McMafia series 2 confirmed for BBC One

McMafia will return for a second series, BBC One has confirmed.

Created and written by Hossein Amini and James Watkins and inspired by Misha Glenny’s best-selling book of the same name, McMafia debuted on the channel earlier this year.

The eight episode run has become 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 (2018).

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.

McMafia’s first series 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 BBC said this week: “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 said: “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, added: “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 second series of McMafia is expected to air in 2019 on BBC One.