It’s been dubbed the most-watched new drama of the year so far – and if, like us, you have a This City Is Ours-shaped hole in your life since its finale, then we have some exciting news for you. After much anticipation from fans, the BBC has confirmed the show has been renewed for a second season.

The crime drama, which is set in Liverpool, hit BBC iPlayer in full on 23 March and finished its weekly run on BBC One last night (11 May). It’s been marked the biggest new drama launch of the year so far, attracting more than 6m viewers, according to the BBC.

And with an explosive eight-part season, it’s really no surprise – especially when you consider the lineup of stars such as Sean Bean, James Nelson-Joyce (A Thousand Blows) and Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls).

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Creator Stephen Butchard said: ‘We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City Is Ours. I can’t thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment.’

Produced by Left Bank Pictures – the masterminds behind The Crown – it’s safe to say we’re in capable hands for an even more enthralling season two.

Haven’t had a chance to binge it yet? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is This City Is Ours about?

The crime drama follows the lives of the Phelan family – headed by its patriarch and gang leader Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean), who runs his criminal enterprise with his wife, Elaine (Julie Graham).

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BBC//BBC

As Ronnie faces retirement, it sparks knock-on effects for the whole gang – including Michael (James Nelson-Joyce), who’s caught in conflict with his life of crime and his love for Diana (Hannah Onslow). But while Michael sees a brighter future with Ronnie’s retirement, Ronnie’s son, Jamie (Jack McMullen), has other plans. Love, loyalty, family, crime – this compelling drama has it all.

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Photographer://BBC

What will happen in This City Is Ours season 2?

While the finale has only just aired, we can assume that the second season is sure to see the return of the stellar cast – alongside some new faces, if we’re lucky!

Executive producer Sian McWilliams said: ‘After the tumultuous events of the season one finale, the gang rivalries and betrayals have escalated to new levels, new ones have just begun and there is a lot of unfinished business.’

Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt added: ‘The response from viewers has been a joy to see, with millions discovering its thrilling, character-driven drama for themselves to become gripped by the raging war of the Phelans.

‘I’m delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series.’

As it’s still not confirmed when filming will begin, we’ll eagerly await more information.

Is This City Is Ours any good?

The show has been a hit with fans and critics alike, and has reached an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

While viewership for the show had a steady start, it managed to amass more than 6.6m views per episode before the final instalment aired last night – tripling its initial figures.

And if that’s not convincing enough, it seems that people simply couldn’t wait for the final episode to drop on BBC One, as 3m were reported to have already streamed it on BBC iPlayer.

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Photographer://BBC

Who’s starring in This City Is Ours?

The cast of This City is Ours season one includes:

  • Sean Bean (Marriage, Time, Game Of Thrones) as gang leader Ronnie Phelan
  • James Nelson-Joyce (Bird, A Thousand Blows) as Ronnie’s friend Michael
  • Hannah Onslow (Empire of Light, This is Going to Hurt) as Diana Williams
  • Jack McMullen (Hijack, Ford V Ferrari) as Ronnie’s son, Jamie Phelan
  • Julie Graham (Shetland, Time) as Elaine, head of the Phelan family
  • Laura Aikman (Archie, Gavin & Stacey) as Rachel Duffy
  • Kevin Harvey (Treason, Time) as Bobby Duffy
  • Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls, Upgraded) as Cheryl Crawford
  • Mike Noble (Shardlake, The Long Shadow) as Banksey
  • Bobby Schofield (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Suspect) as Bonehead
  • Darci Shaw (Judy, A Thousand Blows) as Melissa Sullivan
  • Stephen Walters (Slow Horses, Anne) as Davy Crawford

When and how can I watch This City Is Ours season 2?

While the countdown begins for the start of filming, we can assume that season two will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. All eight episodes of season one are available on iPlayer now. We’ll keep you posted on details about the second series.