Rebus, the award-winning crime drama based on the books by Sir Ian Rankin and set in Edinburgh, is to return for a second series, the BBC has announced.
The new series, written by Gregory Burke, will feature Richard Rankin reprising his role as Detective Sergeant John Rebus.
Six hour-long episodes, to be filmed in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow, have been commissioned by the BBC for BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One.
The first six-part series from Eleventh Hour Films, launched in full on BBC iPlayer in 2024 and received widespread praise from both critics and audiences.
The debut episode attracted 6.3 million viewers across all platforms while last month it scooped three RTS Scotland awards for Best Drama, Writer and Director.
Series two will continue to explore Rebus’s complex world and the links between violent criminals in the drug trade in Edinburgh and the professional bourgeois world of law and finance.
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.
“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.”
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.”
Ian Rankin, who is an executive producer on the show, 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.”
Writer 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.”
Rebus is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Shetland, Vigil, Granite Harbour, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Half Man and the recently announced Counsels, The Young Team and Grams.
