Last King of the Cross – Complete Guide to Seasons and Cast

Last King of the Cross is an Australian crime drama that charts John Ibrahim’s rise from poverty to become a powerful figure in Sydney’s Kings Cross nightlife scene. The series, which streams on Paramount+, is adapted from Ibrahim’s memoir of the same name and blends real-life events with dramatic storytelling. Since its debut in early 2023, the show has drawn attention for its cast, its portrayal of Sydney’s underworld, and questions about where audiences can watch it.

The series spans two released seasons, with a third reportedly in development. It features Lincoln Younes as John Ibrahim and Claude Jabbour as his brother Sam, alongside international names such as Tim Roth. For viewers looking to understand what the show is about, who appears in it, and where to stream it, the following guide covers the essential details.

Where to Watch Last King of the Cross

The primary streaming home for Last King of the Cross in Australia is Paramount+. Both seasons are available on the platform. In the United Kingdom, the series is carried by Sky. Viewers in certain regions can also find it on Prime Video, though availability varies by territory.

Is Last King of the Cross on Netflix?

As of 2025, Last King of the Cross is not available on Netflix. No announcements have been made regarding a future addition to the platform. Current streaming rights are held by Paramount+ and its affiliates.

How to Watch Last King of the Cross in the UK

UK viewers can watch the series through Sky. The show was picked up by Sky after its Australian premiere, making it accessible to British audiences via the Sky platform and its streaming service.

How Many Seasons of Last King of the Cross Are There?

As of early 2025, two seasons of Last King of the Cross have been released. Season 1 consists of 10 episodes that aired from February 17, 2023 to April 14, 2023. Season 2 is shorter, with 8 episodes released between August 30, 2024 and October 11, 2024. The episode count dropped from ten to eight for the sophomore run.

Will There Be a Season 3 of Last King of the Cross?

A third season was announced as in development at the Paramount Upfronts in November 2025, according to available reports. Official confirmation of renewal had not been widely published prior to that event. The status of the series beyond Season 2 had been uncertain, but the Upfronts announcement indicates that production is moving forward. No release date has been set yet for Season 3.

How Long Are the Episodes?

Each episode runs approximately 45 to 55 minutes, which is consistent with the standard runtime for a drama series on streaming platforms.

Who Is in the Cast of Last King of the Cross?

The cast of Last King of the Cross blends Australian talent with internationally recognised performers. Lincoln Younes leads the series in the role of John Ibrahim, the central figure whose life story forms the basis of the show. Claude Jabbour plays Sam Ibrahim, John’s brother.

Who Plays John Ibrahim?

Lincoln Younes portrays John Ibrahim. Younes is an Australian actor known for his work in television drama. His performance anchors the series across both seasons.

Who Is Sam Ibrahim?

Sam Ibrahim is John’s brother and a key figure in the story. He is played by Claude Jabbour. The sibling relationship is a central thread in the narrative.

Who Is Tim Roth’s Character?

Tim Roth appears in Season 1 as Ezra Shipman, a crime boss. Roth’s involvement brought international attention to the series. His character is one of the fictionalised elements added to the drama.

Is Last King of the Cross Based on a True Story?

Yes, the series is based on real events. It is adapted from John Ibrahim’s memoir Last King of the Cross, which recounts his life growing up in Sydney and his eventual rise to prominence in the Kings Cross nightclub scene. The show is described as inspired by Ibrahim’s autobiography and his real-life experiences.

Who Is John Ibrahim?

John Ibrahim is a former nightclub owner and identity in Sydney’s Kings Cross district. His memoir, published in 2013, details his journey from a childhood in a migrant family to becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Sydney’s nightlife. The audiobook preview for the memoir describes it as “John Ibrahim’s incredible life story told in his own words” and notes it was “soon to be a TV miniseries on Paramount+.”

What Is the Book ‘Last King of the Cross’?

The book is an autobiography in which Ibrahim tells his own story. It was published before the television adaptation and serves as the source material for the series. While the show takes creative liberties, including fictional characters and dramatised events, the core narrative follows Ibrahim’s life.

Is Last King of the Cross a True Crime Series?

The series fits within the true crime and biographical crime drama genre. It dramatises real events and people from Sydney’s criminal underworld, though it is not a documentary. The Guardian review described it as a true crime series that is “too polished for its own good,” reflecting a critical perspective on its approach to the material.

When Did Last King of the Cross Premiere and What Is the Release Timeline?

1. 2021 – Announcement of the series adaptation of John Ibrahim’s memoir.
2. February 17, 2023 – Season 1 premieres on Paramount+ in Australia.
3. 2023 – Series picked up by Sky for UK broadcast.
4. August 30, 2024 – Season 2 premieres on Paramount+.
5. November 2025 – A third season is announced as in development at the Paramount Upfronts.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About the Series?

What Is the Real Story Behind Last King of the Cross?

Kings Cross in Sydney has a long and well-documented history as a red-light district and entertainment precinct. John Ibrahim’s rise from an immigrant street kid to a nightclub kingpin is a story that has been widely covered in Australian media. The series dramatises his life and the underworld of Sydney from the 1980s through the 2000s.

A review from the Guardian notes that the show is “too polished” and lacks the grit of the real environment it portrays. Despite this criticism, the series has found an audience. It has been praised for its production values and its casting. The show fits into a broader trend of biographical crime dramas that include series such as Peaky Blinders and Narcos, though it takes a distinctly Australian perspective.

Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Last King of the Cross?

Several sources provide verified information about the series. The Screen Australia production guide offers official details on the first season, including episode counts and cast listings. The Wikipedia page for Last King of the Cross is regularly updated with broadcast dates, cast information, and production history.

For critical reception, the Guardian published a review in February 2023 that provides an informed perspective on the series’ strengths and weaknesses. John Ibrahim’s memoir, available through booksellers including Amazon, contains the source material in his own words.

“John Ibrahim’s incredible life story told in his own words” – audiobook preview description of the memoir Last King of the Cross.

“Last King of the Cross review – true crime series too polished for its own good” – The Guardian, February 2023.

Final Overview of Last King of the Cross

Last King of the Cross is a crime drama series based on the real-life story of John Ibrahim, streaming primarily on Paramount+ with availability on Sky in the UK and Prime Video in select regions. Two seasons have been released, and a third season is in development. The cast is led by Lincoln Younes and Claude Jabbour, with Tim Roth appearing in the first season. For viewers interested in Australian crime drama, the series offers a dramatised look at a well-known chapter of Sydney’s recent history.

For further details about the production and cast, the Last King of the Cross (TV series) page provides ongoing updates. Additional background on the official production can be found in the Last King of the Cross – Screen Australia guide.

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