John Rebus

BBC's reimagining of the early years of John Rebus confirmed for May release

John Rebus walks into camera, with text reading 'Rebus' and a cityscape turned on its side on the left and right behind him

New images from the show have also been released by the broadcaster.

The show reimagines the famous detective as a younger Detective Sergeant. When his veteran brother Michael turns to crime in order to provide for his family, John Rebus begins to question the role the law plays in modern-day Scotland.

John Rebus leans on a railing outdoors at dusk
Richard Rankin as John Rebus (credit: BBC)

BBC acquires John Rebus reimagining following detective’s early days

A man stands outside an open building, perhaps a garage, in which a man sits, out of focus

The book series began in 1987, with Knots & Crosses, and has since been adapted for screen, stage and radio.

The new six-part series takes place during Rebus’s days as a Detective Sergeant in Edinburgh. When his veteran brother Michael turns criminal, John finds his loyalty torn between family and the law.

Produced by Eleventh Hour Films for Swedish streaming service Viaplay, the show was filmed across Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2023.