The six-part crime series brings a fresh take on Ian Rankin’s iconic detective character.

The BBC has revealed that a highly anticipated TV adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus will premiere this spring. The six-part crime drama, filmed in Edinburgh and Glasgow last year, stars Scottish actor Richard Rankin, known for his role in Outlander, as Detective Sergeant John Rebus.

Sir Ian Rankin, the celebrated author, expressed his excitement about the adaptation: “I’m thrilled that Rebus is coming to the BBC. A great cast and a compelling story – I really can’t wait for viewers to see it.”

Titled simply Rebus, the series is written by Gregory Burke and is based on Rankin’s bestselling novels. The show offers a fresh interpretation of the character, reimagining Rebus as a younger detective sergeant caught in a violent criminal conflict. After discovering that his younger brother, Michael, a former soldier, has become involved in criminal activity, Rebus is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his desire to protect his brother.

Alongside Rankin, the series will feature an impressive supporting cast, including Lucie Shorthouse (Bulletproof), Stuart Bowman (Versailles), and Michelle Duncan (Atonement). Rankin himself reflected on the opportunity to bring the character to life, saying, “It’s been an honour taking on the role of Ian Rankin’s renowned John Rebus. A character enjoyed by so many in such a fresh and original adaptation.”

Rankin’s portrayal follows the footsteps of John Hannah and Ken Stott, who previously played John Rebus in ITV’s adaptation that aired in the noughties before it was cancelled in 2007. Writer Gregory Burke also shared his enthusiasm: “It has been a huge privilege to work on a new show with Ian Rankin’s iconic character at its centre, and I couldn’t be more delighted that it is to be broadcast on the BBC.”

Jill Green, CEO of Eleventh Hour Films, expressed excitement for the series’ debut, saying, “We are so excited to be bringing a fresh, modern reimagining of Rebus to a wide audience on the BBC.”

Sandra McFadden, head of BBC Scotland Commissioning, added: “Rebus, of course, needs no introduction, being one of Scotland’s most prolific literary characters, but we’re thrilled to be bringing this new television adaptation, starring Richard Rankin, to our audiences in Scotland and across the UK.”

Since the release of the first Rebus book, Knots & Crosses, in 1987, Sir Ian’s detective novels have become global bestsellers, translated into 22 languages, and remain hugely popular worldwide.