Brimming with grit, criminality and nail-biting sequences, this British action crime television series has mesmerised audiences across three complete seasons, with all episodes available to stream as a fourth instalment is keenly awaited.

The programme chronicles the power battles between competing gangs and criminal enterprises throughout London, inviting parallels with Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders while being based in a modern day city setting.

Gangs of London has dominated viewing schedules since 2020, prompting substantial viewer reaction and critical discourse surrounding its ‘excessive violence’.

The drama explores London’s criminal underground as it descends into chaos following the murder of the leader of London’s most formidable crime dynasty. Finn Wallace had billions of pounds circulating through his operation annually, and now his son Sean is tasked with attempting to preserve his father’s empire.

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The two-decade establishment now rests with Sean, his mother, and his father’s trusted lieutenant, but news has spread regarding the patriarch’s demise, and rival organisations believe the moment has arrived to dismantle it. His killing has impacted more than simply his relatives but reverberated throughout the Albanian mafia, the Kurdish PKK, and the Pakistani drug cartel.

Joe Cole as Sean Wallace and Michelle Fairley as Marian Wallace 

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Joe Cole plays one of the leading roles(Image: PA)

Meanwhile, newcomer Elliot Carter is an undercover police officer charged with penetrating the well-established Wallace Organisation and bringing them down.

One devoted fan left a review on Rotten Tomatoes, writing: “Absolutely the BEST gangster series in YEARS… Bloody, fast-paced, hard-hitting…strong, believable characters…not for the faint-hearted…strong intertwining story lines that leave you on the edge of your seat…Season 1 and 2 flew by…roll on season 3….A MUST..!”

A further review reads: “I can’t believe it took me so long to watch this show. It is amazing! One of the top series I have ever seen. Ranks right up with Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, etc. Superb writing and extraordinary cast.”

The stellar ensemble was instrumental in the show’s success, earning widespread acclaim, with Joe Cole portraying the ambitious young leader of the family outfit, Sean Wallace. Joining him on screen are Colm Meaney, Lucian Msamati, Sope Dirisu and Michelle Fairley.

Gangs of London 

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There are three seasons to binge, before the fourth is released (Image: ©Sky UK Limited.)

One point of contention, however, is the programme’s intensely graphic scenes throughout, which certain viewers argue are gratuitous, while others appreciate the authenticity and raw edge they bring to the narrative.

 

 

One review notes: “Extremely graphic violence and language. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

“Meanwhile… I can’t get over how incredibly good this show is. From the slow-burn, well-thought-out and executed series. From the camera work and masterful fight choreography to the gifted actors who have great chemistry, this season delivers on every level as far as I’m concerned.”