Channel 5 has officially announced the highly anticipated return of its popular detective drama, 'Ellis', which has been widely praised by viewers as one of the best shows since the iconic series 'Vera'. The broadcaster revealed the news alongside a first-look trailer, generating excitement among fans who have eagerly awaited the comeback after a successful debut season in 2024.
Return of a Critically Acclaimed Series
The drama, starring Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as her partner DS Harper, follows the duo as they investigate a variety of new criminal cases across towns in northern England. The first season, which aired in November 2024, proved to be a major success, earning impressive reviews and a solid 7.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb.
Fan Reactions and Praise
Upon sharing the trailer on social media, Channel 5 posted: "DCI Ellis is back. When things don’t go to plan, there's only one name to call." In the clip, DCI Ellis is seen navigating new investigations against a stark yet beautiful landscape, with her voiceover stating: "When things don't go to plan. Which they never do. You do whatever it takes to fix them."
Fans quickly expressed their enthusiasm, with one commenting: "Yes! Can't wait to see DCI Ellis," and another adding: "Absolutely love this, fantastic actress." Many viewers have drawn comparisons to 'Vera', noting the show's unpredictable plots and strong female lead. One reviewer remarked: "It's not predictable. The show has subject matter that you don't see in other shows. We like the challenge of trying to guess who the killer is. There's usually some unexpected twists and turns that are surprising."
Character Development and Viewer Engagement
Another fan elaborated on the appeal, writing: "I am blown away! A cracking good yarn and strong female lead, the first episode left me wanting more. Reminds me a bit of Vera; both leads have traits in common but are enough different to be interesting. Ellis brings to the role a robustness, a kind of bold but gentle grace and dignity lacking in most police procedural leads out there, a combination I was looking for but one which is sadly rare."
The development of DCI Ellis's character, both professionally and personally, has been highlighted as a key point of interest for future episodes. Fans have expressed hope that supporting actors will match her strength and intelligence, with one rating the first season a solid 9 out of 10 and anticipating even higher scores if the quality continues.
Details on the Upcoming Season
While an official start date for season two has not yet been confirmed, Channel 5 has promised it is "coming soon." With the recent conclusion of 'The Good Ship Murder', 'Ellis' is poised to become the next major drama in the broadcaster's lineup. The new season will consist of three new two-hour feature-length episodes, offering extended storytelling and deeper case explorations.
For those eager to catch up or rewatch, the first season of 'Ellis' remains available to stream on My5. The return of this beloved series underscores Channel 5's commitment to delivering quality crime dramas that resonate with audiences, blending gripping narratives with compelling character arcs set against the evocative backdrop of northern England.
