Hit drama McMafia to return to BBC One for a second series

The critically acclaimed show, created and written by Hossein Amini and James Watkins and inspired by Misha Glenny’s best-selling book of the same name, is the fourth most popular drama title, by peak episode, on BBC iPlayer ever, making it one of the most popular shows on BBC iPlayer of all time. Episode one is also the most watched content on BBC iPlayer so far this year.

Co-produced by the BBC, Cuba Pictures and AMC, in association with Twickenham Studios, McMafia series one had an overall average of 7.1 million viewers (28 days consolidated) Kicking off on New Year’s Day, it was the biggest new drama launch across any channel this year to date. It charted Alex Godman’s (James Norton) journey deeper and deeper into the world of organised crime, eventually finding himself unable to resist the lures of corruption. The drama’s clear relevance to the current world climate contributed greatly to both public and political debate, with new legislation on unexplained wealth orders dubbed “the McMafia Law”.

Creators Hossein Amini and James Watkins say: “We are so thrilled with how McMafia has resonated with audiences across the world and are delighted to be given the opportunity to cast more light on the shady intersections of transnational criminals and their enablers in finance, law, intelligence agencies and even in governments.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: “McMafia’s blend of topicality and killer storytelling struck a chord with audiences and significantly added to the discourse around Anglo-Russian relations and we are excited to be returning to that world in the safe and brilliant hands of James and Hoss for series two.”

The series has been recommissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content. Executive Producers are Nick Marston, Dixie Linder, Ben Hall and Robyn Slovo for Cuba Pictures, Elizabeth Kilgarriff for BBC One and Hossein Amini, James Watkins and Misha Glenny. Paul Ritchie will return as producer.