The critically acclaimed Sky Atlantic series Gangs of London returns for its third season tonight, March 20, promising another blood-soaked chapter in the capital’s criminal underworld.
Set in a fictionalised, Gotham-like version of London, the show continues to explore the violent power struggles between rival gangs, with new alliances, betrayals, and vendettas driving the narrative.
This season, chaos erupts after a spiked shipment of cocaine kills hundreds, sparking a ruthless hunt for those responsible.
Former undercover cop turned gangster Elliot Carter (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) navigates his new role as a top-level criminal alongside the Dumanis, while the Wallaces, Luan, Lale, and the street gangs descend into violent turf wars.
Personal vendettas collide with professional power struggles, and no one is safe in the ruthless fight for control of London’s criminal underworld.
This season is being lauded by critics the best ever and here’s what you need to know before getting stuck in.
Where Did Season 2 Leave Off?
Season 2 ended with a dramatic power shift. Elliot Carter, now a full-fledged gangster, seized control of London’s criminal empire from Sean Wallace (Joe Cole).
In a brutal finale, Elliot sent Sean’s brother Billy’s severed arm to the Wallaces as leverage, leading to a violent confrontation.
Sean strangled his mother Marian (Michelle Fairley) after discovering she had put Billy in danger, but ultimately let her go, disowning her.
Meanwhile, the Dumanis gained dominance after a shootout over a missing drug shipment, and Elliot emerged as the new kingpin of London’s gangs. However, the season ended with a twist: Lale and Asif Afridi joined forces in Pakistan, plotting revenge.
Who’s in the Cast?
The stellar cast returns for Season 3, alongside some new faces:
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Elliot Carter/Finch: The former undercover cop turned gangster now reigns over London’s criminal underworld.
Joe Cole as Sean Wallace: The disgraced heir to the Wallace Organisation fights to reclaim his family’s power.
Michelle Fairley as Marian Wallace: The matriarch of the Wallace family, grappling with betrayal and survival.
Lucian Msamati as Ed Dumani: Finn Wallace’s former right-hand man, now a key player in the Dumani family. Pippa Bennett-Warner as Shannon Dumani: A rising force within the Dumani family.
Orli Shuka as Luan Dushaj: A ruthless gang leader with his own agenda. Narges Rashidi as Lale: A cunning and dangerous figure seeking revenge.
Brian Vernel as Billy Wallace: Sean’s brother, whose fate remains uncertain. Asif Raza Mir as Asif Afridi: A powerful figure allied with Lale, plotting revenge from Pakistan.
What to Expect in Season 3
Season 3 promises to be the most explosive yet, with a spiked drug shipment that kills hundreds, sparking a city-wide manhunt.
Violent turf wars as rival gangs clash over control of London in the wildest scenes ever. New alliances and betrayals as personal vendettas collide with professional ambitions while the return of fan-favourite characters and the introduction of new players bound by blood ties.
The season also delves deeper into the consequences of Elliot’s rise to power, as he struggles to maintain control while fending off threats from all sides.
Meanwhile, the Wallaces and Dumanis face devastating losses, and the street gangs fight for survival in a city consumed by chaos.
Filming Locations: A Darker Version of London
Gangs of London is known for its gritty, cinematic portrayal of the capital. Filming for Season 3 took place across iconic London locations, including St Augustine’s Church in Kilburn: The site of one of the season’s most explosive scenes.
Richmond Hill and Gloucester House: Providing a leafy yet sinister backdrop and Elstree Studios: Used for special effects and high-octane action sequences.
The show’s creators have described the setting as a “darker, more dangerous version of London,” akin to Gotham in the Batman universe.
The critically acclaimed first series became the biggest Sky Original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years.
When and Where to Watch
Gangs of London Season 3 premieres on Thursday, 20 March, at 9pm on Sky Atlantic. All eight episodes will be available as a box set on Sky Atlantic and the streaming service, Now.
The critically acclaimed first series became the biggest Sky Original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years.
