Sean Bean returns to British television in This City Is Ours, a crime drama series set in Liverpool that premiered on BBC One in March 2025. The eight-episode saga centers on the Phelan crime family as their patriarch Ronnie considers stepping away from the business, triggering a dangerous succession battle between his son Jamie and trusted deputy Michael Kavanagh.
Bean, known for roles in Game of Thrones, Sharp Objects, and numerous crime dramas, portrays gang leader Ronnie Phelan in a story that blends family tension with organised crime. The series launched on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 23 March 2025, with all episodes available immediately on the streaming platform.
What is the release date for Sean Bean’s new series This City Is Ours?
This City Is Ours premiered on BBC One on 23 March 2025 at 9pm, with all eight episodes available on BBC iPlayer from launch. The series ran for eight consecutive Sundays through to 11 May 2025. Viewers in the United States gained access when the show launched on AMC+ in March 2026.
All eight episodes of season 1 were available on BBC iPlayer from the premiere date, allowing UK viewers to watch immediately or follow the weekly broadcast schedule. No confirmed Netflix availability has been announced for 2025 or beyond.
Episode-by-episode breakdown
| Episode | Director | Writer | Release Date | UK Viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saul Dibb | Stephen Butchard | 23 Mar 2025 | 3.64 |
| 2 | Saul Dibb | Stephen Butchard | 30 Mar 2025 | 3.35 |
| 3 | Saul Dibb | Stephen Butchard | 6 Apr 2025 | 3.41 |
| 4 | John Hayes | Robbie O’Neill and Stephen Butchard | 13 Apr 2025 | 3.50 |
| 5 | John Hayes | Robbie O’Neill and Stephen Butchard | 20 Apr 2025 | 3.92 |
| 6 | John Hayes | Stephen Butchard | 27 Apr 2025 | 4.11 |
| 7 | Eshref Reybrouck | Stephen Butchard | 4 May 2025 | 3.74 |
| 8 | Eshref Reybrouck | Stephen Butchard | 11 May 2025 | 3.48 |
Production timeline
- Commissioned by BBC in February 2024
- Filming began in Liverpool and Spain in May 2024
- Trailer released by BBC media centre in March 2025
- Season 1 premiered 23 March 2025 on BBC One
- Season 2 renewed in May 2025
- Season 2 filming began in October 2025
- US premiere on AMC+ on 5 March 2026
Who is in the cast of Sean Bean’s new series?
The central cast brings together established British talent alongside rising stars. Sean Bean leads as Ronnie Phelan, the aging crime family patriarch whose retirement plans ignite conflict. James Nelson-Joyce plays Michael Kavanagh, Ronnie’s loyal right-hand man and potential successor. Jack McMullen portrays Jamie Phelan, Ronnie’s son who also covets leadership of the organisation.
Julie Graham appears as Elaine Phelan, Ronnie’s wife who holds significant influence within the family business. Laura Aikman plays Rachel Duffy, Ronnie’s niece connected to the family’s operations. Hannah Onslow stars as Diana Williams, Michael’s romantic interest whose involvement with the gang sets off a chain of events central to the plot.
Additional performers include Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Darci Shaw in unspecified roles. The ensemble also features characters developed through the series by writers Stephen Butchard, Robbie O’Neill, and the directorial team.
Key cast members
- Sean Bean – Ronnie Phelan (gang leader and patriarch)
- James Nelson-Joyce – Michael Kavanagh (deputy and likely successor)
- Jack McMullen – Jamie Phelan (Ronnie’s son)
- Julie Graham – Elaine Phelan (wife and co-leader)
- Laura Aikman – Rachel Duffy (niece)
- Hannah Onslow – Diana Williams (Michael’s girlfriend)
What is Sean Bean’s new drama series in 2025?
This City Is Ours represents Sean Bean’s latest venture into crime drama territory, a genre the actor has explored throughout his career. The series was created by Stephen Butchard and produced by Left Bank Pictures, the studio behind Vikings and other historical dramas. The BBC commissioned the project in February 2024, with filming commencing in Liverpool and Spain during May 2024.
The narrative centers on what happens when a notorious gang boss steps back from his empire. Chaos erupts within the Phelan organisation as competing interests surface. The show weaves together the power struggle for control with a forbidden love affair between Michael Kavanagh and Diana Williams, creating tension across both criminal and personal fronts.
Season 1 concluded on 11 May 2025 after eight weekly episodes. The series was renewed for a second season in May 2025, with filming beginning in October 2025. No specific season 2 release date has been announced as of available records.
Is there a season 2 of This City Is Ours with Sean Bean?
