Rebus reboot: BBC confirm release date for new version of noughties crime drama starring Richard Rankin

Rebus will soon be back on our screens, with the BBC confirming the release date for its latest noughties reboot. The Scottish crime drama kept us entertained from 2000-2007 and is returning this May with a brand cast and storyline.

As well as announcing the release date the BBC have also shared first look pictures, with Outlander’s Richard Rankin now playing the lead as a younger Rebus. Other cast members include Line of Duty’s Brian Ferguson as John's brother, Michael, and Lucie Shorthouse (Henpocalypse!) as Rebus's partner, Detective Constable Siobhan Clarke.

Rebus is based on the novels of the same name by Ian Rankin, and speaking about the return of the series, the author said: "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." Here’s everything you need to know about when you can watch the Rebus reboot.

What is Rebus about?

Rebus follows the story of a Scottish detective as he investigates and solves crime. The reboot will see Richard Rankin playing the role of a younger Rebus during his early years as a police detective. The series is based on the books by Ian Rankin, with this new adaptation taking things right back to the beginning.

The plot according to the BBC reads: “The six-part series reimagines John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turns personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crosses the line into criminality. Rebus finds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring Michael to justice.”

When is the release date for Rebus?

The BBC have confirmed that the Rebus reboot will premiere on Friday, May 17, with the first episode airing exclusively on BBC Scotland on that date and then on BBC One across the UK on Saturday, May 18. But don’t worry if you can’t wait that long, all six episodes in the new series will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am on May 17.

Speaking about playing the iconic role, Rankin said: "I am thrilled that Rebus will premiere on the BBC. It's been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin's renowned John Rebus, a character enjoyed by so many in such a fresh and original adaptation."

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Sarah McCann is a Trends Writer for NationalWorld who specialises in stories around TV, Film and Health. If you liked this article you can follow Sarah on X (Twitter) here. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.