This City Is Ours arrives on BBC One this autumn. The eight-part crime drama follows a Liverpool gangster who wants to leave the criminal life behind. PSG vs Arsenal delivered a dramatic Champions League final with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. Here is everything you need to know about This City Is Ours in 2026.
Release Date: When Does This City Is Ours Start?
BBC One will broadcast This City Is Ours on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9:00 PM. The first episode kicks off the eight-part series. BBC iPlayer will release all episodes at once on the same day.
The show originally had a working title of “The Walk-In” during production. However, the BBC changed the name to This City Is Ours to avoid confusion. The series will air weekly on BBC One. International viewers can watch on BritBox in North America. Usyk vs Fury 2 delivered a blockbuster heavyweight rematch that went the distance.
Plot Summary: A Gangster Wants Out
This City Is Ours tells the story of Michael. He is a Liverpool gangster who has spent decades building a criminal empire. Now he wants to leave the life behind. However, escaping proves harder than he imagined.
The series explores whether anyone can truly walk away from organised crime. Michael’s enemies want to stop him. His former allies see his departure as a betrayal. His family faces constant danger because of his choices.
The title reflects Michael’s deep connection to Liverpool. The city shaped him. He shaped the city’s underworld. Leaving means losing his identity. Universal Studios UK has officially received planning permission for a massive new theme park resort in Bedford.
Cast: Who Stars in This City Is Ours?
The series features an impressive ensemble cast. Stephen Graham leads as Michael, the gangster seeking redemption. He previously worked with writer Stephen Butchard on The Responder.
Main Cast
- Stephen Graham as Michael, the Liverpool gangster
- Jodie Whittaker as Diane, Michael’s wife
- James Nelson-Joyce as Jamie, a younger gangster
- Hannah Walters as Margaret, Michael’s sister
- Philip Barantini as Carl, Michael’s loyal friend
- Rory Kinnear as Detective Inspector Paul Hartley
- Julie Hesmondhalgh as Mary, Michael’s mother
Jodie Whittaker plays Diane, Michael’s wife. She must choose between supporting her husband or protecting her children. James Nelson-Joyce continues his collaboration with Graham after appearing in The Virtues and Time. Nicole Appleton has made a triumphant return to music with her sister Natalie as the duo Appleton.
Trailer: First Look at the BBC Drama
The BBC released the first trailer for This City Is Ours on June 1, 2026. The two-minute clip shows Michael attending a family funeral. He looks tired and haunted. His voiceover explains his desire to leave crime.
Meanwhile, police surveillance footage shows his daily movements. A rival gang leader threatens his family. The trailer ends with a violent confrontation in a Liverpool pub.
The trailer has already gained over 2 million views on YouTube. Critics praised the authentic Liverpool setting and Stephen Graham’s powerful performance. Real Madrid vs Marseille delivered a dramatic Champions League opener with Mbappe scoring two penalties.
Writer and Director: The Creative Team
Stephen Butchard created This City Is Ours. He previously wrote the acclaimed BBC dramas The Responder and Baghdad Central. Butchard grew up in Liverpool and draws from his personal experiences.
Philip Barantini directs the first block of episodes. He directed the award-winning film Boiling Point, which also starred Stephen Graham. The production filmed entirely on location in Liverpool.
Barantini worked as an actor for years before becoming a director. He starred in Band of Brothers and The Queen’s Gambit. His knowledge of Liverpool’s streets adds authenticity to the series. Molotov cocktail attacks have made headlines in 2026 following the attempted assassination of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Filming Locations: Liverpool on Screen
This City Is Ours filmed entirely in Liverpool. The production used over 50 locations across the city. These include Toxteth, Everton, Anfield and the city centre.
The famous Liver Building appears in several establishing shots. A funeral scene took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas. The final confrontation scene filmed at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a historic pub on Hope Street.
Local residents served as extras throughout the series. The production employed over 200 local crew members. Liverpool Film Office supported the project throughout development. One of Them Days starring Keke Palmer and SZA became one of 2025’s most surprising box office success stories.
Inspiration and Themes
Real-Life Gangsters and Story Sources
Stephen Butchard consulted former gang members during the writing process. However, the series does not depict any specific real-life criminal. Instead, it creates a composite character that represents a type.
The show explores whether redemption is possible for violent criminals. Can someone truly leave a life of crime? What does that process cost them and their families? These questions drive the narrative across eight episodes.
Liverpool as a Character
The city of Liverpool plays a crucial role in This City Is Ours. Butchard’s script treats the city as another character. Michael’s identity connects deeply to his home city. Leaving the criminal life means leaving everything he knows.
The show also explores the changing nature of organised crime. Technology has transformed how gangs operate. Old loyalties mean less than they once did. Michael struggles to adapt to these changes. Scotland vs Belarus takes place at Hampden Park on October 13 in a crucial Nations League clash.
Critical Reception: Early Reviews
Critics have not yet published full reviews. Press screeners went out to journalists on June 1. Embargo lifts on September 15, 2026, five days before the premiere.
However, early word from industry insiders is very positive. Comparisons to The Sopranos and The Wire have emerged. One anonymous critic called it “the best British crime drama since The Responder.”
Stephen Graham’s performance has earned particular praise. His portrayal of Michael is nuanced and sympathetic despite the character’s violent past. The series avoids glorifying criminal behaviour. Charlie Kirk shooter FBI investigation continues as authorities probe second shooter theories and other conspiracy claims.
Music and Soundtrack
The composer for This City Is Ours remains unannounced. However, the soundtrack will feature original compositions and licensed tracks. Liverpool bands including The Beatles, The La’s and Echo & The Bunnymen may appear.
Music supervisor Iain Cooke curated the soundtrack. He previously worked on The Responder and Time. His choices reflect Liverpool’s rich musical heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does This City Is Ours start on BBC One? The series premieres on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 9:00 PM. BBC iPlayer will have all eight episodes available from the same day.
Who stars in This City Is Ours? Stephen Graham leads the cast as Michael. Jodie Whittaker, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters and Rory Kinnear also star.
Is This City Is Ours based on a true story? No. The series is fictional. However, writer Stephen Butchard consulted former gang members to ensure authenticity.
Where can I watch This City Is Ours outside the UK? International viewers can watch on BritBox in North America. Other territories will announce broadcast details soon.
Who wrote This City Is Ours? Stephen Butchard created and wrote the series. He previously wrote The Responder and Baghdad Central for the BBC.
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