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This overlooked BBC cr-i-me drama exploded on release — and it might be the best series you haven’t seen

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daogiang

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April 4, 2026

re you in the market for a hidden gem thriller that’s ready and waiting for you on iPlayer? Enter McMafia, the gripping crime series starring that makes for the perfect binge-watch.

Originally airing in 2018, the eight-part series centres on James’s character Alex, the “perfect” English gentleman born into a family of Russian mafia exiles. Despite his past, Alex vows to build his own legitimate business. But when a sudden death thrusts new responsibility onto his shoulders, he becomes ensnared in the world of organised crime in order to protect his family.

McMafia is the ideal show to tune into if you’re after a tension-filled gangster thriller – and it joins the roster of James Norton dramas on BBC iPlayer, including Happy Valley, King & Conqueror, War & Peace and Nowhere Special.

The series proved a huge hit with viewers when it first aired, drawing in nearly 10 million viewers for its debut and becoming one of the BBC’s biggest drama launches that year. Much to fans’ disappointment, the show was ultimately cancelled after one season due to scheduling conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What is McMafia about?

The show centres on Alex, a privileged Englishman who endeavours to lead an honest life despite his family’s dark past.

The synopsis reads: “Alex Godman, the English-raised son of Russian mafia exiles, has spent his life trying to escape the shadow of their past, building his own legitimate business and forging a life with his girlfriend, Rebecca.

“But when a murder unearths his family’s past, Alex is drawn into the criminal underworld where he must confront his values to protect those he loves.”

Who stars in McMafia?

James Norton (Happy Valley) leads the show as Alex Godman, while Merab Ninidze (The Courier) plays Vadim Kalyagin and Juliet Rylance (The Knick) plays Rebecca Harper.

Maria Shukshina © Alamy Stock Photo
The show is now on BBC iPlayer

They’re joined by David Strathairn (Nomadland) as Semiyon Kleiman, Caio Blat (Scars of Beauty) as Antonio Mendez and Alexey Serebryakov (Leviathan) as Dimitri Godman.

What have viewers said about McMafia?

The show was well received by critics upon release, earning a 71% critics’ rating and an 88% audience score.

“Very well written, well researched and original, this show holds nothing back. Definitely a must-watch for those who crave a high quality production,” penned one viewer.

Meanwhile, a second wrote: “Season one of McMafia is outstanding! Riveting plot alongside some terrific acting, particularly from James Norton (Alex) and Merab Ninidze (Vadim).”

A third added: “A great drama with a brilliant international cast, a topical matter dealt with cleverness and without the usual clichés. No unrealistic hero or ridiculous villain, a precise description of 21st century globalised mafia. First class entertainment.”

All eight episodes of McMafia are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.