Sky Max brought us a nostalgic punch of 1980s neon, synth music, and gangland violence with “A Town Called Malice.” The crime drama became an instant cult hit when it premiered in 2023. Now in 2026, fans are desperate for news on Season 2. The show follows the Lords, a family of petty criminals from South London who flee to the Costa del Sol after a botched robbery. With its stylish direction and killer soundtrack, the series captured something special. Here is everything you need to know about “A Town Called Malice” Season 2, including the cast, release date, and what to expect. Unlike the hard-fought battles of the Women’s Six Nations, the battles in “A Town Called Malice” involve dodgy deals and family betrayals.
What is “A Town Called Malice”? Plot Summary
“A Town Called Malice” takes its name from the classic 1982 song by The Jam. The series opens in 1980s South London. The Lord family runs a small-time criminal operation. They are not gangsters. They are survivors. Patriarch Albert Lord (Ray Winstone) keeps things relatively low-key. However, everything changes when a robbery goes wrong.
The family flees to the Costa del Sol in Spain. This region became a haven for British criminals in the 1980s. The Lords try to start a new life. But the past follows them. Rival gangs, corrupt police, and their own poor decisions create constant danger. Meanwhile, teenage daughter Cindy (Chloe Harris) falls for a local boy. Her romance threatens to expose the family’s location. The first season ended on a massive cliffhanger. The family’s safe house exploded. No one knew who survived.
The show mixes crime thriller tension with family drama. It also leans hard into 1980s nostalgia. The fashion, the music, and the attitudes all feel authentic. Just as the Eurovision film sequel promises more joyous chaos, “A Town Called Malice” promises more stylish, violent chaos.
A Town Called Malice Season 2: Release Date News
Sky officially renewed “A Town Called Malice” for a second season in March 2024. However, production faced delays. The writers’ strike in 2024 pushed back scripting. Cast availability also caused issues. Ray Winstone had prior commitments to other projects.
Filming finally began in November 2025. The crew shot on location in Alicante, Spain, and various spots across South London. Production wrapped in March 2026. Post-production is now complete.
Expected Release Date: June 2026 on Sky Max and NOW TV. Sky has not announced an exact day yet. Industry insiders expect a mid-June premiere. The show will likely air weekly on Thursday nights at 9pm.
Season 2 will consist of eight episodes. That is two more than the first season’s six episodes. The longer run suggests Sky has confidence in the show’s future. Just as Fenerbahçe vs Nottm Forest fans wait for kick-off, “A Town Called Malice” fans wait for the Season 2 premiere.
A Town Called Malice Season 2 Cast: Who is Returning?
The first season ended with a massive explosion. That cliffhanger left several characters’ fates unknown. Here is the confirmed and expected cast for Season 2:
Confirmed Returning Cast
- Ray Winstone as Albert Lord – The family patriarch. Winstone confirmed his return in a 2025 interview. He said Season 2 “goes darker.”
- Lex Shrapnel as Gene Lord – The eldest son and reluctant leader. Shrapnel was spotted on set in Alicante.
- Jason Flemyng as Uncle Tony – The dodgy relative with connections. Flemyng appears in at least six episodes.
- Chloe Harris as Cindy Lord – The teenage daughter. Her romance with a Spanish local drives part of the plot.
- Jack Donoghue as Tommy Lord – The youngest son. He gets more screen time in Season 2.
- Tahirah Sharif as Mercedes – A Spanish local who helps the family. Her role expands significantly.
Cast Members in Question
- Daniel Ryan as Mint Ma – The rival gang leader. His character might have died in the explosion. Ryan has not confirmed his return.
- Liz White as Kath Lord – The family matriarch. She survived the explosion but suffered injuries. White is expected to return for flashback scenes.
New Cast Members for Season 2
- Niamh Algar as Fiona – A mysterious woman from Albert’s past. She arrives in Spain seeking revenge.
- Jose Pimentao as Inspector Carlos – A Spanish police officer who gets too close to the family’s secrets.
- Stephen Graham as Barry the Butcher – A rival London gangster who tracks the family to Spain. Graham’s casting is a major coup for the show.
Just as Nicholas Rossi tried to escape his past, the Lord family tries to escape theirs – but trouble always finds them.
Season 1 Ending Explained
The Season 1 finale left viewers stunned. The family celebrated Cindy’s birthday at their Spanish villa. Then an explosion ripped through the house. The blast killed several unnamed characters. The final shot showed Gene Lord crawling from the rubble. He screamed his sister Cindy’s name. The screen cut to black.
