From Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio, BBC crime drama series Bloodlands was renewed for its second season, according to Deadline. Breaking records, the four-part show became the network’s biggest drama launch in history in Northern Ireland, where the drama is set, launching in the UK with 8.2 million viewers.
Bloodlands follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Brannick, played by James Nesbitt (Cold Feet), on his quest to solve an infamous cold case, which is especially personal to him. He attempts to solve the mysterious disappearances linked to a tumultuous time in Northern Ireland’s history over two decades ago. Alongside Nesbitt, the series stars Charlene McKenna (Vienna Blood), Lisa Dwan (Moving Target), Lorcan Cranitch (The Dig), Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls), and Michael Smiley (Dead Still). The show will launch on AMC Networks streamer Acorn TV in the United States on March 15. The network is still yet to commit to launching the second season, which will soon begin filming in Belfast.
About news of the renewal, Mercurio has stated, “Everyone at HTM Television is thrilled our debut production has been recommissioned. It’s a tribute to the quality of Chris Brandon’s writing, the hard work of our crew, and the brilliant performance of our cast led by James Nesbitt. We’re grateful for the outstanding support we’ve received from the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen and can’t wait to reward Bloodlands fans with another twisty case for Brannick and Co.,” via Deadline.
Writer Chris Brandon (Endeavour) added, “I’m absolutely delighted that Tom Brannick’s story will continue with a new series of Bloodlands. It has been phenomenal to get such a positive response to James Nesbitt’s astounding performance, and the excellent work of his fellow cast and crew. What a privilege to begin another adventure with HTM Television and the BBC, in Northern Ireland – I can’t wait,” per Deadline.
Nesbitt also spoke on news of his renewal and ability to reprise his lead role, “I’m thrilled that viewers responded to Bloodlands so positively and that we will be returning for a second series. I’m always happy to be back in Northern Ireland and to reveal even more about Tom Brannick,” as Deadline reported. Director of BBC Drama, Piers Wenger, on the record-breaking series, added, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the audience response to Bloodlands and are thrilled to announce that the series is returning. Chris’ scripts shine light on tensions in Northern Ireland, both historic and present-day, and it’s a testament to his skills as a dramatist, to a virtuoso performance from Jimmy Nesbitt, and the care taken by all HTM Television, that the series has been so beloved by audiences in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK,” via Deadline.
The official trailer for the series’ debut season can be watched below as fans eagerly await the upcoming season.