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Viewers compare new BBC show to Line of Duty: 'The best thing I've seen for years'

Have you been watching the new BBC drama?

Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
March 31, 2025
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Fans have been full of praise for a new BBC drama, with many—despite only episode two airing on BBC One on Sunday night—racing to binge-watch the entire season on iPlayer. But have you caught up yet?

This City is Ours, which stars Sean Bean, James Nelson, and Julie Graham, follows Michael, a man involved in organised crime who falls madly in love with a woman, Diana, and explores their relationship against the disintegration of his crime gang.

WATCH: Starring Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce

Taking to X to discuss, one person compared the show to Line of Duty, saying: "Probably the best show the BBC have made since Line of Duty… #ThisCityIsOurs. Gripping, and the finale was outstanding."

Another person added: "#ThisCityIsOurs—without doubt the best crime series since #Kin and #TheGentlemen. Absolute class," while a third wrote: "#ThisCityIsOurs Oh my god—this is the best thing I’ve seen on TV for years. We have galloped to the end of the season and now we are BEREFT!!!"

Man and woman sitting opposite each other in cafe© BBC/Left Bank Pictures/Ben Blackall
Michael Kavanagh and Diana Williams in This City Is Ours

Others also praised the Liverpool-based cast, posting: "Just finished This City is Ours on BBC iPlayer. Outstanding. Exactly what British drama should be. Majority homegrown Liverpool cast and loads of upcoming regional talent. Totally made for British audiences & hugely appealing to working-class, regional audiences."

Another viewer also binged the show, posting: "I've just binged this and loved it. I'd heard mixed reviews, but I couldn't fault it.

"It had a feel of the brilliant Kin. All the cast were great, but James Nelson Joyce really stood out."

People laughing on dance floor © BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack
Fans have been full of praise for the Sean Bean show

What is This City is Ours about?

The official synopsis reads: "For years, together with his friend Ronnie (Sean Bean), Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into the city and beyond, directly from Colombia. But when a shipment goes missing, he knows their kingdom is under attack.

This City explores what happens when Ronnie’s son Jamie (Jack McMullen) decides he wants to inherit their kingdom and that there is no longer a place for Michael at the table. Both Michael and Jamie have bold ideas to modernise the gang, and they will battle for control of it. But Michael’s biggest battle will be to save the woman he loves and the child he has always wanted."

Woman standing on balcony © BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack
Elaine Phelan in This City is Ours

Speaking about what to expect from the show, Sean Bean said: "It was one of the most enjoyable series I have been involved with, and I know people say that at the end of working on a particular project, but I can genuinely say I personally did not want it to end.

Top BBC dramas 2025

Man and woman standing on beach© BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin

Call the Midwife (2012–present) 

Set in 1950s/60s London, this drama follows a group of midwives working in the East End, dealing with social issues and personal struggles while helping to bring new borns into the world. 

Death in Paradise (2011–present) 

A detective inspector from London investigates crimes on the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, solving cases while adapting to life in paradise. 

The One That Got Away (2022) 

A dark crime thriller about a woman who seeks revenge on her childhood tormentor, only to uncover unsettling truths as she digs deeper into the past.

Cheaters (2021) 

This dramatic thriller centers on a private investigator who uncovers infidelity, only to find his own life entangled in the lies and deceit 

Towards Zero (2022)

 Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this crime drama follows a group of people at a seaside estate where a series of mysterious events unfold, leading to murder.

Mr Loverman (2020) 

This dramedy focuses on Barrington, a Caribbean-British man in his 60s, struggling with his secret love life and coming to terms with his identity, family, and relationships.

Miss Austen (2025)

A historical drama focusing on Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen's sister, and her life in the shadow of her famous sibling.

Amandaland (2025)

A spin-off to Motherland, this series follows Amanda, a woman navigating the ups and downs of modern life, relationships, and career struggles

"I walked away from the set really upset. I remember feeling this genuine sense of loss, but obviously, I had a sense of great satisfaction because this was mould-breaking television."

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