James Norton stars in the BBC crime drama McMafia, a series that has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Russian mafia. Despite being less well-known than other crime dramas, it has been described as equally thrilling and has left viewers clamoring for additional episodes.
Plot and Premise
Across eight episodes, McMafia charts the perils of a life entrenched in organized crime, plunging viewers into the murky world of the Russian mafia. Norton plays Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss residing in London, as his father schemes to break free from the organization. As his family's sinister past is dragged into the open, Alex finds himself with little option but to confront the underworld of syndicates, money laundering, and corrupt political figures.
Critical Acclaim
Critic James Croot described the show as "a thrilling watch that's filled with provocative gestures, portentous moments, and the same gripping tension that made fellow recent British series like Bodyguard and The Night Manager so binge-worthy." The series first aired in January 2018 and was warmly received, but it never progressed beyond its eight-episode run, leaving fans disappointed.
Fan Reactions
One fan shared their enthusiasm on Rotten Tomatoes, writing: "McMafia was the best and smartest TV show about money laundering I've ever seen on TV. The writing was well researched; the writers knew their subject matter. The scripts were very good, and James Norton's performance was awesome. I hope Norton is strongly considered for the role of James Bond before he gets too old." Another fan added: "Well-put together show with a strong plot that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. Props for casting real Russian actors with authentic accents! Disappointing that there are only 8 episodes in the very first season, I want more!"
Cast and Performances
Alongside Norton, McMafia stars Juliet Rylance as Alex's fiancée, with Aleksey Serebryakov portraying his father. David Strathairn, Merab Ninidze, and Faye Marsay also appear on screen. Fans have remarked on how the actors "disappear" into their characters, which is "fascinating to watch." Norton is no stranger to crime dramas, having taken on roles such as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley and Sidney Chambers in Grantchester.
Cancellation and Aftermath
Despite being warmly received, the series was never commissioned for a second season. After years of uncertainty, Misha Glenny, whose book inspired the show's storyline, confirmed in 2025 "with great sadness" that McMafia had been cancelled. The show was "close to filming" the second series twice, but the reason behind its cancellation remains unclear. All eight episodes of McMafia are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
