Sherwood S3: 'Unpredictable' and 'gripping' BBC crime drama returns with another TV legend joining the cast
Can we fast forward the clocks?
Sherwood, one of the most sublime TV productions we’ve seen in the past decade is coming back for a series 3, and the cast is – once again – epic.
BBC One has announced that filming has started on series 3 of the award-winning crime drama. The first series of the critically acclaimed Nottinghamshire drama dropped in 2022, and series 2 followed in 2024. Both won awards. Both deserved every single one (and more).
Viewers can now expect new episodes in 2026. Undoubtedly one of TV’s greatest dramas of recent years, Sherwood returns to the Nottinghamshire former mining community of Ashfield and introduces a new family into the mix.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sherwood series 3, including the new plot, who plays who in the cast, number of episodes, and start date.
Is there a series 3 of Sherwood?
The BBC has confirmed that there will be a series 3 of Sherwood, and it’s currently in production (as of January 2026). The events of the new series start six months on from the dramatic conclusion of series two.
This time , there’s a new family at the heart of the drama. The Beeb describe the Wood family as “the picture of working-class respectability”. They are pillars of the community, volunteers at the local church, and involved in the construction of the new Gotham housing estate built in the shadows of Sherwood Forest.
Meanwhile, DI Zara Gill is leading the operation into identifying the numerous human remains that were found in the reservoir during the recovery operation following Ann Branson’s drowning. The trail leads to several missing people linked to the Bransons’ criminal activities.. But one specific discovery unexpectedly leads back to the Bostall family.
A synopsis tells us: “Forty years after he first went missing, the body of Arthur Bostall is unearthed from Nottingham’s ancient caves. And a series of unnerving questions begins to arise over who killed him and why. As the Wood and Bostall families find themselves being forced to look back into the past, events in the present conspire to uncover more buried secrets for the family and the wider community alike.”
So far, so Sherwood.
How many episodes will it be?
Sherwood series 3 will be six episodes of one hour long.
This follows the same format as series 1 and 2, which aired in 2022 and 2024 respectively. Both series are currently available to watch in BBC iPlayer.
Who is new in the cast of Sherwood series 3?
Rosalie Craig, Joe Dempsie, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sue Johnston and Peter Wight all join the cast of Sherwood series 3.
Singer and actress Rosalie Craig joins the cast as Zoe Wood, a passionate campaigner on behalf of her town. She recently portrayed troubled Kitty in Riot Women.
Joe Dempsie plays Zoe’s husband Alex Wood, who is overseeing construction of the new Gotham housing estate. As well as Game of Thrones, he’s also known for his recent appearance in Showtrial series 2.
Zoe and Alex Wood live with their parents, Irene and Eric Bostall, the estate’s first residents. Sue Johnston joins the cast as Irene. Of course, she is known for her roles in The Royle Family, Waking the Dead, and Brookside.
Peter Wight, who will play Eric Bostall, is famous for his often comedic roles in series such as Early Doors, and Party Animals. He’s also appeared in Out of the Blue, The Paradise, and A Confession.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste will play DI Zara Gill. She’s known for her roles in Why Women Kill, The Good Place, Killing Eve, Barry, and The Sandman.
Toxic Town and Murder Before Evensong‘s Ben Batt also joins the cast, alongside Masters of the Air’s Adam Long.
Who returns to the cast?
Many of the brilliant cast of Sherwood series 1 and 2 will also be returning in the upcoming third run. These include:
- After the Flood’s Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow.
- Rome’s Lindsay Duncan as Jennifer Hale.
- Hustle’s Robert Glenister as DI Kevin Salisbury.
- My Family’s Robert Lindsay as Franklin Warner.
- The Crown’s Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson.
- Walking the Dead’s David Morrissey as DCS Ian St Clair.
- Rivals’ Claire Rushbrook as Cathy Rowley.
- Hullraisers’ Perry Fitzpatrick as Rory Sparrow.
- The Village’s Bill Jones as Ronan Sparrow.
Is it based on a true story?
Fans of the show will know that both Sherwood series 1 and 2 were inspired by true stores. However, series 3 is different.
The second series of Sherwood was inspired by the so-called “Shottingham” gang wars that mired the region and the Nottinghamshire community in which writer James Graham grew up.
Series 3, although inspired by his childhood, is not based on a true story.
Graham said: “The joy of Sherwood for me is introducing brand new characters with exciting original stories each and every series, sitting alongside existing characters and actors I’ve grown to love. The new Wood family, despite their down-to-earth humour and charm, are going to be put through the most intense experience we’ve created yet. They are a normal family, in the most extraordinary situation which we hope will have audiences asking ’what would I do?’ And we’ll be returning to other strands too, including Daphne Sparrow and her long-kept secret past…”
Sherwood series 3 ‘combines gripping storytelling with profound emotional truth’
Juliette Howell, executive producer, commented: “James Graham has once again crafted something truly special with this series, combining gripping storytelling with profound emotional truth in a family mystery that will have audiences hooked from the first frame.
“The Woods are a family you will be desperate to protect even as you question everything about them and their actions.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “James Graham’s scripts are as gripping and unpredictable as ever, with some fantastically knotty new characters to enjoy.”
When’s the start date? How can I watch it?
Sherwood series 3 is currently in production, so it’ll be a while before it lands on our screens. However, we have high hopes for a 2026 start date. It will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Series 1 and 2 are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Read more: Top-tier dramas returning in 2026: From Doctor Foster to Sherwood and The Night Manager
