Guy Ritchie Unleashes 'Sopranos'-Style Gangster Saga on Paramount+!

The iconic HBO series "The Sopranos," which captivated audiences from 1999 to 2007, continues to hold its place as one of the most influential television dramas of all time. Known for its raw action, brutal violence, and deeply compelling characters, "The Sopranos" provided an unprecedented look into the inner workings of the mafia, leaving an indelible mark on all subsequent mob-centric TV shows. This lasting impact is particularly evident in Guy Ritchie’s recent television ventures, which are set to return for eagerly anticipated second seasons.

Guy Ritchie, renowned for his distinctive crime dramas such as "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch," has successfully ventured into television with his Paramount+ series, "MobLand," which concluded its first season last spring. Much like "The Sopranos," Ritchie's "MobLand" immerses viewers in the intricate lives of a dangerous mob family. The series centers on Harry Da Souza (played by Tom Hardy), a fixer working for the formidable Harrigan crime family. This family, led by Conrad (Pierce Brosnan), is deeply entrenched in the British drug trade and constantly navigates intense competition and numerous enemies.

Initially, it appears that Conrad exerts control over his adult children, including Brandon (Daniel Betts), Kevin (Paddy Considine), and Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon). However, the true architect of power within the family is quickly revealed to be the matriarch, Maeve (Helen Mirren). Maeve, reminiscent of the hard-edged Livia Soprano, is portrayed as a ruthless force, often exceeding the ferocity of the men in the family. As the first season progresses, a fierce gang war erupts, thrusting Harry into a desperate struggle to protect the Harrigan clan from peril. The series is celebrated for its fast-paced, thrilling plotlines, marked by numerous twists and turns that keep audiences guessing about who can be trusted in a world populated by immoral gangsters. Beyond the action-packed fight sequences, explosions, and car chases, "MobLand" delves into the complexities of this dangerous criminal underworld, exploring the motivations of its sociopathic characters as each member of the Harrigan family vies for greater power. This approach creates deeply fascinating characters, far removed from mere mobster caricatures, akin to the depth seen in "The Sopranos." It features brutal violence, and not every character survives the gripping first season.

The success of "MobLand" is significantly bolstered by its impressive ensemble cast. Tom Hardy delivers a compelling performance as the tough-as-nails, morally ambiguous protagonist, Harry Da Souza, while Pierce Brosnan offers a multifaceted portrayal of Conrad. Joanne Froggatt plays an intriguing outsider as Harry's wife, struggling with her entanglement in the mob life. Geoff Bell delivers a terrifying performance as a grieving mobster who becomes an enemy to the Harrigans, and Janet McTeer captivates as a top-ranking, mysterious figure in the criminal world. However, Helen Mirren's portrayal of Maeve stands out, showcasing her as a Machiavellian and cutthroat character who electrifies every scene, regardless of her scene partners.

"MobLand" was renewed for a second season in June 2025. Despite reports of some off-screen drama, including an untrue rumor that Tom Hardy was leaving the show after Season 2, the series remains a strong option for fans of "The Sopranos"-like drama. Season 1 is currently available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S., with Season 2 set to premiere on Friday, September 18.

September promises to be a notable month for Guy Ritchie enthusiasts. While his recent theatrical movie, "In the Grey" — starring Eiza González, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Henry Cavill — struggled at the box office, grossing only $20 million against a $70 million budget, it has found considerable success on the PVOD market and garnered an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, despite a 52% critics' score. Other recent Ritchie films like "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre," "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," and "The Covenant" have similarly underperformed theatrically but often found success at home. The upcoming streaming projects signal a strong return for the filmmaker.

Before "MobLand" makes its comeback, fans can also look forward to the second season of Ritchie's other hit streaming series, "The Gentlemen," on Netflix. This show, a spinoff of Ritchie's 2019 movie, received both critical (75% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes) and popular (84% audience score) acclaim during its premiere in 2024. Critics praised its "slick" style and "watchable wattage" from its cast, noting it was "fun on its own terms." Starring Theo James, "The Gentlemen" quickly became a hit, attracting 12 million views in its debut week and rising to 20 million views in its second week. The second season is scheduled to premiere on September 3, offering another dose of Ritchie's signature style to viewers.