This City Is Ours has arrived at a busy time for organised crime dramas, but distinguishes itself from the likes of MobLand and Gangs of London by grounding its complex cast of characters at the heart of the action.

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While some shows lose some of their humanity in violence and shock value, Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean) and his family certainly feel real and even relatable (at times), as we share their giddy highs and crushing lows over eight suspenseful episodes.

Filmed on location in Liverpool, the series also stars James Nelson-Joyce and Jack McMullen as rivals Michael Kavanagh and Jamie Phelan, who recently spoke to RadioTimes.com about the show's nail-biter ending.

It was Nelson-Joyce's second time collaborating with celebrated actor Bean, considering it an "honour" to work with such a household name – and revealing that he's "fighting" for his return in a potential second season.

Alas, for now we still don't know whether This City Is Ours season 2 will happen, with the decision likely to rest on the show's viewership in the first couple of months of release – so be sure to spread the word if you want more!

All eight episodes of This City Is Ours are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, while the show is also airing episodes weekly on Sundays on BBC One, with several notable – and surprising – song choices cropping up in the first season.

One such example is Andy Williams's The House of Bamboo, to which the Phelan family perform a choreographed line dance!

Co-star Julie Graham, who plays matriarch Elaine, told press she was one of the few cast members excited for that scene.

"It just felt iconic," she said. "I just think it was a brilliant way to show how close they are and to have a bit of fun. I love The House of Bamboo, what's not so love? I was really excited – too excited."

If the show has had you tapping your foot, read on for an overview of the songs featured in This City Is Ours by episode – and you can also find our thoughts on that episode 2 twist here).

This City Is Ours episode 1 soundtrack

Saoirse-Monica Jackson stars in This City is Ours
Saoirse-Monica Jackson stars in This City is Ours BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack
  • Richard Wagner's The Ride of the Valkyries by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Take Care Of Business by Nina Simone
  • Just Landed (Reverso 86 Remix) by Cantoma
  • Sweatboxx Party by Bianca Oblivion, Sam Binga & Fox
  • Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin (cover by George Gallagher)
  • You Can Tell Me Goodbye by Benetia Miller
  • A Well Respected Man by The Kinks
  • Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli (cover by George Gallagher)
  • Out of Brain by Joe Impero
  • The House of Bamboo by Andy Williams (cover by George Gallagher)
  • Mack the Knife by Dave Van Ronk

This City Is Ours episode 2 soundtrack

  • Sway by Dean Martin
  • Adagio for Strings by Tiësto
  • Blue Horse by Lora Lee and Leo
  • All of a Sudden by Matt Monro
  • La Casa del Sol Naciente (House of the Rising Sun) by Frida Boccara
  • Show Me Love by Robin S

This City Is Ours episode 3 soundtrack

Jack McMullen and Darci Shaw star in This City is Ours
Jack McMullen and Darci Shaw star in This City is Ours BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack
  • The Good Life by Tony Bennett
  • Party (feat DEVMO) by Aria
  • I Can't Stand The Rain by Ann Peebles

This City Is Ours episode 4 soundtrack

  • Friend or Foe by Jordan Rakei
  • Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Nina Simone
  • Grindstone by RJ Faulkner
  • Kiss the Sky by Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

This City Is Ours episode 5 soundtrack

James Nelson Joyce stars in This City is Ours stood in a street in a hoodie
James Nelson-Joyce stars in This City Is Ours. BBC
  • I've Gotta Be Me by Sammy Davis Jr
  • The Good Life by Tony Bennett
  • Till Then My Love by Matt Monro (cover by George Gallagher)
  • House of Bamboo by Andy Williams
  • A Little Respect by Erasure

This City Is Ours episode 6 soundtrack

  • WHO AM I – BERWYN

This City Is Ours episode 7 soundtrack

Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy, Mike Noble as Banksey and James Nelson Joyce as Michael Kavanagh in This City is Ours looking through a door
Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy, Mike Noble as Banksey and James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh in This City Is Ours. BBC
  • Real Like That – Young LS
  • Anyone Who Had a Heart – Cilla Black
  • Mack the Knife – Mark Lanegan
  • It's Not for Me to Say – Johnny Mathis

This City Is Ours episode 8 soundtrack

  • Mack the Knife – Bobby Darin

All episodes of This City is Ours are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Catch new episodes on Sundays on BBC One.

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Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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