Fans already excited for ‘violent criminal’ BBC crime drama based on famous novel to be released

Crime drama fans are beside themselves with excitement following an announcement from BBC.

The broadcaster announced on 7 March 2024 that they have acquired a soon-to-air six-part series guaranteed to have us all gripped.

The name of the series is Rebus, and will be an on-screen adaptation of the internationally best-selling Inspector Rebus novels written by Ian Rankin.

Ian said of the adaptation: "I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC.

"A great cast and a compelling story - I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”

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

Rebus will be set in Edinburgh and reimagines the life of lead John Rebus (played by Richard Rankin) as a younger Detective Sergeant, who is ultimately led into a life of violence and criminality that hits close to home when his brother Michael (Brian Ferguson), an ex-soldier, ends up on the wrong side of the law.

John Rebus has to make the tough decision between family and morality.

Sounds like edge-of-our-seats stuff, and I can't wait.

The series will also star Lucie Shorthouse, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan, Noof Ousellam, Stuart Bowman, Caroline Lee Johnson and Sean Buchanan and others.

The series has been written by Gregory Burke, who 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.”

Crime drama fans can't wait for Rebus to hit their screens. (BBC)

The official X account for BBC announced the air date in a tweet on 10th May that read: "Rebus is coming to BBC iPlayer on the 17th of May.

"The brand new crime series based on the best-selling Inspector Rebus novels by Ian Rankin stars Richard Rankin as a younger detective sergeant, who’s drawn into a violent criminal conflict."

Of course, it isn't only those involved in the production who are excited.

One person wrote: "Just seen an ad for the new series of Rebus coming very soon on BBC..looking forward to it!"

A second person added: "My dream came true. #RichardRankin is #Rebus."

A third chimed: "Bridgerton season 3 and Rebus the same weekend! Hot fangirl spring. I’m excited."

Rebus will air on BBC Scotland on Friday 17th May and on BBC One on Saturday 18th May.