Those searching for their next crime drama fix needn’t look any further, because there’s an underrated BBC series giving tough competition to the best in the genre.
Surpassing acclaimed series like Line of Duty and Shetland, and giving fierce rivalry to detective drama Sherlock Holmes, this under-the-radar show has fans hooked and begging for more.
A Scottish crime drama, Rebus, is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, and viewers just can’t get enough. The series first premiered in the UK in May 2024 and has garnered excellent reviews in the years since its release.
Based on Sir Ian Rankin’s famous Scottish detective, Inspector Rebus, the series has been adapted for television from the acclaimed author’s novels. Incidentally, it’s not the first time Ian Rankin’s famous novels have been brought to life on the small screen.
The crime drama is giving tough competition to the best shows in the genre.(Image: BBC/Viaplay/Eleventh Hour/Mark Mainz)
Another wildly popular and successful adaptation of the books first hit the airwaves on ITV in April 2000. Starring John Hannah and later Ken Stott in the titular role of Inspector Rebus, the series was a massive hit and remains in fans’ hearts till this day — and it’s available to stream free on Channel 4.
The 2024 adaptation has managed to impress audiences, with several viewers declaring it far superior to its predecessor. Written by Gregory Burke and co-directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, the series has proved so popular it’s already been revived for a second season which will premiere in 2027. Ian Rankin and Burke also serve as executive producers on the show.
The first season of Rebus (2024) consists of six episodes averaging around 45 minutes each, and the story follows Detective John Rebus as he finds himself facing off against an infamous Edinburgh gangster while also dealing with a changing workplace and the aftermath of his divorce.
The show’s official plot states: “40-year-old police detective John Rebus finds himself at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an Edinburgh gangster.”
Richard Rankin has been praised for his outstanding performance in the show(Image: BBC/Viaplay /Eleventh Hour/Mark Mainz)
Rebus stars the brilliant Richard Rankin as the protagonist, joined by Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson, Sean Buchanan and Michelle Duncan to round out an excellent supporting cast.
With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has left an impact, especially on fans of crime dramas.
One critic said of the series: “With so much going on, Rebus has to juggle a lot of different elements – but it’s a testament to the show and the strong performances that it all hangs together.”
While another reviewer heaped praise on Richard Rankin: “Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance. He is so believable.”
One critic commented: “There’s serious competition in the crime world now, and Rebus will have to work hard to get ahead, but this is a strong start to what could turn out to be a successful franchise operation.”
The ‘masterpiece’ crime drama is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC/Viaplay /Eleventh Hour/Mark Mainz)
Audiences are equally impressed with the detective drama, with one IMDB user writing: “That’s the best crime drama I’ve seen for ages. Complex and realistic story telling, excellent acting from all involved. Quality story telling.”
While another fan of the series declared: “A MUST WATCH! What a brilliant modern day version based on incredible books, can’t wait for the 2nd series! Richard Rankin shines as Rebus.”
Another viewer lauded the show: “Excellent acting, writing and directing. So refreshing to see a police drama that is more realistic than the usual flat lined fluff ITV and the BBC puts out. This drama feels authentic, the characters are extremely believable and bonus, they’re likeable.”
While one IMDB review reads: “Brilliant. I was nervous when I saw they had revived Rebus as I was a big fan of the Ken Stott take on the character. I almost didn’t watch it. However, that was a few years ago and time moves on. This version is gritty and modern. Rankin portrays the troubled character brilliantly. Really good acting that has a depth you don’t often see. It just kept getting better until the final dramatic episode. I loved the series and really hope to see more.”
Yet another glowing review states: “This reimagining of Sir Ian Rankin’s classic Inspector Rebus novels is a stroke of genius. In the same way Sherlock reinvigorated the novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a younger Detective Sergeant John Rebus, gives the drama a whole new lease of life.
“Fans of Taggart, Karen Pirie, Shetland, Dougray Scott’s Crime, and, of course, the original STV Rebus adaptations will be adding this new 2024 version to their ‘must watch’ list and hoping for many more series to come. This show is brilliantly filmed, performed and produced. Well done to all involved!”
Rebus is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.