BBC’s acclaimed crime drama ‘Rebus‘ is officially returning for a second season. Following a hugely successful debut that drew strong ratings and critical acclaim, the award-winning show will see Richard Rankin (‘Outlander’) reprise his role as the sharp and sardonic Detective Sergeant John Rebus.
Based on the best-selling novels by Ian Rankin and adapted for the screen by Gregory Burke, the series reimagines the iconic detective for a modern audience. Filmed in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow, the gritty crime drama explores Scotland’s criminal underworld through the eyes of a complex, haunted lead character.
The first season launched in full on BBC iPlayer in 2024 and was met with widespread praise. It pulled in 6.3 million viewers across all platforms and recently swept the RTS Scotland Awards, winning Best Drama, Writer and Director.
Series two will once again be produced by Eleventh Hour Films and continue to delve into Rebus’s conflicted personal life while taking on a new case. This time, Rebus is drawn into the murky connections between Edinburgh’s violent drug gangs and the high-powered world of law and finance—an area where even seasoned police tread carefully.
Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO of Eleventh Hour Films, said:
“After three wins at the RTS Scotland Awards 2025, we couldn’t be more thrilled to now share that we are reuniting with Ian Rankin’s celebrated Scottish detective, brilliantly portrayed by Richard Rankin, to bring a second series of Rebus to the BBC. No doubt it’ll pack a punch and there’ll be some sardonic Rebus comments along the way. We can’t wait!”
Ian Rankin, Executive Producer, added:
“Season one of Rebus ended on a cliffhanger. Only screenwriter Gregory Burke knows what happens next. So I’m hugely excited that season two will soon be with us. Rebus is back – mean, moody and as magnificent as ever!”
Gregory Burke, Writer, commented:
“I’m delighted to be given the chance by the BBC and Eleventh Hour Films to bring Rebus back to the nation’s TV screens once more. Ian Rankin’s character and body of work are the perfect materials with which to explore contemporary Scottish society and the turbulent world that surrounds it.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, said:
“We were blown away with the audience response to the new-look Rebus first time round so bringing it back for a second series was always a priority. The combination of brilliant storytelling, powerful performances and top class production values will make this new series must-see television.”
The six-episode second season of ‘Rebus’ will be written by Gregory Burke, directed once again by Niall MacCormick, and produced by Angela Murray. Executive producers include Paula Cuddy, Jill Green, Eve Gutierrez, Niall MacCormick, Gregory Burke and Ian Rankin for Eleventh Hour Films, along with Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland and Stephanie Fyfe for the BBC. The series is distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Television.
‘Rebus’ Season 2 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
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