Rebus: Potential release date, cast, plot and everything we know

Scottish detective John Rebus is due to make a return to our screens in a new six-part series from new streaming service Viaplay.

The creation of novelist Sir Ian Rankin, Rebus was a popular crime drama for ITV back in the noughties, with John Hannah and then Ken Stott playing the sleuth over four seasons.

Now Scottish star Richard Rankin (no relation of the author) has been confirmed to take over the famous role!

Based on Ian Rankin's novels and written by Gregory Burke, this new reboot will follow the character in his thirties as he tackles a recent divorce, a demotion to Detective Sergeant and a new colleague.

“Rebus has been a big part of my life for a long time now," said Ian Rankin. "To work with Gregory Burke to create a new story that sees him navigate life as a younger man in a contemporary (and ever-changing) Scotland has been a truly fascinating process.

"I’m very much looking forward to watching Richard bring the character to life – he’s the perfect fit for the role, and not just because we coincidentally share the same surname!”

Here's everything we know about the new series...

Rebus release date — when is Rebus on Viaplay?

Filming began in spring 2023 and the series is due to stream exclusively on Viaplay in 2024

Viaplay launched in the UK in November 2022 and this series marks its first UK commission.

Rebus plot - what happens?

The Rebus reboot will be set in contemporary Edinburgh and follow the lives of the detective and his family, while he investigates some dark cases. His ex-wife Rhona and daughter Sammy who are living with Rhona's new partner, as well as Rebus's brother Michael, who's forced to take shortcuts to provide for his family, are all expected to feature.

A synopsis reads...

“The compelling new story follows 40-year-old police detective John Rebus (Richard Rankin), who finds himself at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an infamous Edinburgh gangster.

"At odds with a job increasingly driven by corporate technocrats, involved in a toxic affair he knows he needs to end, and all but supplanted in his daughter’s life by his ex-wife’s wealthy new husband, Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play – either as a family man or a police officer.

"In a world of divisive politics and national discord, does the law still have meaning, or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn’t Rebus do so too?”

Viaplay's group chief content officer Filippa Wallestam said the series will touch upon "family, morality and class in British society through an exciting and emotionally charged story".

"Sir Ian Rankin is a global storytelling phenomenon, and partnering to reimagine Rebus for a new generation of viewers is a remarkable way for Viaplay to take the UK stage," she added.

"Together with Gregory Burke and the team at Eleventh Hour Films, we will create an unforgettable show with Scottish roots, international appeal and universal themes."

Rebus cast - who's in it?

Outlander star Richard Rankin – no relation to the source material’s author – will play the lead in the Nordic streamer’s debut UK original Rebus. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott, who led the ITV version 20 years ago.

Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Wakefield in Starz drama Outlander, said he “feels very lucky to be given the honour of bringing such an iconic Scottish character back to TV screens.”

Ian Rankin also gave his seal of approval: “He’s the perfect fit for the role, and not just because we coincidentally share the same surname.”

Viaplay Chief Content Officer Filippa Wallestam said it is a “privilege to have such a famous character spearheading Viaplay’s original storytelling in the UK.”

When more cast are confirmed, we'll be sure to let you know...

Rebus trailer

There's no trailer for this one yet