The Scottish crime drama Rebus, available to stream free on BBC iPlayer, has garnered widespread acclaim since its UK debut in May 2024. With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is being hailed as a must-watch for fans of Sherlock, Shetland, and Line of Duty.
Plot and Production
The six-episode first season, each running approximately 45 minutes, follows Detective John Rebus as he confronts a notorious Edinburgh gangster while navigating a shifting workplace and the fallout from his divorce. The official synopsis states: "40-year-old police detective John Rebus finds himself at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an Edinburgh gangster."
Penned by Gregory Burke and co-directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, the series has already been commissioned for a second season airing in 2027. Ian Rankin and Burke serve as executive producers.
Cast and Performances
Richard Rankin stars as Rebus, supported by Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson, Sean Buchanan, and Michelle Duncan. One critic praised Rankin: "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. He is so believable."
Audience and Critical Reception
An IMDB user wrote: "That's the best crime drama I've seen for ages. Complex and realistic story telling, excellent acting from all involved." Another declared: "A MUST WATCH! What a brilliant modern day version based on incredible books, can't wait for the 2nd series! Richard Rankin shines as Rebus."
One reviewer noted: "There's serious competition in the crime world now, and Rebus will have to work hard to get ahead, but this is a strong start to what could turn out to be a successful franchise operation." Another fan compared it to Sherlock: "This reimagining of Sir Ian Rankin's classic Inspector Rebus novels is a stroke of genius. In the same way Sherlock reinvigorated the novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a younger Detective Sergeant John Rebus gives the drama a whole new lease of life."
Previous Adaptations
This is not the first television adaptation of Ian Rankin's novels. A previous version aired on ITV in 2000, featuring John Hannah and later Ken Stott as Rebus, and is available to watch free on Channel 4.
Rebus is now streaming for free on BBC iPlayer.
