BBC One’s latest drama, This City Is Ours, dives deep into the dark heart of Liverpool’s criminal underworld. Premiering on March 23, 2025, the series follows the complex dynamics within a powerful crime family teetering on the edge of collapse.
Set and filmed primarily in Liverpool, the show brings raw authenticity to the screen. From gritty alleyways to atmospheric docks, the city isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a character in itself. Additional scenes were shot in Spain, capturing the global reach of the family’s operations.
The story centers on Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), a seasoned enforcer who begins to question his path after falling for Diana (Hannah Onslow). His internal conflict intensifies when Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean), the family patriarch, announces his retirement and plans to pass leadership to Michael — bypassing his own son Jamie (Jack McMullen), whose ambition is as dangerous as his temper.
Directed by Saul Dibb and created by Stephen Butchard (The Last Kingdom), the series was produced by BBC Studios and Left Bank Pictures. With eight episodes, This City Is Ours paints a vivid portrait of loyalty, power, and betrayal within a crumbling empire.
Filmed in real Liverpool neighborhoods, the show aims to reflect the authentic look and feel of the city, capturing both its beauty and its shadows. Now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, airing weekly on BBC One.
