The BBC has acquired the rights to the long-awaited Rebus reboot, a new six-part crime drama that sees Richard Rankin playing the Scottish detective during his early years.
Viaplay originally commissioned the series, but when the Swedish broadcaster cancelled its streaming service in 2023 the new show was left without a home - until the BBC swooped in to pick it up in early 2024.
After much-waiting, it now seems like we'll be seeing the iconic investigator on our screens very soon, with the BBC confirming a Spring 2024 release date!
Based on Ian Rankin's novels and written by Gregory Burke, the new crime drama will follow DS John Rebus in his late thirties as he tackles a recent divorce and a demotion to Detective Sergeant.
“I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC," said Ian Rankin in an official statement. "A great cast and a compelling story - I really can’t wait for viewers to see it. Rebus has been a big part of my life for a long time now. To work with Gregory Burke to create a new story that sees him navigate life as a younger man in a contemporary (and ever-changing) Scotland has been a truly fascinating process."
Meanwhile the show's lead says he can't wait to play a character so steeped in TV history...
“It’s been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin’s renowned John Rebus," explains Richard Rankin. "A character enjoyed by so many in such a fresh and original adaptation.”
Here's everything we know about the new series...
Rebus release date
In an official statement, the BBC confirmed the six-part series will air on BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer in Spring 2024.
The show was filmed in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the summer of 2023, with Richard Rankin posting on Instagram to tell fans about the start of filming (see below).
Rebus plot - what happens?
An official BBC synopsis reads...
"Set in Edinburgh, the six-part series reimagines John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turns personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crosses the line into criminality.
"Rebus finds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring Michael to justice. This epic series explores family, morality and class through an emotionally-charged story, set against the Scottish landmarks that Rankin’s readers know so well."
A previous synopsis from the show's original broadcaster, Viaplay, described DS Rebus as being at a 'psychological crossroads' following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster. It also hinted the 40 year-old detective's personal life is in a bit of a mess...
"At odds with a job increasingly driven by corporate technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer.
"In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning, or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn’t Rebus do so too?”
Rebus cast - who's in it?
Outlander star Richard Rankin – no relation to the source material’s author – will play the lead in the reboot. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott, who led the ITV version 20 years ago.
Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Wakefield in Starz drama Outlander, said he “feels very lucky to be given the honour of bringing such an iconic Scottish character back to TV screens.”
Ian Rankin also gave his seal of approval: “He’s the perfect fit for the role, and not just because we coincidentally share the same surname.”
Alongside Richard Rankin as DS John Rebus, the series also stars...
- 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 (Baptise, Elizabeth is Missing).
Rebus trailer
There's no trailer for this one yet, but we'll be sure to let you know as soon as one lands!
