The BBC has announced a significant overhaul of its drama output from Scotland, with long-running series River City ending in 2026 and three new dramas commissioned. The move reflects changing audience habits away from long-running series towards shorter, high-impact productions.
River City, which has aired since 2002, will conclude with its final series in autumn 2026. The BBC will redirect investment into three new series: Counsels, Grams, and The Young Team, alongside returning favourites Granite Harbour, Shetland, and Vigil.
Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years (2026-28) is expected to exceed £95 million, representing the single biggest investment in Scottish drama in a decade. The new titles were commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, and Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama.
Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, said: “River City has been a wonderful adventure... but as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland.”
Among the new dramas, Counsels is a legal thriller co-created by Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack, set in Glasgow. Grams and The Young Team are also part of the slate. The BBC will also launch a new talent training plan in Scotland, building on River City’s training academy.
