There are some TV shows that are so utterly absorbing you just can’t stop thinking about them - and one of those is BBC crime drama Rebus. Based on the bestselling books by Ian Rankin, series 1 captivated audiences everywhere – and now, the brilliant detective drama is back for what's set to be a turbulent series 2.

If you’re not familiar with Rebus, series 1 introduced us to a reimagined John Rebus (the celebrated Scottish protagonist in Ian Rankin’s novels). This version was a younger Detective Sergeant, played by Richard Rankin, who found himself drawn into a violent criminal conflict that became personal. Exploring contemporary Scottish society and the world that surrounds, it ended on a major cliffhanger (no spoilers) – and it seems that series 2 is set to be quite the rollercoaster itself.

Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO at Eleventh Hour Films has suggested that series 2 will likely “pack a punch and there’ll be some sardonic Rebus comments along the way”. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, says the “combination of brilliant storytelling, powerful performances and top class production values will make this new series must-see television” - and is confident audiences will enjoy it as much as the last.

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While we await the arrival of Rebus series 2 on our screens, here's everything you need to know about it, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.

What is Rebus about?

Set in Edinburgh, the first six-part series aired on the BBC in May 2024, and reimagined John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant. He was drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turned personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crossed the line into criminality. Rebus founds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring Michael to justice.

two individuals standing against a brick wall in an outdoor setting
BBC

Exploring themes of family, morality and class, the drama is a fresh take on Rankin’s iconic character - with a rather dark edge. Alongside Richard Rankin, who played DS John Rebus, the first series starred the likes of Lucie Shorthouse, Brian Ferguson, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan and Noof Ousellam, among others.

What will happen in Rebus series 2?

According to the BBC, the second six-part series will see Richard Rankin reprise the role of Detective Sergeant John Rebus and will explore the links between violent criminals involved in the drug trade in Edinburgh and the professional bourgeois world of law and finance, where police sometimes fear to tread. It sounds turbulent indeed.

individual leaning against a railing in an urban setting
BBC

Ian Rankin, who also serves as Executive Producer on the series, has teased a "magnificent" return. "Season one of Rebus ended on a cliffhanger,” he says. “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!"

rebus
BBC

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."

Who's starring in Rebus series 2?

rebus
BBC

The BBC hasn't yet announced the cast of Rebus series 2, but we're hoping that the following series 1 cast members will return:

  • Richard Rankin (Outlander, The Replacement)
  • 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)
  • Michelle Duncan (Baptiste, Elizabeth is Missing)

Is Rebus any good?

Yes, series 1 received widespread praise from critics and audiences, with the debut episode attracting 6.3 million viewers across all platforms. The Guardian has described Richard Rankin as “the most irresistible incarnation yet”, while The Telegraph has described Richard Rankin as “a dark, brooding pin-up”. If you’re looking for a brilliantly fresh take on a much-loved crime series that's utterly absorbing, this is it.

How can I watch Rebus series 2?

The BBC hasn't yet shared a release date for Rebus series 2, but given that the series has only just been commissioned, we're likely to have to wait until 2026 before it arrives on our screens. When it does, it will air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll update you here. Until then, you can catch up on the first series, which is available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer.