McMafia will return to BBC One for a second season
James R | On 02, May 2018
Global financial thriller will return to BBC One for a second season.
Created by Hossein Amini and James Watkins, and inspired by Misha Glenny’s best-selling book of the same name, the show was a huge hit for the Beeb. Co-produced by the BBC, Cuba Pictures and AMC, in association with Twickenham Studios, it 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 also chimed with viewers on catch-up, becoming the fourth most popular drama title, by peak episode, on BBC iPlayer ever. Episode 1 is also the most watched title on BBC iPlayer so far this year.
Season 1 charted Alex Godman’s (James Norton) journey deeper and deeper into the world of organised crime, finding himself unable to resist the lures of corruption. The drama’s topicality saw it tied 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, adds: “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.”