The BBC crime drama Rebus is being hailed as serious competition to acclaimed shows like Shetland and Line of Duty, with a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series, based on Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer and has captivated audiences since its UK premiere in May 2024.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Critics have praised the show's complex storytelling and strong performances. One reviewer noted: "With so much going on, Rebus has to juggle a lot of different elements – but it's a testament to the show and the strong performances that it all hangs together." Another critic highlighted lead actor Richard Rankin's portrayal: "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."
Audiences have echoed this sentiment, with an IMDb user writing: "That's the best crime drama I've seen for ages. Complex and realistic story telling, excellent acting from all involved. Quality story telling." Another fan 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."
Series Overview and Production
The 2024 adaptation, written by Gregory Burke and co-directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, consists of six episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long. The story 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."
Richard Rankin leads the cast, supported by Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson, Sean Buchanan, and Michelle Duncan. Ian Rankin and Gregory Burke serve as executive producers. The series has already been commissioned for a second season, set to premiere in 2027.
Comparison to Previous Adaptations
This is not the first television adaptation of Rankin's novels. A previous version aired on ITV from 2000, starring John Hannah and later Ken Stott as Inspector Rebus. That series remains popular and is available to stream free on Channel 4. However, many viewers consider the 2024 adaptation superior. One IMDb user remarked: "I was nervous when I saw they had revived Rebus as I was a big fan of the Ken Stott take on the character... This version is gritty and modern. Rankin portrays the troubled character brilliantly." 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."
Impact and Availability
Rebus has been described as a "masterpiece" and a "must-watch" for fans of crime dramas like Taggart, Karen Pirie, Shetland, and Crime. One critic 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." The series is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
