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Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is Karen Pirie Season 2 releasing in June 2025? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on June 11, 2025, 19:35 IST Last updated June 11, 2025, 20:49 IST The critically acclaimed ITV crime drama Karen Pirie has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and stellar performances, particularly from Lauren Lyle as the fearless Detective Inspector Karen Pirie. Following the success of its debut season in 2022, fans are eagerly awaiting the second season. But is Karen Pirie Season 2 really releasing in June 2025? Here's everything we know so far about the release date, cast, plot, and more. Karen Pirie Season 2 Release Date: Is June 2025 Confirmed? Recent reports have sparked excitement and confusion about the release of Karen Pirie Season 2. While some sources initially suggested a potential June 2025 premiere, more recent updates clarify that the show is set to return in July 2025 in the UK on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player. For international viewers, the series will premiere on BritBox in the US and Canada in October 2025. Specifically, one source mentioned a launch date of June 21, 2025, but this appears to be an outlier, with the majority of reports confirming July 2025 for the UK release Karen Pirie Season 2 Expected Cast The core cast of Karen Pirie Season 2 will see familiar faces returning alongside exciting new additions, bringing depth to both the present-day and 1984 flashback timelines. Returning Cast Members Lauren Lyle as Detective Inspector Karen Pirie: Now promoted from Detective Sergeant, Karen continues to lead with wit and tenacity. Lyle's performance earned her BAFTA Scotland awards for Best Actress and Audience Favourite in 2023. Chris Jenks as DC Jason 'Mint' Murray: Karen's loyal colleague, known from Sex Education and Vigil . Zach Wyatt as DS Phil Parhatka: A key member of Pirie's team, seen in The Witcher: Blood Origin . Steve John Shepherd as DCS Lees: The team's commanding officer, previously in Harry Potter . Emer Kenny as River Wilde: Also the series' writer, Kenny returns as Karen's friend and colleague. Rakhee Thakrar as Bel Richmond: Known for Wonka and Sex Education , she reprises her role. New Cast Members The new season introduces a fresh ensemble for the 1984 flashbacks and present-day storyline, centered around a new case: Julia Brown as Catriona Grant: The kidnapped heiress to the Grant oil fortune in 1984. Mark Rowley as Mick: A key figure in the flashback timeline, seen in One Day . Kat Ronney as Bonnie and Conor Berry as Andy: Additional 1984 characters. Stuart Campbell as Kevin: Known from The Winter King . Jamie Michie as young Brodie Grant, Madeleine Worrall as young Mary Grant, and Jack Stewart as young Fergus: Portraying the Grant family in 1984. Saskia Ashdown as DC Isla Stark: A new detective adding gender diversity to Pirie's team in the present day. James Cosmo and Frances Tomelty as Sir Broderick Grant and Mary Grant: Catriona's parents in the modern timeline. John Michie as Fergus Sinclair: Catriona's son's father, known from Holby City . Potential Plot Details for Karen Pirie Season 2 Karen Pirie Season 2 is adapted from Val McDermid's novel A Darker Domain , diving into a chilling new cold case set against the backdrop of 1984's political turmoil, including the UK miners' strike. The story unfolds over three feature-length episodes, alternating between the present day and 1984 flashbacks. The plot centers on the 1984 kidnapping of Catriona Grant, a wealthy heiress to the Grant oil fortune, and her infant son, Adam. Initially assumed to be politically motivated, the high-profile case sparked a media frenzy but went cold when the culprits ceased communication, leaving Catriona and Adam missing. Forty years later, the discovery of a man's body prompts Detective Inspector Karen Pirie to reopen the case in secrecy. As she uncovers new evidence, Karen battles increasing media scrutiny and sinister forces determined to keep the truth buried. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
ITV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
ITV AND WORLD PRODUCTIONS REVEAL THRILLING FIRST LOOK AT THE SECOND SERIES OF AWARD-WINNING AUDIENCE FAVOURITE, KAREN PIRIE
