Netflix confirms second season of crime thriller which became most watched Scottish show
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CRIME thriller Dept. Q has been renewed for a second series after being crowned Scotland's most streamed show this year.
The Edinburgh-set detective drama clocked up 25.4 million views during the first half of 2025 - beating comedian Richard Gadd's drama Baby Reindeer to top spot.
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The series will return to Edinburgh again.
Credit: PA
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Leah Byrne, Matthew Goode and Alexej Manvelov attends Dept. Q screening.
Credit: Getty
It was announced yesterday that the programme - an adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels - will return to the capital for another instalment.
The homegrown success sees Matthew Goode, 47, as Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, an emotionally scarred detective who becomes the head of cold case unit.
He will return along with his team of misfits – Alexej Manvelov, 43, as Akram, Leah Byrne, 28, as Rose and Jamie Sives, 52, as Hardy.
Lead man Goode said: 'I'd like to thank Netflix for giving us the opportunity to further investigate Department Q's storylines.
"We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank.
"I cannot wait to read what comes from his magic quill."
Writer Frank added: 'I'm grateful to the folks at Netflix, as well as our shining cast and crew, for once more risking their careers to enable my folly.'
Netflix execs Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin, said 'We are raring to return to Carl Morck and his band of glorious misfits at Dept. Q.
"Scott Frank brought us best-in-class storytelling and thrilled Netflix audiences worldwide.
"We can't wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover in Season 2…. Edinburgh, we're back.'
First look at Cillian Murphy in brand-new Netflix flick
Meanwhile, bold plans to save one of Scotland most iconic TV studios have been unveiled.
Dumbarton Studios has been the home of filming for River City for 23 years
BBC Scotland announced it plans to close the facility after it was revealed in March that the popular soap will be axed.
Dumbarton Studios has been described as a "vital hub" for the country's television industry.
It has helped develop local talent and has been a location for filming other shows, such as Still Game, Shetland and Two Doors Down.
BBC Scotland's lease on Dumbarton Studios will come to an end in September next year.
Firewalker Pictures is seeking to take over the facility and safeguard its future.
Maureen Hascoet, director of the production firm, hailed Dumbarton Studios and said "it deserves more than to fade into history".
She added: "Our vision is to preserve its heritage while opening the doors to fresh voices, emerging filmmakers, and groundbreaking content. Who we choose to be right now as an industry and how we show up in this deal will determine our destiny.
"It's about more than preserving Scotland's film and TV infrastructure. It's about investing in ourselves as storytellers and finding our place as leaders in the global economy."
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