Rebus series 2: BBC detective drama returns following 'critical acclaim' with Holby legend joining the cast
Rebus will be back for a much-anticipated series 2, BBC One has confirmed, following on from the “critically acclaimed” 2024 six-parter. Richard Rankin will reprise his...
Rebus will be back for a much-anticipated series 2, BBC One has confirmed, following on from the “critically acclaimed” 2024 six-parter.
Richard Rankin will reprise his role as Detective Sergeant John Rebus in the upcoming series. BBC One tells us the new episodes will “pack a punch”.
Based on the best-selling books by Ian Rankin – no relation to lead actor Richard – the series is filmed in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
And BBC One has just announced further casting for the upcoming series of the BBC drama. Here’s what we know so far about Rebus series 2…
Is there a series 2 of Rebus?
Great news for fans of Rebus, as BBC One has confirmed the series will be returning for another run. This follows the first series which landed in May 2024. Fans of dark detective dramas lapped it up, and the critics loved it too.
So it’s no surprise that Rebus will be back, with Richard Rankin reprising his role as the sardonic DS Rebus.
Writer Ian Rankin, who worked as Executive Producer on the series, said: “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!”
Of course, fans will know that Ian Rankin has written 25 Rebus books. And all of them are screaming out to be adapted! Writer Gregory Burke adapted the books for TV.
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In series 1, the writer reimagined John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant. The rookie DS found himself drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turned personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crossed the line into criminality.
Rebus found himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring Michael to justice. The series explored family, morality and class through an emotionally-charged story.
What’s the plot?
The new series will continue to explore DS John Rebus’ complex world “as he navigates Scottish crime and personal conflict”.
A synopsis tells us: “Series 2 of Rebus 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.”
Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO at 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!”
Where is Rebus series 2 filmed?
Like series 1, cast and crew on Rebus series 2 will film in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Rebus is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Shetland, Granite Harbour, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Vigil, and Half Man.
Writer Gregory Burke said of the location: “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.”
Meanwhile, Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland added: “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.”
She added: “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. We’re confident audiences will enjoy this next series as much as they did the first.”
How many episodes will it be?
Rebus series 2 will be six episodes of 60 minutes each. This follows the same pattern as series 1.
Niall MacCormick will be returning to direct all six episodes.
Who is in the cast of Rebus series 2 on BBC One?
Scottish actor Richard Rankin will return as DS John Rebus in series 2. TV viewers probably know him best for the Scottish sketch show Burnistoun, and for playing Roger Wakefield MacKenzie in the Starz drama Outlander. Other notable roles include in The Syndicate, Silent Witness, and The Crimson Field.
Richard is delighted to be back for a second series. He said: “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.”
He added: “What I’ve always loved about Rebus is that he’s such a richly complex character. He’s fiercely driven, deeply flawed, endlessly determined and often at war with himself. 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.”
Series regulars returning include:
- 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.
- Cassidy Little as Cammy.
Who is in the guest cast of Rebus series 2?
Joining the cast of Rebus for series 2 is Taggart and Coronation Street star John Michie. He’s also known for playing Guy Self in Holby City.
Also joining the ensemble guest cast are: Shetland’s Stephen McCole, Mobland’s Emily Barber, Malpractice’s Lorne MacFadyen, and Vigil’s Conor Berry.
Other names include: Ivan Ivashkin (The Capture), Olga Safronova (Second Spring), Douglas Russell (Adolescence), Alexis Rodney (Death In Paradise), Reece Montague (The Primrose Railway Children) and Joshua Haynes (Crime, Granite Harbour).
Is Rebus based on a book?
The BBC One adaptation of Rebus is based on the famous Ian Rankin novels of the same name. There are currently 25 in the series. Some some fans thought the ending of A Heart Full of Headstones in 2023 made it clear there would be no more Rebus novels. However, Ian Rankin subsequently announced there would be a 25th Rebus novel entitled Midnight & Blue. The novel was published in October 2024.
Rebus creator Ian Rankin, who worked as an executive producer on the series, said at the time: “I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC. A great cast and a compelling story – I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”
Meanwhile, Gregory Burke adapted the novels for the screen. He said: “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.”
Who else has played Rebus?
There have been several incarnations of world-weary copper Rebus over the years. Actor John Hannah played the role between 2000 and 2001 in the ITV version.
Perhaps most famously, Scottish actor Ken Stott took over the role for 10 episodes between 2006 and 2007.
Are Richard Rankin and Ian Rankin related?
Despite having the same surname, Ian and Richard Rankin are NOT related. In fact, Rankin is a reasonably common name in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It’s worth mentioning that Rankin is not Richard’s real name.
The 42-year-old – whose dad was a policeman – was born Richard Harris. However, when he applied for his Equity card he began using his mother’s maiden name (Rankin) to prevent confusion with famous Irish actor Richard Harris.
When’s the start date of Rebus series 2?
Filming is underway on series 2 of Rebus with Richard Rankin reprising his role as Detective John Rebus on the acclaimed BBC drama.
Rebus – an Eleventh Hour Films production – is currently filming in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow. The series will debut on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in 2027.