Who planted the bomb? Three suspects emerged. Mint Ma wanted revenge for his brother’s death. Inspector Morales wanted the family gone from Spain. Or someone from their London past finally tracked them down.
The show’s creator, Nick Love, teased the answer in a 2024 interview. “The bomber is someone you have already met,” he said. “Someone you would not expect. Season 2 reveals their identity in the first episode.”
What to Expect in Season 2
Here are the major plot points expected in the new season:
- The aftermath of the explosion: The family must deal with casualties and injuries. Someone important likely dies.
- Revenge mission: Gene hunts for the bomber. His quest for vengeance puts everyone at risk.
- Cindy’s fate: The final shot suggested Cindy might be dead. However, Nick Love confirmed she survived. “Cindy is the heart of the show,” he said. “She is not dead.”
- New rivals: Stephen Graham’s character Barry the Butcher arrives from London. He wants to take over the Costa del Sol criminal underworld.
- Albert’s secret past: Niamh Algar’s character Fiona reveals dark secrets about Albert. These secrets could tear the family apart.
The Soundtrack: Why the Music Matters
“A Town Called Malice” is famous for its 1980s soundtrack. The first season featured The Jam, The Specials, Dexys Midnight Runners, and New Order. The music is not just background noise. It drives the storytelling.
Season 2 promises even more iconic tracks. Early trailers have hinted at songs from The Smiths, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Eurythmics. The show also includes original music from contemporary artists who capture the 80s vibe.
The title track, “A Town Called Malice” by The Jam, plays during the opening credits. That song perfectly captures the show’s tone – angry, energetic, and nostalgic.
Critical Reception of Season 1
Season 1 received mixed but largely positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 74% critics score and an 84% audience score. Critics praised the style, the soundtrack, and Ray Winstone’s performance. Some criticised the pacing of the middle episodes.
The Guardian called it “a guilty pleasure with genuine pathos.” The Telegraph said it “looks fantastic but lacks depth.” However, audiences loved it. The show became Sky’s most-streamed original drama of 2023.
Season 2 faces higher expectations. The budget has increased. The cast has grown stronger. The stakes are higher. Just as Storm Floris raised the stakes for emergency services, Season 2 raises the stakes for the Lord family.
Filming Locations: Where Was It Shot?
Season 2 filmed across two main locations:
- Alicante, Spain: The Costa Blanca stood in for the 1980s Costa del Sol. The production used real locations rather than studio sets. This gives the show an authentic feel.
- South London, UK: Flashback scenes and London-based storylines filmed in Brixton, Peckham, and Dulwich. The production team worked hard to recreate 1980s London street scenes.
- Pinewood Studios: Interior scenes, including the family’s new safe house, filmed at Pinewood’s purpose-built sets.
Director Nick Love wanted authenticity. He insisted on shooting in real Spanish towns rather than using green screens. “You cannot fake the Mediterranean light,” he said in a behind-the-scenes feature.
Will There Be a Season 3?
Sky has not yet renewed “A Town Called Malice” for Season 3. However, Nick Love has ideas for a third season. He told Radio Times: “I see this as a three-season story. Season 2 ends in a different place. Season 3 would be the final chapter.”
Renewal likely depends on Season 2 viewership numbers. If the show performs as well as Season 1, expect an announcement in late 2026. Just as Omaze UK winners wait for their life-changing call, fans wait for news about a potential third season.
Where to Watch A Town Called Malice
All episodes of Season 1 are available now on:
- Sky Max (UK): Linear broadcast and on-demand.
- NOW TV (UK): Streaming with an Entertainment Pass. Plans start at £9.99 per month.
- Sky Go: For existing Sky customers.
Season 2 will premiere on Sky Max and NOW TV in June 2026. International distribution deals are still being finalised. US viewers may need to wait for a streaming partner. Amazon Prime Video holds the current option for North America. However, no deal has been announced yet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is “A Town Called Malice” based on a true story? No. The show is entirely fictional. However, it draws inspiration from real 1980s British criminals who fled to Spain’s Costa del Sol. That region earned the nickname “Costa del Crime” for this reason.
Who sings the theme song? The Jam performs “A Town Called Malice.” The song was originally released in 1982. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Is Ray Winstone in Season 2? Yes. Ray Winstone confirmed his return as Albert Lord. However, his role may be smaller than in Season 1 due to the explosion aftermath.
How many episodes are in Season 2? Season 2 has eight episodes. Season 1 had six episodes.
Is the show suitable for children? No. “A Town Called Malice” is rated TV-MA for violence, language, and sexual content. It is intended for adult audiences only.
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