'Alluring' drama with Outlander star gets new streaming home

A "dark" and "alluring" BBC drama is making its way to Netflix to find a whole new legion of fans.

Rebus, the second adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels, stars Outlander actor Richard Rankin as the titular detective.

As well as dealing with his personal relationship troubles amid a divorce, Rebus is tasked with taking down a criminal gang in Edinburgh.

Alongside Roger Wakefield Mackenzie actor Richard, the cast includes Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson and Sean Buchanan.

The six-part series followed ITV's adaptation which ran from 2000 to 2007, which starred Ken Stott in the leading role.

BBC's Rebus gained widespread popularity, with 6.3million viewers across all platforms since its launch on BBC iPlayer in 2024.

Last month, it scored three RTS Scotland awards for best drama, writer and director, and has earned a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

One fan praised: "I watched it on BBC iPlayer and think it was sensational. Acting brilliant and storylines caught the Edinburgh scene perfectly."

Another five star review read: "Excellent show. Dark and gritty but with humour. Acting and casting was inspired. Not bad to have a backdrop of Edinburgh. The relationship with Rebus and his brother was particularly moving."

"Loved both previous Rebus series. This is a very very good incarnation. Tremendous twist at the end. Very well put together," someone else wrote.

"Best thing I've watched in about 3yrs. Proper gritty, hardcore Scottish drama," a fourth added.

Meanwhile, one critic praised: "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."

Another added: "Richard Rankin is so perfectly believable in the role that you never tire of watching him and keep rooting for him even when he's being a complete and utter idiot."

Rebus' addition to Netflix comes just days after the BBC confirmed it would be returning for a second series with Richard reprising his role.

Paula Cuddy, Executive Producer and Co-CEO at Eleventh Hour Films said: "After three wins at the RTS Scotland Awards 2025, we couldn't be more thrilled to now share that we are reuniting with Ian Rankin's celebrated Scottish detective, brilliantly portrayed by Richard Rankin, to bring a second series of Rebus to the BBC.

"No doubt it'll pack a punch and there'll be some sardonic Rebus comments along the way. We can't wait!"

Executive Producer Ian Rankin added: "Season one of Rebus ended on a cliffhanger. Only screenwriter Gregory Burke knows what happens next. So I'm hugely excited that season two will soon be with us.

"Rebus is back - mean, moody and as magnificent as ever!"

And writer Gregory Burke said: "I'm delighted to be given the chance by the BBC and Eleventh Hour Films to bring Rebus back to the nation's TV screens once more.

"Ian Rankin's character and body of work are the perfect materials with which to explore contemporary Scottish society and the turbulent world that surrounds it."

Rebus is available to watch on Netflix from Friday, July 18.