BBC fans begging for second series of new crime drama labelled a 'masterpiece' after binging first season

Fans are begging for another season of a positively addictive BBC drama that debuted on 17 May.

Following in the footsteps of gripping crime dramas of recent times, including Channel 4's The Gathering and BBC's Tokyo Vice, the six-episode strong series is based on an internationally best-selling novel series by Ian Rankin.

The show centres around a choice between family and morality. (BBC)

The series is simply called Rebus.

Upon news that the show would soon be hitting screens, series writer Gregory Burke said: "It has been a huge privilege to work on a new show with Ian Rankin's iconic character at its centre, and I couldn't be more delighted that it is to be broadcast on the BBC.”

Ian Rankin, writer of the novels, shared: "A great cast and a compelling story - I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”

And it turns out he was 100% right.

Rebus, set in Edinburgh starring Richard Rankin as detective sergeant John Rebus, who ultimately finds himself thrust into a dangerous life of violence and criminality when his brother Michael (Brian Ferguson), an ex-soldier, ends up on the wrong side of the law.

He then has to make a choice between family and morality.

Rebus also stars Lucie Shorthouse, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan, Noof Ousellam, Stuart Bowman, Caroline Lee Johnson and Sean Buchanan.

After waiting what felt like an absolute lifetime, the series finally landed on 17 May and viewers are already calling for another season.

One person wrote on X: "I've been a fan of all Ian Rankin's works for decades, so was a tad worried about this new adaption. It's pure brilliant, binged watched and cannae wait for next season."

Another added: "I’ve just binged the first three episodes of #Rebus and it’s seriously good. Richard Rankin is terrific in the lead role, but there are strong female characters, references to “Jambos” and John Knox and, brooding over it all, Edinburgh at its Jekyll-and-Hyde best and worst!"

Rebus is based on novels by Ian Rankin. (BBC)

A third said: "Binged the series. Loved the books, this series is brilliant. Masterpiece."

Writer Ian Rankin then took to the social media platform to share his own thoughts.

He said: "Thanks to everyone for your comments on the new Rebus series. Some of you have imbibed the whole thing already and are asking about season two - out of my hands but very much in those of BBC!"

Here's hoping they see our large number of pleas and give us the news we're aching for sooner rather than later.