Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Rebus, which premiered on BBC iPlayer and has crime drama fans absolutely captivated by this fresh take on Ian Rankin’s beloved Edinburgh detective.
Rebus premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on May 17, 2024, delivering 6 episodes of this Scottish crime drama that reimagines the iconic detective for a new generation. Based on the Inspector Rebus novels by Sir Ian Rankin and starring Richard Rankin (no relation) in the titular role, this series serves as a prequel showing us Detective Sergeant John Rebus as a younger, more volatile version of the character fans know and love. Written by Gregory Burke and directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, the series explores what made Rebus into the hardboiled Edinburgh cop with a tendency to bend rules that readers have followed for decades.
Set in modern-day Edinburgh, Rebus follows Detective Sergeant John Rebus as he investigates violent crimes while dealing with personal demons and family complications that threaten to derail both his career and his sanity. The series captures that gritty Scottish noir atmosphere that made the original novels so compelling, while bringing fresh energy through its focus on a younger, more impulsive version of the character. It’s a show about justice, family loyalty, and the fine line between right and wrong in a city where ancient history collides with modern crime.
Richard Rankin’s Intense Portrayal of Young Rebus
Richard Rankin, known for his role as Roger MacKenzie in Outlander, delivers a powerhouse performance as Detective Sergeant John Rebus, showing us the formative experiences that shaped him into the legendary detective. This isn’t the seasoned, world-weary Rebus that fans remember from previous adaptations – this is a younger man still learning to navigate the complexities of police work while battling his own internal struggles.
Rankin’s portrayal captures Rebus as someone whose passion for justice sometimes leads him down dangerous paths, both professionally and personally. His performance shows us a detective who’s willing to bend rules and cross lines to get results, creating a character who’s both compelling and morally complex. The intensity Rankin brings to the role makes every investigation feel personal and every decision carry real weight.
Siobhan Clarke: The Perfect Partner Dynamic
Lucie Shorthouse stars as Detective Siobhan Clarke, Rebus’s new partner who brings her own investigative skills and moral compass to their challenging cases. The dynamic between Shorthouse and Rankin creates the foundation for what fans know will become one of crime fiction’s most enduring partnerships, showing us how these two very different detectives learn to work together.
Clarke’s character represents the by-the-book approach that often clashes with Rebus’s more unconventional methods, creating tension that drives many of the series’ most compelling moments. Shorthouse brings intelligence and determination to the role, making Clarke a worthy partner for Rankin’s volatile Rebus rather than just a supporting character.
Family Troubles and Street Violence: Edinburgh’s Dark Side
The series opens with a violent street attack that Rebus and Clarke must investigate, but it’s the unexpected problems posed by Rebus’s own family that create the most compelling drama. This central storyline elevates Rebus beyond typical police procedural territory, exploring how personal relationships can complicate professional duties in ways that threaten everything.
The family complications aren’t just background drama – they’re integral to understanding what drives Rebus and how his personal life influences his approach to police work. The series builds toward revelations that show how family loyalty can conflict with professional ethics, forcing Rebus to make choices that will define his character.
Edinburgh’s Criminal Underground
The ensemble cast includes Brian Ferguson, Amy Manson, Neshla Caplan, and Stuart Bowman, creating a rich tapestry of characters that bring Edinburgh’s criminal underworld to life. These supporting players don’t just serve as case-of-the-week suspects – they’re integral to the world-building that makes Rebus feel authentic and lived-in.
Each supporting character adds depth to Edinburgh’s criminal landscape, from street-level criminals to more sophisticated operators who pose different challenges for Rebus and Clarke’s investigative methods.
Success on BBC iPlayer
Rebus has been renewed for a second series, announced on July 11, 2025, proving that BBC’s gamble on reimagining the beloved character has paid off. The 6-episode format allows for focused storytelling that doesn’t overstay its welcome while giving each case room to breathe. Critics have noted mixed reception, with some praising Rankin’s performance while others felt it didn’t capture the same magic as previous adaptations, but the renewal indicates strong viewer engagement with this fresh take on the character.
Perfect for Crime Drama Veterans and Newcomers
If you love gritty police procedurals with complex characters and authentic Scottish settings, Rebus is the perfect series to binge on BBC iPlayer. The show delivers everything you want from a crime drama – compelling mysteries, strong character work, and that distinctive Edinburgh atmosphere that makes every case feel rooted in place and history.
Why This Detective Drama Deserves Your Attention
Rebus succeeds because it understands that the best crime dramas are about more than just solving cases – they’re about exploring how the pursuit of justice can consume and define the people who dedicate their lives to it. The series offers a compelling look at the formative experiences that shaped one of crime fiction’s most enduring characters, making it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates character-driven police drama that doesn’t shy away from moral complexity.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 6 (Season 1), Season 2 commissioned
Platform: BBC iPlayer (also aired on BBC One)
Release Year: 2024
Current IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Genre: Crime Drama, Police Procedural
Status: Season 1 complete, Season 2 in production
Protagonists: Richard Rankin (DS John Rebus), Lucie Shorthouse (DC Siobhan Clarke)
Antagonist: Edinburgh’s criminal underworld and corrupt systems (systemic antagonists)