BBC’s Overlooked 6-Part Detective Thriller Has a Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score — And It’s Returning for Season 2
If Dept. Q left you searching for another dark, intelligent detective drama, the BBC has a six-part Scottish crime thriller that deserves your attention.
Rebus, which premiered in May 2024, brings Ian Rankin’s bestselling detective character into modern-day Edinburgh, delivering a gritty story filled with personal conflict, moral dilemmas and dangerous criminal connections.
Despite earning a perfect 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving awards recognition, the series has attracted less attention than many other British crime dramas.
Now, with a second season confirmed for 2027, there’s an opportunity to discover the entire first series on BBC iPlayer.
What Is Rebus About?
Unlike earlier adaptations of Ian Rankin’s novels, this version introduces a younger Detective Sergeant John Rebus, played by Outlander star Richard Rankin.
The series is not a direct adaptation of any single book. Instead, it draws inspiration from Rankin’s characters and stories while placing them in contemporary Edinburgh.
Rebus is an intelligent but troubled detective whose professional and personal lives are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
His relationship with his ex-wife is strained, his role in his daughter’s life is changing, and an unhealthy romantic involvement adds further complications.
Meanwhile, his brother Michael, a financially struggling former soldier, becomes involved in circumstances that challenge Rebus’s understanding of justice and family loyalty.
As the investigation develops, the detective faces uncomfortable questions about the law, morality and how far he is willing to go to protect those closest to him.
Author Ian Rankin, who serves as an executive producer, has praised the adaptation for exploring characters and relationships he felt deserved greater attention in his books.
Who Stars in the BBC Crime Drama?
Richard Rankin leads the cast as John Rebus, bringing a younger and more emotionally conflicted interpretation to the famous detective.
He is joined by Lucie Shorthouse as Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke and Brian Ferguson as Rebus’s brother, Michael.
Amy Manson plays Rhona Moncrieffe, while Neshla Caplan portrays Chrissie Rebus.
The supporting cast includes Noof Ousellam as Darryl Christie, Stuart Bowman as Ger Cafferty, Caroline Lee Johnson as Gill Temper and Thoren Ferguson as Malcolm Fox.
Together, the ensemble creates a tense portrait of Edinburgh’s criminal world and the complicated relationships surrounding the central investigation.
Why Rebus Is Worth Watching
Rebus stands out for combining a traditional police investigation with a deeper examination of its central character.
Rather than focusing exclusively on solving crimes, the series explores the emotional consequences of Rebus’s decisions and the growing conflict between his personal loyalties and professional responsibilities.
Its darker atmosphere and morally complicated storytelling make it particularly appealing to viewers who enjoyed Dept. Q.
The drama also received an impressive critical response, earning a 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning every review included in that score was positive.
With just six episodes, the entire first season is an accessible binge-watch.
Rebus Season 2 Is Already on the Way
The BBC confirmed in June 2026 that filming had begun on a second season, with Richard Rankin returning as Detective John Rebus.
Several new cast members are joining the production, including John Michie, Stephen McCole, Emily Barber, Lorne MacFadyen, Conor Berry and Douglas Russell.
Ian Rankin welcomed the show’s return, describing Rebus as being back in characteristically dark and uncompromising form.
BBC Scotland’s Head of Commissioning, Louise Thornton, also praised the response to the first series and highlighted the strength of its storytelling and performances.
Season 2 is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland, although an exact release date has not been announced.
For now, all six episodes of the first season are available on BBC iPlayer.
With its perfect critics’ score, compelling lead performance and second season approaching, Rebus is a strong choice for anyone looking for a gripping British detective thriller to binge before its return.