Rebus series 2: Richard Rankin will return in BBC detective drama

Rebus series 2: BBC detective drama starring Richard Rankin confirmed following 'critical acclaim'

Helen Fear | 11:01am Fri 11 Jul

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 which, we’re told, 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. Here’s what we know so far about Rebus series 2…

Rebus series 1 first aired in May 2024 [Credit: BBC/Viaplay/Eleventh Hour]

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 – all of which are screaming out to be adapted! Writer Gregory Burke adapted the books for TV.

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!”

Richard Rankin will return as DC John Rebus in series 2 [Credit: BBC/Eleventh Hour Films/Mark Mainz]

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.

Brian Ferguson and Richard Rankin as brothers Michael and John Rebus in series 2 [Credit: BBC/Viaplay /Eleventh Hour/Mark Mainz]

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.

After being cast in series 1, the actor said: “I am thrilled that Rebus will premiere on the BBC. It’s been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin’s renowned John Rebus. A character enjoyed by so many in such a fresh and original adaptation.”

The Beeb has not yet confirmed who else will be returning in the cast.

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.”

Ian Rankin wrote the famous Rebus novels [Credit: headshotINFphoto.com]

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.