At 10:15 AM +07 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the entertainment world is buzzing with excitement as Paramount+ has officially confirmed the renewal of MobLand, the gritty crime drama led by Tom Hardy, for a second season. This announcement comes mere weeks after the show’s season 1 finale, a testament to its meteoric rise as one of the streamer’s biggest hits. Starring Hardy alongside Hollywood heavyweights Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, MobLand has captivated audiences with its intense narrative of London’s criminal underworld, racking up an impressive 26 million viewers globally. This article delves into the show’s success, the reasons behind its renewal, what fans can expect from season 2, and the cultural impact of this British crime saga.

Series Overview and Premiere Success

MobLand, which premiered on March 30, 2025, on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, followed by an international rollout on May 30 in markets like Brazil, France, and Germany, quickly established itself as a standout series. Created by Ronan Bennett, with direction from Guy Ritchie in his first television venture, the show follows the Harrigan crime family, led by the formidable Conrad (Brosnan) and Maeve (Mirren), as they navigate a brutal turf war with rival clans. Hardy stars as Harry Da Souza, the family’s loyal fixer, whose efforts to maintain order spiral into chaos and bloodshed. The season 1 finale, titled “The Beast in Me,” left viewers on edge with Harry stabbed by his wife Jan (Joanne Froggatt) and the family’s power structure in flux, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated continuation.

Renewal Announcement and Viewership

The renewal announcement, made on June 23, 2025, was accompanied by Paramount+ boasting that MobLand is now the platform’s second most-watched original series, trailing only Taylor Sheridan’s Landman. The show amassed 26 million viewers in its debut season, a figure that continues to climb, and held a Top 10 spot in Nielsen’s SVOD Originals rankings for five consecutive weeks. In the U.K., it soared to the number one position on streaming charts, while its global appeal has solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount and President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment, hailed the series as “a resounding triumph,” crediting the creative brilliance of Bennett, Jez Butterworth, and David Glasser, alongside the powerhouse performances of Hardy, Brosnan, and Mirren.

Tom Hardy’s Pivotal Role

Hardy’s portrayal of Harry Da Souza has been a linchpin of the show’s success. Known for his intense roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Venom, Hardy brings a layered complexity to the fixer, balancing brutality with vulnerability. His character’s journey—from cleaning up after the Harrigan patriarch’s impulsive murder of a suspected traitor to facing personal betrayal—has resonated with viewers. Hardy, also an executive producer, expressed optimism about the series’ future in a 2025 Hollywood Reporter interview, stating, “The plan is definitely to see more seasons,” and hinting at a potential international expansion. This vision aligns with the show’s cross-border setting, spanning the U.K. and U.S., and its rich cast, including Paddy Considine, Lara Pulver, and Jasmine Jobson.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

The decision to renew MobLand reflects its strong viewership metrics and critical buzz, despite mixed reviews from some quarters. The series’ debut episode drew 2.2 million viewers, per Deadline, making it the biggest global series launch in Paramount+ history. Its narrative, blending generational trauma with gangster warfare, has been praised for its depth, with subplots like Jan’s frustration with Harry’s criminal world adding emotional weight. However, critics like The Independent’s Power noted a lack of Ritchie’s signature swagger, calling it “a tale of unpleasant people doing nasty things.” Nonetheless, the show’s commercial success and fan enthusiasm—evident in social media posts celebrating Hardy’s “fabulous gruts”—outweighed these critiques, securing its second season.

What to Expect in Season 2

Season 1’s cliffhanger has fueled speculation about what’s next. With Conrad and Maeve behind bars, Harry and Kevin (Considine) inherit a fragile empire, while Bella (Pulver) manipulates family affairs and Harry’s stab wound leaves his fate uncertain. ScreenRant suggests possible directions, including inter-family power struggles, an infiltration of high society, or Harry’s attempt to exit the criminal world. Butterworth, co-writer and executive producer, confirmed in pre-renewal discussions that Harry survives, ready to “do some ass-kicking,” though the exact plot remains under wraps. A 2026 or early 2027 release is anticipated, with production likely starting later in 2025, though no official date has been set.

Stellar Cast and Creative Team

The show’s success is bolstered by its stellar cast and creative team. Brosnan and Mirren bring gravitas as the Harrigan patriarch and matriarch, their chemistry a highlight of the series. Ritchie’s involvement, marking his TV debut, adds a cinematic flair, while Bennett’s experience with Top Boy ensures a gritty authenticity. The ensemble, featuring talents like Anson Boon and Mandeep Dhillon, enriches the narrative, making MobLand a showcase of British acting prowess. This collaboration, under the production of MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, has been lauded by McCarthy as “inspiring,” setting high expectations for season 2.

Cultural Impact and Competition

Culturally, MobLand taps into a global appetite for crime dramas, competing with hits like Peaky Blinders and Gangs of London. Its success on Paramount+ underscores the streamer’s strategy to rival Netflix and Amazon Prime with high-profile originals. The show’s London setting, combined with its U.S. ties, broadens its appeal, while Hardy’s star power—amplified by his Venom: The Last Dance role—draws diverse audiences. The renewal has sparked excitement on platforms like X, where fans laud its “blood-feud brilliance” and anticipate more from Hardy’s character.

Controversies and Speculation

However, the renewal isn’t without controversy. Some industry insiders speculate that Paramount+ delayed the announcement to shift focus from its recent rebranding to Paramount+ Premium, a move criticized as mirroring Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max overhaul. Others question whether the show’s violence and mixed reviews might alienate viewers long-term, though its current momentum suggests otherwise. Hardy’s hope for an international arc could address this, potentially exploring new territories and expanding the Harrigan-Stevenson conflict.

Hardy’s TV Milestone

For Hardy, MobLand marks a significant TV milestone, following his reluctance to commit to the medium, as Butterworth noted in a Collider interview. His executive producer role and physical commitment—seen in the finale’s intense kitchen scene—signal a deeper investment. Fans eagerly await how his character navigates the fallout from Jan’s stab, with TechRadar predicting a “darker side” for her character, adding fresh tension. The show’s record-breaking viewership, outpacing even Sheridan’s 1923, validates this gamble, positioning MobLand as a cornerstone of Paramount+’s lineup.

Conclusion

As production gears up, details remain scarce, but the stage is set for a thrilling continuation. The Harrigan family’s internal dynamics, Harry’s recovery, and the looming threat of Kat McAllister (Janet McTeer) promise a season of heightened stakes. With 26 million viewers already hooked, MobLand’s renewal is a victory for its creators and a signal of Paramount+’s growing influence. For now, fans can rewatch season 1, streaming on Paramount+, and speculate on the chaos to come, confident that Tom Hardy’s fixer will remain at the heart of this gripping saga.