Crime drama enthusiasts are captivated by an 'addictive' series that rivals the gripping intensity of Line of Duty. Set in the remote and picturesque Shetland islands, this murder mystery series has been hailed as 'absolutely perfect' by viewers.
An Acclaimed British Crime Drama
Shetland is a cherished British programme adapted from Ann Cleeves' novels by David Kane. The show centres on police detectives investigating murders across the tight-knit Shetland archipelago. Douglas Henshall portrayed DI Jimmy Perez for the first seven series, with Ashley Jensen taking over as DI Ruth Calder from series eight onward.
Production Underway for Season 11
The BBC recently announced that production has commenced on Shetland's 11th series, with Ashley Jensen reprising her role as DI Calder alongside Alison O'Donnell as DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh. The new six-part instalment will shoot across various Scottish locations and the Shetland Isles, with fresh episodes scheduled to debut on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
The upcoming series focuses on a historical killing that will 'forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day'. The official synopsis reveals: 'When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made - crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team's search to uncover the victim's identity begins with a hunt for the vehicle's owner - a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.'
Cast and Reception
New cast members for season 11 include Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, Gavin Mitchell, John Wark, and others. Returning favourites include Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, and more. The series has won over millions of fans, ranking among the top five most-watched BBC dramas of 2025 and holding its position as Scotland's leading BBC drama.
Viewers have drawn comparisons to other BBC favourites like Line of Duty and Blue Lights. One Reddit user recommended the show, stating, 'Shetland is a fantastic show. Was a bit slow at first but really gets going quickly and is addictive.' An IMDb reviewer commented, 'Stunning, gripping, dynamic noir series. Beautiful scenery, laid back pace but still a gripping series with great characters.' Another fan declared, 'This is a superb series that never disappoints. The writing is great and well thought-out... Add this to your must-have watch list.'
All ten previous series of Shetland are currently available on BBC iPlayer for viewers to catch up before the new season premieres.