ITV AND WORLD PRODUCTIONS REVEAL THRILLING FIRST LOOK AT THE SECOND SERIES OF AWARD-WINNING AUDIENCE FAVOURITE, KAREN PIRIE COLD-CASE DRAMA TO RETURN TO UK SCREENS IN JULY AND OCTOBER ON BRITBOX IN THE U.S. AND CANADA WITH 2 X BAFTA SCOTLAND WINNER LAUREN LYLE, JAMES COSMO AND MORE 'THIS FEMALE-LED CRIME DRAMA ABSOLUTELY SINGS' – THE GUARDIAN 'ITV HAS A NEW JEWEL IN ITS CROWN' – THE IPAPER KAREN PIRIE 2025 © ITV/World Productions/Photographer: Mark Mainz Link to imagery here Wednesday 11th June: ITV and World Productions (Line of Duty, Malpractice) have revealed the first look at the return of the critically-acclaimed cold-case drama Karen Pirie. Double BAFTA Scotland winner Lauren Lyle reprises her role as audience-favourite Detective Inspector Karen Pirie, with a riveting new case to solve. After thrilling audiences as one of ITV's most-watched dramas, the 3 x120' drama, based on celebrated author Val McDermid's A Darker Domain and adapted by Emer Kenny (The Curse, Save Me Too) will return for a second series to ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player in July and on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada in October. The first look pictures offer a glimpse into the thrilling 'must-watch' (Stylist) new series, hailed as 'a refreshing take on the detective-genre'. After her bittersweet success in series one, Karen has been promoted to Detective Inspector and seemingly given the authority she has long been fighting for. Just as she's getting into the swing of her powerful new role, she is assigned an infamous unsolved case that will put her under intense scrutiny; from her boss, from the media, and ultimately, from sinister forces that would rather the past stayed in the past. The 1984 case of Catriona and Adam Grant has confounded investigators and intrigued the public like no other. Catriona, the charming young heiress to a vast oil fortune, and her two year old son Adam, were brutally kidnapped at gunpoint outside a fish and chip shop in Fife. The ransom notes that followed stirred up an uncontrollable press storm, but when the culprits fell silent, the police faltered, and Catriona and Adam were never seen again. Now, a man's body has been discovered, with indisputable links to the original kidnap. With the first piece of evidence in decades, Karen must assemble an unbeatable team alongside her sincere and lovable sidekick DC Jason 'Mint' Murray (Chris Jenks) and the brilliant – but romantically complicated – DS Phil Parhatka (Zach Wyatt). With the international renown of the kidnap and the constant pressure from Catriona's father, Sir Broderick Grant (James Cosmo), the team take on the biggest challenge of their careers to date. As Karen delves deeper into what happened in the autumn of 1984, political grudges and painful secrets reveal themselves, and it soon becomes clear… the past is far from dead. Lauren Lyle (Outlander, The Outrun) appears alongside series one regulars Chris Jenks (Sex Education, Vigil), Zach Wyatt (Timestalker, The Witcher: Blood Origin), Steve John Shepherd (Harry Potter), Emer Kenny (The Curse), and Rakhee Thakrar (Wonka). Joining the returning cast are Saskia Ashdown (Six Four), James Cosmo (Braveheart), Frances Tomelty (Unforgotten), and John Michie (Holby City). Bringing the 1980s to life are previously announced cast members Julia Brown (World on Fire), Mark Rowley (One Day), Kat Ronney (Dinosaur), Conor Berry (Schemers), Stuart Campbell (The Winter King), Jamie Michie (Back to Life), Madeleine Worrall (The Legend of Tarzan), Jack Stewart (Outlander), Thoren Ferguson (Rebus), and Helen Katamba (The Nest). New additions to the present-day storyline include James Fleet (Bridgerton), Tom Mannion (Mr Selfridge), and Tommaso Basili (Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints). As one of ITV's most-watched new dramas of 2022, the first series premiered with 6.6 million viewers, and averaged 5.9m across each episode. Praised for its compelling twists and humour, the star-making turn saw the series win both Best Actress Television and the Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen at BAFTA Scotland for Lauren Lyle, Best Drama at the Celtic Media Festival and a Best Mini-Series nomination at the British Press Guild Awards. The series earnt critical acclaim as 'modern and fresh' (The Times) and 'a truly exceptional example of the TV crime genre' (Heat). Karen Pirie is written by Emer Kenny and is executive produced by Simon Heath and Emma Luffingham at World Productions, Emer Kenny and Val McDermid. The series is directed by Gareth Bryn with Amanda Blue directing episode three, and produced by Marcus Wilson. It is produced in association with ITV Studios, which handles global distribution. Filming took place in Scotland and Malta. The series has been commissioned by Polly Hill, Director of Drama for ITV, and Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones. Huw has overseen production on behalf of the broadcaster. Karen Pirie will air on ITV1 and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player and BritBox in the U.S. and Canada. World Productions are part of ITV Studios.
