool.
- Who
- The BBC drama This City Is Ours, starring James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh.
- What
- The series returns for season two, with Michael pulled back into crime and the Phelan family’s problems.
- When
- 25 October 2026.
- Where
- The drama is set in Liverpool and filmed across the city region and Spain.
- Why
- Not stated
Critics of the series
James Nelson-Joyce and Jack McMullen
Portrayal of Liverpool
Critics of the series
Some critics said the first season negatively stereotyped Liverpool.
James Nelson-Joyce and Jack McMullen
The actors rejected that claim and said they aimed to represent the city authentically.
Portrayal of crime
Critics of the series
Critics claimed the series glamourises crime.
James Nelson-Joyce and Jack McMullen
McMullen said the show does not glamourise crime and is honest about the harm it causes.
The second season opens with Michael and Diana taking a break on a boat in the Mediterranean.
The BBC published an interview in which the lead actors defended the series against claims it glamourises crime and portrays Liverpool negatively.
Season two is scheduled to return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
- Season two return
- 25 October 2026
- Setting
- Liverpool
- Michael Kavanagh
- Played by James Nelson-Joyce
- Diana
- Played by Hannah Onslow; pregnant in season two
- Felipe
- Played by Álvaro Morte; Ricardo’s younger brother
- Third series
- Commissioned by the BBC
3 sources
What people are saying
We're not glamourising anything in the show. I think we're very honest about the harm that this sort of stuff causes.
If you're making a show like this - in the city about the city - then it has to feel authentic.