'Gritty' BBC drama with Outlander star gets new streaming home after huge update

Daily Record

17-07-2025

The 'alluring' BBC drama has landed on another streaming platform.
A "dark" and "alluring" BBC drama is set to arrive on Netflix, ready to captivate a fresh audience of devoted followers.
‌
Rebus, the second television adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, features Outlander star Richard Rankin portraying the eponymous detective.
‌
Whilst navigating personal turmoil surrounding his divorce proceedings, Rebus finds himself charged with dismantling a criminal organisation operating in Edinburgh.
‌
The ensemble cast, led by Roger Wakefield Mackenzie actor Richard, also features Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson and Sean Buchanan.
This six-episode series follows ITV's previous adaptation which aired between 2000 and 2007, starring Ken Stott in the lead role, reports the Express.
The BBC's Rebus has achieved remarkable success, attracting 6.3million viewers across all platforms since debuting on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
‌
Just last month, the production claimed three RTS Scotland awards for outstanding drama, writing and direction, whilst also securing a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One enthusiastic viewer declared: "I watched it on BBC iPlayer and think it was sensational. Acting brilliant and storylines caught the Edinburgh scene perfectly."
‌
Another glowing five-star review stated: "Excellent show. Dark and gritty but with humour. Acting and casting was inspired. Not bad to have a backdrop of Edinburgh. The relationship with Rebus and his brother was particularly moving."
A third admirer commented: "Loved both previous Rebus series. This is a very very good incarnation. Tremendous twist at the end. Very well put together."
"Best thing I've watched in about 3yrs. Proper gritty, hardcore Scottish drama," one viewer enthused.
‌
Another critic was full of praise, stating: "Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance. He is so believable."
Further acclaim came from another reviewer who said: "Richard Rankin is so perfectly believable in the role that you never tire of watching him and keep rooting for him even when he's being a complete and utter idiot."
‌
The announcement of Rebus joining Netflix follows shortly after the BBC confirmed the show would be back for a second series, with Richard set to return in the titular role.
Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO at Eleventh Hour Films, expressed her excitement: "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.
‌
Ian Rankin, also an Executive Producer, chimed in: "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!"
Writer Gregory Burke expressed his enthusiasm, remarking: "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."
He added, "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."