BBC News
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Filming commences on new psychological thriller The Ridge
Filming has begun on the new six-part psychological thriller The Ridge for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals. Shot on location between New Zealand and Scotland, The Ridge stars BAFTA Scotland award-winning Scots actress Lauren Lyle (Karen Pirie, Outlander) in the lead role of Mia, who is fleeing addiction and leaving behind a professional life in tatters in Scotland. She accepts a wedding invitation from her estranged sister in New Zealand – only to find the would-be-bride dead upon arrival. Caught up in grief and pulled by a dark attraction to her late-sister's fiancé Ewan played by New Zealand star Jay Ryan (Territory, Top of the Lake, It Chapter 2), Mia soon finds that familiarity among a small community breeds secrets and tensions, endangering the brittle fabric of the town itself. Speaking on location at the start of the shoot, Lauren Lyle said: "I'm very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life. Mia is such a fascinating character in a very weird world which is quite delicious to play. It feels like something very bad is going to play out.. in a good way!! New Zealand is also a second home to me so it's a joy to be back." Jay Ryan added: "I couldn't refuse a trip back home for this production that brilliantly weaves our cultures and folklore together in a tense and riveting series. This really is an ambitious work with characters that will leave you guessing at every turn. Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland said: 'We're delighted that The Ridge has started filming. This is a hugely exciting commission for BBC Scotland and is an example of our ambition to look beyond borders to bring high end quality drama to audiences not just in Scotland but across the world. The Ridge has a first class international team bringing it to life which we are proud to be a part of.' Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals said: 'Sky NZ Originals is extremely proud to team up with BBC Scotland on this co-commission. With Great Southern Studios at the helm, and Lauren and Jay leading the cast, The Ridge is sure to be an unmissable, world-class drama.' Created by acclaimed novelist Nora Chassler and BAFTA Scotland-winning producer David Murdoch and co-written with Alan Campbell and award-winning New Zealand writers Kate McDermott and Jess Sayer. Directed by BAFTA-winning Scottish director Douglas Mackinnon (Good Omens, Line of Duty, Doctor Who) and Emmy-nominated New Zealand director Robyn Grace (Sweet Tooth, Power Rangers, Spartacus). The series' executive producers include Boat Rocker's Ivan Schneeberg (Beacon 23) & David Fortier (Slip), Jon Rutherford (Bet), and Erik Pack (Video Nasty). The Ridge was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland and Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals. The Ridge is produced by New Zealand's leading drama makers Great Southern Studios and Glasgow-based Sinner Films for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals. Boat Rocker will manage global sales. It is being made with the support of New Zealand On Air, the NZ Screen Production Rebate and Screen Scotland. The Ridge will be available to audiences on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open and NEON later this year. About Great Southern Studios Great Southern Studios is a passionate and creative production house based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a commitment to making elevated drama that reaches audiences around the world. Its recent scripted projects include Friends Like Her (Warner Bros. Discovery), n00b (Warner Bros. Discovery), Spinal Destination (Sky), and One Lane Bridge (TVNZ, AMC). Great Southern is also renowned for its social-impact factual programmes, including The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes (TVNZ), The Casketeers (TVNZ, Netflix), Coast New Zealand (TVNZ) and Coast Australia (Foxtel, BBC). Great Southern Studios is owned by writer and producer Philip Smith, winner of the 2018 NZ Television Award for Best Script: Drama and co-creator of One Lane Bridge which was named Best Drama Series at the 2020 NZ Television Awards. Smith is Great Southern's Chief Creative Officer; the company is led by CEO Cate Calver, who in her previous role as Director of Content at TVNZ was responsible for bringing to the small screen many acclaimed New Zealand and international dramas. About Sinner Films Sinner Films is a UK-based production company, based in Glasgow. It is run by David Murdoch, BAFTA Scotland and RTS winner for Channel 4 TV series