The BBC has picked up a new adaptation of the international best-selling Inspector ‘Rebus‘ novels by award-winning author Ian Rankin, starring Richard Rankin (Outlander, The Replacement) in the title role.
“I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC,” said Ian Rankin, creator of the Rebus novels. “A great cast and a compelling story – I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”
Set in Edinburgh, the six-part series reimagines John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turns personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crosses the line into criminality. Rebus finds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring Michael to justice. This epic series explores family, morality and class through an emotionally-charged story, set against the Scottish landmarks that Rankin’s readers know so well. Filming took place in Glasgow and Edinburgh last year.
Alongside Richard Rankin as DS John Rebus (if you’re wondering, no, Richard and Ian are not related), the series also stars Lucie Shorthouse (Line of Duty, Ten Percent), Brian Ferguson (The Ipcress File, Spanish Princess), Amy Manson (The Nevers, The Diplomat), Neshla Caplan (The Rig, Scot Squad), Noof Ousellam (Vigil, Guilt), Stuart Bowman (The Serpent, Bodyguard), Caroline Lee Johnson (Trying, Ridley), Sean Buchanan (Censor, Mary Queen of Scots), Thoren Ferguson (The Midwich Cuckoos) and Michelle Duncan (Baptise, Elizabeth is Missing).
“I am thrilled that Rebus will premiere on the BBC,” adds Richard Rankin. “It’s been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin’s renowned John Rebus. A character enjoyed by so many in such a fresh and original adaptation.”
‘Rebus’ is written by Gregory Burke (´71, Six Four) and is adapted from the best-selling novels by Ian Rankin. The six-part series is directed by Niall MacCormick (Complicit, The Victim, Wallander) and Fiona Walton (Shetland, Annika) and is produced by Angela Murray.
“It has been a huge privilege to work on a new show with Ian Rankin’s iconic character at its centre, and I couldn’t be more delighted that it is to be broadcast on the BBC,” said Burke.
This is not the first time the ‘Rebus’ novels have been adapted for TV. The previous iteration ran on ITV from 2000-07 and starred John Hannah, then Ken Stott, as the title character.
“Rebus of course needs no introduction, being one of Scotland’s most prolific literary characters, but we’re thrilled to be bringing this new television adaptation, starring Richard Rankin, to our audiences in Scotland and across the UK,” commented Sandra McFadden, Head of Business, BBC Scotland Commissioning.
Produced by Eleventh Hour Films for Viaplay, Paula Cuddy, Jill Green, Eve Gutierrez, Tomas Axelsson, Isabelle Hultén, Niall MacCormick, Gregory Burke and Ian Rankin are the Executive Producers. ‘Rebus’ is distributed internationally by Viaplay Content Distribution.
‘Rebus‘ Season 1 does not yet have an exact premiere date but will air in Spring 2024 on BBC Scotland, BBC One and BBC iPlayer. If you want to keep track of this show you can add the show via our Never Miss system and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
