Confirmed: Two New Series Of Hit BBC Drama Shetland Are Coming

Back to the Shetland Isles we go for series nine and 10 of Shetland, the BBC’s hit Scottish drama which was second only to the UK’s most watched TV show of 2023, Happy Valley, in terms of Scottish viewership figures. Here’s everything we know so far.

DI Ruth Calder (ASHLEY JENSEN) © ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson

Confirmed: Series 9 & 10 Of Shetland

Produced by Silverprint Pictures, Shetland is a critically acclaimed Scottish detective drama filmed and set in the Shetland islands, the UK’s northernmost region. It first aired in March 2013 with a two episode series based on Ann Cleeves’ novel Red Bones, aired across two nights – but a second series was soon in high demand. Flash forward to today, and eight series have aired, with the most recent wrapping up on 6 December 2023 with a high tension finale.

Today, the BBC has announced not one but two new series of Shetland, meaning we’ll be enjoying the show until at least 2025. Filming for series nine will commence later this month, with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. Series 10 will be filmed in 2025.

‘I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder,’ Jensen says. ‘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.’

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 eight and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that. I can’t wait to see what Paul [Logue, the series’ lead writer] and the team have in store for us next.’

Shetland Series 8. © ITV Studios/Kirsty Anderson

What Is Shetland About?

Set in Scotland’s northerly isles, Shetland follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Pérez (Douglas Henshall) as he solves crimes in a tight knit community, all the while revealing secrets and lies from the past. From series eight, the show centres on DI Ruth Calder (Jensen), a London police officer who grew up in Shetland and is sent to the islands to help solve a case. As well as its intriguing and intricate mysteries, Shetland is best known for the stunning Scottish landscapes that backdrop the action.

‘We’re thrilled that the BBC has commissioned two more series of Shetland,’ says Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures. ‘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.’

Who Stars?

Jensen and O’Donnell will reprise their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, joined by series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora).

WATCH

Catch up with all eight series of Shetland on BBC iPlayer.

DI Ruth Calder (ASHLEY JENSEN); DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (ALISON O’DONNELL). © ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson

Is Shetland Based On A Book?

Yes, some of Shetland is based on novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves. Series one was based on Red Bones, while series two was based on Raven Black, Dead Water and Blue Lightning, all by Ann Cleeves. From series three onwards, however, Shetland has been written for television.

Will There Be A Series 9 Of Shetland?

Yes, series nine of Shetland is confirmed, and we expect it to air before the end of 2024.