Richard Rankin will return as DS John Rebus to continue his story. 

Last year, we were thrilled to see the BBC picking up the first series of Rebus. While the unorthodox detective made it to the screen in the 2000s, played by John Hannah and later Ken Stott, his world – Ian Rankin’s 25 novels – remains ripe for exploration.

The new Rebus, starring Richard Rankin (no relation) in the title role, attracted 6.3 million viewers for its debut episode. It also scooped three RTS Scotland awards for Best Drama, Writer and Director Niall MacCormick.

Reimagining the detective earlier in his career, writer Gregory Burke’s adaptation sees Rebus as a detective sergeant. In series two, the storyline 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.

Author Ian Rankin says:

“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!”

Gregory Burke adds:

“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 series two comes from Eleventh Hour Films for BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC One. Niall MacCormick returns to direct all six episodes, with Angela Murray producing.

You can find series one of Rebus on the BBC iPlayer, and we’ll keep you posted on series two.