BBC Renews This City Is Ours for Third Series

The BBC has ordered a third series of This City Is Ours, extending the crime drama created by Stephen Butchard before its second season premieres on October 25, 2026. Produced by Left Bank Pictures, the next installment will film primarily in Liverpool in 2027, according to the BBC.

The early renewal follows strong audience figures for the first season, which premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in March 2025. The BBC reported that the drama has averaged 6.3 million viewers to date, while its opening episode attracted more than 8.4 million viewers, compared with an initial overnight audience of 1.9 million.

Nearly three million people also streamed the first season finale before its BBC One broadcast in May 2025. The series received BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Drama and Leading Actor for James Nelson-Joyce.

Stephen Butchard, the show's creator, lead writer and executive producer, welcomed the decision to commission another season before the second installment had aired. He credited the response to the debut season and the work of the cast and crew in explaining the early renewal.

"Following the quite breathtaking response to series one, myself, the cast and our wonderful crew were all determined not to drop the ball and endeavour to deliver an even better series two! No spoilers, but I'm hoping this fantastic early commission from the BBC for a third series is an indication that we may have come close to doing just that! Many, many thanks to Lindsay Salt, Jo McClellan and all at BBC Drama for their never-ending support.

And of course, sincere thanks to all who have watched, embraced and spread the word. I hope you enjoy series two as much as we enjoyed making it - can't wait to do it all over again!" said Butchard.

Rebecca Hodgson, executive producer at Left Bank Pictures, said the production team was eager to reunite for the next installment. She credited the creative team and cast with helping the drama secure its third-series commission.

"Left Bank are thrilled to be getting the This City is Ours family back together. The world that Stephen Butchard has created is so special and one that we all love spending time in. Our amazing cast and crew, led by lead director Saul Dibb, have stuck with us for two series, and it's testimony to their talent that we have been commissioned for a third series.

We are very grateful to Lindsay Salt and Jo McClellan at the BBC for continuing to believe in us and for wanting more. We can't wait for our audience to see series two and then series three!" said Hodgson.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said the series had connected with audiences through its portrayal of ambition, authenticity and personal relationships. Her statement confirmed the third-season renewal while the second season remained ahead of its scheduled debut.

"We're delighted to share that This City is Ours will return for a third series. Stephen Butchard and the team at Left Bank have built a world filled with ambition, authenticity and heart that has been embraced by millions. With series two still to come this weekend, there's so much for viewers to look forward to." said Salt.

The second season will be available in full on BBC iPlayer from October 25, 2026, while BBC One will broadcast episodes on Sunday and Monday nights at 9 p.m. The eight-episode series returns James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh and Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams.

The new season follows Michael and Diana after their arrival in Spain is disrupted by questions surrounding Ricardo's death. In Liverpool, tensions persist among the remaining gang members, while a former gangster from Ronnie's era seeks compensation from the criminal organization.

Shaun Evans joins the second season as recently released gangster Ozzie Thompson, alongside Álvaro Morte as Felipe. Returning cast members include Jack McMullen, Mike Noble, Julie Graham, Laura Aikman, Kevin Harvey, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Darci Shaw, Adam Abbou and Bobby Schofield.

Butchard will return as lead writer for the third series. According to the BBC, executive producers will include Charlotte Moore, Rebecca Hodgson and Sian McWilliams for Left Bank Pictures, Butchard, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution, with third-season casting details to be announced later.