MobLand is a new American crime drama series that premieres on Paramount+, as it happens! Created by Ronan Bennett and with some episodes directed by Guy Ritchie, it stars Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, a “fixer” caught in the middle of a violent feud between two London crime families: the Harrigans and the Stevensons. The series began as a spinoff of Ray Donovan called The Donovans, but it evolved into a standalone story set in London’s criminal underworld.
This gritty series has taken us deep into London’s shadowy underworld, where two fierce crime families—the Harrigans and the Stevensons—are locked in a brutal showdown. At TV Acute, we’ve been buzzing about this show ever since it dropped on March 30, 2025. But here’s the big question on everyone’s mind: Are these families based on real-life gangsters? Let’s dig in and uncover the truth behind MobLand’s epic feud.
The Harrigans vs. Stevensons: Fiction or Fact?
First things first—the Harrigans and Stevensons aren’t real. Yep, you heard that right! These extravagant criminal groups are entirely fictional. MobLand, created by the talented Ronan Bennett, started as a British twist on Ray Donovan, a show about a Hollywood fixer cleaning up celebrity messes. But instead of glitz and glamour, MobLand pivots to the raw, dangerous world of organized crime. It’s a fresh story that swaps scandalous tabloids for bloody turf wars.
So, while you won’t find the Harrigans or Stevensons in history books, the show still feels super real. Why? Because the creators pulled inspiration from some pretty cool places—like Shakespeare! Think Macbeth vibes. The legendary Pierce Brosnan portrays the ambitious patriarch Conrad Harrigan, while the amazing Helen Mirren plays his wife Maeve, who wields significant influence behind the scenes, akin to Lady Macbeth. Their dynamic is electric, driving the family into chaos as they battle the rival Stevensons, led by the ruthless Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell).
What Makes MobLand So Addictive?
The heart of MobLand isn’t just the gang-on-gang action—it’s the messy, juicy family drama. The Harrigans are a wild bunch. The Harrigans are led by Conrad and Maeve, their sons Kevin (Paddy Considine) and Brendan (Daniel Betts), and their rebellious grandson, Eddie (Anson Boon), who inadvertently ignites the entire conflict by entanglements with Tommy, the missing son of the Stevensons. Add in Kevin’s wife Bella (Lara Pulver) and an estranged daughter, Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon), and you’ve got a recipe for betrayal, power grabs, and epic showdowns.
The Stevensons, meanwhile, are a rising force ready to topple the Harrigans’ empire. We don’t see as much of their inner circle early on, but their shadowy presence keeps you on edge. This clash isn’t just about territory—it’s a fight for survival, and it pulls fixer Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy) right into the chaos. Caught between loyalty to the Harrigans and protecting his own family—wife Jan (Joanne Froggatt) and their daughter—Harry’s journey is what keeps us glued to the screen.
Why Does MobLand Feel So Authentic?
Even though these families are fictional, MobLand nails the vibe of real-life crime. The show was filmed on the gritty streets of London, giving it that raw, lived-in feel. Plus, with Guy Ritchie directing the first few episodes, you get that slick, fast-paced style he’s famous for—think Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets The Gentlemen. The creators also sprinkled in real-world crime themes, like territorial disputes and backstabbing alliances, which echo gang rivalries from London’s past.
The cast makes the difference. Tom Hardy imbues Harry with grit and heart, compelling you to support him even during his most challenging moments. Pierce Brosnan’s Conrad is a charming yet terrifying boss, while Helen Mirren’s Maeve is the mastermind you don’t mess with. Every actor makes these characters pop, turning a fictional story into something that feels ripped from the headlines.
Head over to TV Acute for more scoop on MobLand and all your favorite series. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!
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