The BBC has confirmed, this morning, that it’s ordered a second series of crime drama Rebus.
Based on the best-selling books by Ian Rankin and filmed in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow, it will see Richard Rankin reprising his role as DS John Rebus.
“Season one of Rebus ended on a cliffhanger,” said Ian Rankin, who’s an Executive Producer on the show.
“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!”
The first 6-parter launched in 2024 and attracted 6.3m viewers across all platforms, winning 3 RTS Scotland Awards for Best Drama, Writer and Director.
“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,” explained Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO at Eleventh Hour Films.
“No doubt it’ll pack a punch and there’ll be some sardonic Rebus comments along the way. We can’t wait!”
Writer, Gregory Burke added:
“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.”
It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland.
Niall MacCormick will be returning to direct all 6 episodes and Angela Murray will return to produce.
Paula Cuddy, Jill Green, Eve Gutierrez, Niall MacCormick, Gregory Burke and Ian Rankin are the Executive Producers for Eleventh Hour Films, Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland and Stephanie Fyfe for the BBC.
“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,” said Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland.
“The combination of brilliant storytelling, powerful performances and top class production values will make this new series must-see television. This commission is part of our recently announced strategy to bring more high impact scripted content from Scotland and we’re confident audiences will enjoy this next series as much as they did the first.”