KNTV. It is currently in production on a UK/China co-production feature film called Untamed directed by EMMY nominated director Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl / Mandela Long Walk to Freedom). Recent other features which Sinner Films has been a production company on include the Netflix Original Film The Most Assassinated Woman In The World which played at the Edinburgh Film Festival and starred Cesar winning Niels Schneider. It is developing a slate of TV and film projects with UK and international partners. About Boat Rocker Boat Rocker (TSX: BRMI) is the home for creative visionaries. An independent, integrated global entertainment company, Boat Rocker's purpose is to tell stories and build iconic brands across all genres and mediums. With offices around the world, Boat Rocker's creative and commercial capabilities include Scripted, Unscripted, and Kids and Family television production, distribution, brand & franchise management, a world-class animation studio, and talent management through a minority stake in The Initial Group, a new company launched by TPG. A selection of Boat Rocker's projects include: Invasion (Apple TV+), Palm Royale (Apple TV+), Video Nasty (BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Three, Virgin Media One, WDR), This Is the Tom Green Documentary (Prime Video), Orphan Black: Echoes (AMC), American Rust: Broken Justice (Prime Video), Beacon 23 (MGM+), Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu), Downey's Dream Cars (Max), BS High (HBO), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (Apple TV+), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC), Daniel Spellbound (Netflix), and Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC). For more information, please visit About Sky New Zealand Originals Leading New Zealand media company Sky's Sky NZ Originals commissions world-class scripted and non-scripted content with a distinctively New Zealand perspective. We work closely with local funding partners and international collaborators and financiers to support the local production sector by backing a range of producers, both new and established, to tell brave, bold, and beautiful New Zealand stories. JM2
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
First look image released for The Agency: Unfiltered Series 3 and premiere date revealed
A first-look image has been released today for the hotly anticipated third series of the BAFTA Scotland award-winning reality show The Agency: Unfiltered, which launches on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer on 17 February 2025. Produced by IWC (a Banijay UK company), the hit series pulls back the curtain on the world of influencers—where life isn't always as picture-perfect as their Instagram feeds might suggest. Since its launch in 2023, The Agency: Unfiltered has been a massive hit, especially among younger viewers, with Series 1 and 2 achieving over 1.2 million streams on BBC iPlayer. The show has also received critical acclaim, winning a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2024. Series three once again takes viewers behind the scenes at Scotland's largest influencer agency, Aquarius Creative. With a move to a stunning new Hamilton office—seven times the size of their previous space—glamorous co-founders Kirsten Cameron and Amy Moore are busier than ever, juggling the pressures of managing their growing roster of influencers across the UK and making moves into the world of TikTok influencer marketing. The new series also brings an exciting new twist: the Aquarius Academy. Over 5-weeks, Kirsten and Amy set challenges for six of Scotland's most promising up-and-coming TikTokers to see if they have what it takes to join Aquarius Creative. With only one winner, the competition is intense, emotions run high, and dramatic twists leave Kirsten and Amy facing tough decisions. Viewers will also catch up with familiar faces from past series as they navigate personal and professional challenges in the social media spotlight. This series also includes The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ellie Egar, bringing an extra touch of glamour. The Agency: Unfiltered series three (6x30') is an IWC production for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. Executive producers for IWC are Laura Capaldi and Mark Downie. The series was commissioned by Steve Allen, commissioning executive for BBC Scotland. Series 1 and 2 are available now on BBC iPlayer. The Agency: Unfiltered series two launches at 10:30pm on Monday 17 February 2025 on BBC Scotland, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. Watch The Agency: Unfiltered on iPlayer RS
