BBC has confirmed that the final episode of Scottish drama River City will air on Monday, August 31, at 9pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland. The announcement comes after over two decades of the series, which was first broadcast in 2002.
While many viewers are looking forward to the finale, others have expressed disappointment on social media. One fan on X wrote: "Absolute crime it's ending. Very beloved series even after all this time. Not much else left on BBC Scotland without it, just endless 20 year old repeats." Another viewer simply said: "Gutted that it's ending."
Fan reactions to the cancellation
Some fans were particularly critical of the decision. One person stated: "Worst decision ever to end this. It's the best programme with great characters." Another wrote: "I'll never understand why this got cancelled and absolute cr*p like Mrs Browns Boys didn't. This never got the exposure it deserved."
However, one viewer took a more positive tone: "Sorry to see you go. Thank you for the years of wonderful presentations and storylines."
Final episode details
BBC has shared first look images of the hour-long special. A bloodied Lenny Murdoch, played by Frank Gallagher, can be seen standing amidst a dramatic fire scene. Stephen Purdon's character Bob O'Hara is shown walking down Montego Street looking pensive.
According to the BBC: "Lenny and Harry’s (Jim Sturgeon) bitter rivalry leads to an intense showdown; love and marriage is key for some Shieldinch residents; while new beginnings beckon at The Tall Ship."
Behind the decision and documentary
In March 2025, the BBC stated that the decision to end River City was due to a shift in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs. The BBC previously said: "After over 20 years telling the stories of the characters who live and work in Shieldinch, we’re sorry to bring you the sad news that River City will come to an end in September 2026. We are thankful to our amazing viewers, fans, cast, crew, writers, and producers who are all a valued part of the River City community."
The finale will be followed by a one-off documentary titled River City: The Last Take, which will reunite the cast and provide behind-the-scenes access into the last week of filming, as well as memories from fans.
