Rebus is officially back in production, with filming now underway on the second series of the BBC crime drama in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Richard Rankin returns as Detective John Rebus in the acclaimed adaptation of Ian Rankin’s best-selling novels, with the new six-part series set to arrive on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in 2027.
The second series will once again be written by Gregory Burke and produced by Eleventh Hour Films. According to the BBC, the new episodes will continue to explore Rebus’s complex world as he navigates Scottish crime and personal conflict, with series two examining the links between violent criminals and the professional world of law and finance, where power and danger often overlap.
A number of new cast members have also been confirmed for the upcoming series. John Michie, known for Taggart, Coronation Street, Holby City, Karen Pirie and Ridley, joins the cast alongside Stephen McCole, Emily Barber, Lorne MacFadyen, Conor Berry, Ivan Ivashkin, Olga Safronova, Douglas Russell, Alexis Rodney, Reece Montague and Joshua Haynes.
They will appear alongside returning cast members including Brian Ferguson as Michael Rebus, Lucie Shorthouse as DC Siobhan Clarke, Amy Manson as Rhona Moncrieffe, Neshla Caplan as Chrissie Rebus, Stuart Bowman as Ger Cafferty, Noof Ousellam as Darryl Christie, Thoren Ferguson as Malcolm Fox, Mia McKenzie as Sammy Rebus, Andrew John Tait as Neil MacKenzie and Cassidy Little as Cammy.
“There’s a real sense of excitement about stepping back into Rebus’ world. We were incredibly fortunate with the team we assembled for the first series, and it’s a genuine pleasure to be returning alongside so many familiar faces, both in front of and behind the camera. At the same time, we’re welcoming some fantastic new talent this season, and it’s already exciting to see the energy, ideas and depth they’re bringing to the story.”
Richard Rankin
Rankin also reflected on the appeal of playing Rebus, describing him as a “richly complex character” who is “fiercely driven, deeply flawed, endlessly determined and often at war with himself.” He added: “Returning to him, there’s still so much to discover, with many, many layers of the character left to explore. This next chapter promises to challenge him in ways that I’m really looking forward to bringing to life.”
The first series of Rebus launched in full on BBC iPlayer in 2024 and proved a strong performer for the broadcaster. Its debut episode attracted 6.3 million viewers across all platforms, while the series went on to win three RTS Scotland awards for Best Drama, Writer and Director.
For CultureCues, this is exactly the kind of Scottish crime drama we love to see. Rebus already has a strong literary legacy behind it, but the BBC adaptation gave the character a grittier edge without losing the weight of Ian Rankin’s world. With filming taking place across Edinburgh and Glasgow, a strong returning cast and some recognisable new faces joining the series, this second chapter already feels like it has plenty to build on.
There is also something especially exciting about seeing BBC Scotland continue to build out its drama slate, with Rebus sitting alongside titles including Shetland, Vigil, Granite Harbour, Counsels, Half Man, Sutherland, The Young Team and Grams. Basically, more brooding Scottish crime, more Richard Rankin as Rebus and more Edinburgh atmosphere? We will be tuning in. Series 1 is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Rebus series 2 will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in 2027.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.