The BBC crime drama 'Rebus', adapted from Sir Ian Rankin's bestselling Inspector Rebus novels, has achieved a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and been renewed for a second series, with critics hailing it as a potential rival to the acclaimed 'Happy Valley'.
Critical Acclaim and Renewal
The six-episode miniseries, which first aired in May 2024, stars Scottish actor Richard Rankin as the eponymous Detective John Rebus. The show has been praised for its stellar acting and compelling storytelling, earning an elusive 100% rating from critics on the review aggregator site. A second series was commissioned in July 2025 and is expected to return in 2027.
Plot and Cast
Each episode was written by Gregory Burke and directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton. The series follows Rebus as he clashes with a notorious Edinburgh gangster while dealing with personal issues stemming from his recent divorce. Richard Rankin, who is not related to the author, portrays the weary, cynical detective.
Critics' Praise
Critics have lauded Rankin's performance. One critic noted: "Rebus is a big name in fictional detectives, but this show makes a point of not pulling its punches for the ease of the casual viewer." Another said: "I like this new model Rebus, as played by Richard Rankin. His Rebus is every big brother that ever slagged you affectionately, but he can also be a rotten so-and-so." A third added: "Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance." Yet another wrote: "Richard Rankin is so perfectly believable in the role that you never tire of watching him." One critic concluded: "Rankin has lashings of charisma. Requiring no previous knowledge of the character, it is a most welcome revival."
Previous Adaptations
Thirteen of Ian Rankin's novels were previously adapted for television between 2000 and 2007 across four series, with John Hannah initially playing Rebus before Ken Stott took over for the subsequent three series. The new series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
