The crime drama series Rebus returns to BBC One with a new adaptation of Ian Rankin’s best-selling Inspector Rebus novels. Airing on Saturday, 18 May 2024, at 9:25 pm, the six-part series stars Richard Rankin as the titular character, Inspector Rebus.
Set in Edinburgh, the series reimagines John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant drawn into a violent criminal underworld. The story takes a personal turn when Rebus’ brother, Michael, a former soldier, crosses the line and becomes entangled in criminal activities. Caught between his loyalty to his brother and his duty to uphold the law, Rebus finds himself in a difficult and emotional predicament.
In this first episode, Detective Sergeant John Rebus and his partner, Constable Siobhan Clarke, investigate the public assault of an enforcer for Edinburgh gangster Ger Cafferty. This incident occurs a year after Rebus had a violent encounter with Cafferty. As Rebus navigates the case, he also deals with personal struggles, including his estranged relationship with his ex-wife, Rhona, and daughter, Sammy. Meanwhile, Rebus’ tense dynamic with his poverty-stricken brother, Michael, deteriorates further, pushing Michael to take desperate measures to provide for his family.
The series boasts a strong cast, including Richard Rankin as the titular Inspector Rebus, alongside Lucie Shorthouse, Brian Ferguson, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan, and Noof Ousellam.
Rebus is adapted for television by Gregory Burke and produced by Eleventh Hour Films for Viaplay.
Rebus: Series 1, Episode 1 airs Saturday, 18 May 2024, at 9:25 pm on BBC One.
