BBC announces two new series of hit drama Shetland

“It’s a joy to bring Shetland back for not one, but two new series, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world.” — Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama

Following the success of its 2023 series, the critically-acclaimed hit drama Shetland has been recommissioned by the BBC for two new series. A Silverprint Pictures production (part of ITV Studios) for the BBC, the double series commission – Shetland’s ninth and tenth – will film in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland in 2024 and 2025.

Filming on Series 9 begins this month with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

Shetland is loved by millions of fans on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with this year’s series averaging 7.0 million viewers across its run, in line with the previous run. In Scotland, Shetland was the second biggest drama of the year across all channels and streamers, behind Happy Valley.

Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series of Shetland will also see the return of series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting will be announced in due course.

Ashley Jensen says: “I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder. The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue. The Shetland Isles are breath-taking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon.”

Alison O’Donnell adds: “I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series and am so excited to get started. I’m really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways. That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true. Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in Series 8 and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that. I can’t wait to see what Paul and the team have in store for us next.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “It’s a joy to bring Shetland back for not one, but two new series, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world. Ashley and Alison’s partnership has taken Shetland from strength to strength and into new exciting territory, which combined with Paul Logue’s captivating scripts will mean there’s plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles.”

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures says: “We’re thrilled that the BBC has commissioned two more series of Shetland. Paul Logue creates distinctive and emotionally complex stories, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of Shetland. It’s wonderful to be making these series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of our production.”

The new series of Shetland, will be written by lead writer Paul Logue and Denise Paul. Series 9 will be produced by Louise V Say (Dracula, Les Miserables) and directed by Andrew Cumming (Out of Darkness)and Ruth Paxton (A Banquet). Executive producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Denise Paul and Paul Logue for Silverprint Pictures.

Shetland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Nightsleeper, Granite Harbour and Lockerbie. Shetland will be internationally distributed by ITV Studios.