BBC confirmed a second season renewal in May 2025, shortly after the first season concluded its initial broadcast run. Production commenced in October 2025, with Sean Bean expected to return as Ronnie Phelan based on the announced renewal.
Details about season 2 remain limited. No specific episode count, plot synopsis, or release date has been officially announced for the upcoming season. Information about whether Jamie Phelan’s storyline continues, how Michael Kavanagh’s position evolves, or whether the Phelan family’s circumstances change following the events of season 1 has not been made public.
Where to watch Sean Bean’s new BBC series?
UK viewers can access This City Is Ours through BBC One during its weekly broadcast or via BBC iPlayer, where all episodes were available immediately upon premiere. The streaming platform allows viewers to watch episodes on demand at any time following their initial availability.
American audiences gained access when the series launched on AMC+ in March 2026. This marks the first confirmed international distribution agreement for the programme. Reports indicate the series is also referenced in connection with a potential Sky crossover project titled Original Gangsters, though concrete details about that collaboration remain unavailable.
Confirmed viewing options
- BBC One – Live broadcast, Sundays at 9pm (UK)
- BBC iPlayer – Streaming with all episodes available from launch (UK)
- AMC+ – US streaming premiere 5 March 2026
What do we know for certain, and what remains unclear?
Established information
- Sean Bean stars as Ronnie Phelan, gang leader and patriarch
- Series premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 23 March 2025
- Eight episodes aired weekly through 11 May 2025
- Viewership ranged from 3.35 to 4.11 million across episodes
- Season 2 was renewed in May 2025
- Filming for season 2 began October 2025
- US availability on AMC+ began 5 March 2026
- Created by Stephen Butchard, produced by Left Bank Pictures
Information that remains unclear
- Specific release date for season 2
- Whether Netflix will carry the series
- Details of season 2 plot or character trajectories
- International availability beyond AMC+
- Exact details of the Sky Original Gangsters connection
How does This City Is Ours fit into Sean Bean’s career?
Sean Bean has built a substantial reputation in crime and thriller genres. His filmography includes roles in productions exploring organised crime, police investigations, and psychological suspense. This City Is Ours continues this trajectory while offering a fresh narrative centred on a family-run criminal enterprise in Liverpool.
The Liverpool setting provides distinct flavour for the series, tying into a tradition of British crime dramas set in northern English cities. Comparisons emerge with other shows featuring Bean in similar territory, though This City Is Ours distinguishes itself through its focus on generational succession within a crime family rather than law enforcement perspectives.
The series drew strong viewership throughout its run, peaking at 4.11 million viewers for episode 6 in late April 2025. This performance suggests audience receptiveness to Bean in another gangland role and interest in the family drama dynamics explored throughout the season.
Sources and official statements
“Chaos ignites when notorious gang boss Ronnie steps back from the family business.”
— BBC Media Centre announcement, March 2025
“Tells the story of Michael and Diana’s love affair set against the backdrop of the Phelan crime family’s internal conflict.”
— BBC Media Centre, describing the series premise
Primary sources include official BBC announcements, Wikipedia’s entry on the series, IMDb’s programme page, and RadioTimes coverage. Production details come from BBC Media Centre communications.
Summary
This City Is Ours delivers Sean Bean in a commanding lead role as the patriarch of a Liverpool crime family facing succession challenges. The eight-episode first season ran from March to May 2025 on BBC One, drawing viewership between 3.35 and 4.11 million per episode. With season 2 confirmed and filming underway, the series has established itself as a significant addition to Bean’s crime drama portfolio and to BBC’s original programming slate. UK viewers can watch on BBC One or BBC iPlayer, while US audiences accessed the programme through AMC+ from March 2026.
When did Sean Bean’s new series This City Is Ours premiere?
The series premiered on BBC One on 23 March 2025 at 9pm, with all eight episodes available immediately on BBC iPlayer.
Is This City Is Ours available on Netflix?
No confirmed Netflix availability has been announced for This City Is Ours in 2025 or beyond. The confirmed international platform is AMC+ in the United States.
How many episodes are in season 1?
The first season contains eight episodes, which aired weekly on Sundays from 23 March to 11 May 2025.
Has season 2 been confirmed?
Yes, BBC renewed the series for a second season in May 2025. Filming began in October 2025, though no specific release date has been announced.
Where can I watch This City Is Ours?
UK viewers can watch on BBC One or BBC iPlayer. US audiences can access it through AMC+.
Who created This City Is Ours?
Stephen Butchard created the series, which was produced by Left Bank Pictures and commissioned by the BBC in February 2024.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.