How Many Episodes In Shetland Series 9?

Back to the Shetland Isles we go for series 9 of Shetland, the BBC’s hit Scottish drama which was second only to the UK’s most watched TV show of 2023, Happy Valley, in terms of Scottish viewership figures.

Shetland Series 9: Plot, Cast, Release Date

DI Ruth Calder (ASHLEY JENSEN) © ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson

What Is Shetland?

Produced by Silverprint Pictures, Shetland is a critically acclaimed Scottish detective drama set in the Shetland islands, the UK’s northernmost region. It first aired in March 2013 with a two episode series based on Ann Cleeves’ novel Red Bones, aired across two nights – but a second series was soon in high demand. Flash forward to today, and eight series have aired, with the most recent wrapping up on 6 December 2023 with a high tension finale.

Will There Be A Series 9 Of Shetland?

Yes, series 9 of Shetland has officially started on BBC One, with the first episode airing last night (6 November). The BBC announced series 9 and 10 of Shetland at the same time earlier this year, meaning we’ll be enjoying the show until at least 2025.

‘I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder,’ Jensen says. ‘The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue.’

O’Donnell adds: ‘I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series and am so excited to get started. I’m really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways. That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true. Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in series eight and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that. I can’t wait to see what Paul [Logue, the series’ lead writer] and the team have in store for us next.’

Filming for Shetland series 9 reportedly commenced in March 2024, with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. Series 10 will be filmed in 2025.

How Many Episodes?

Shetland series 9 will consist of six episodes in total, airing weekly on Wednesday evenings at 9pm on BBC One. The release schedule is as follows:

• Episode 1: 6 November
• Episode 2: 13 November
• Episode 3: 20 November
• Episode 4: 27 November
• Episode 5: 4 December
• Episode 6: 11 December

Shetland Series 8. © ITV Studios/Kirsty Anderson

What Is Shetland About?

Set in Scotland’s northerly isles, Shetland follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Pérez (Douglas Henshall) as he solves crimes in a tight knit community, all the while revealing secrets and lies from the past. From series eight, the show centres on DI Ruth Calder (Jensen), a London police officer who grew up in Shetland and is sent to the islands to help solve a case. As well as its intriguing and intricate mysteries, Shetland is best known for the stunning Scottish landscapes that backdrop the action.

‘We’re thrilled that the BBC has commissioned two more series of Shetland,’ says Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures. ‘Paul Logue creates distinctive and emotionally complex stories, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of Shetland. It’s wonderful to be making these series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of our production.’

Who Stars?

Jensen and O’Donnell will reprise their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh for series 9, joined by series regulars and some fresh guest stars. The full cast list is:

• Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder
• Alison O’Donnell as DI Tosh
• Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson
• Lewis Howden Sgt Billy McCabe
• Anne Kidd as Cora
• Angus Miller as Donnie
• Steven Miller as Rev Alan Calder
• Tibu Fortes as PF Harry Lamont
• Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant
• Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns
• Ian Hart
• Vincent Regan
• Stuart Campbell
• Robert Jack
• Nalini Chetty
• Jimmy Yuill
• Lesley Hart

Is Shetland Based On A Book?

Yes, some of Shetland is based on novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves. Series one was based on Red Bones, while series two was based on Raven Black, Dead Water and Blue Lightning, all by Ann Cleeves. From series three onwards, however, Shetland has been written for television.

DI Ruth Calder (ASHLEY JENSEN); DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (ALISON O’DONNELL). © ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson

Where Is Shetland Filmed?

Shetland is filmed on the Shetland Isles, the UK’s most northerly region. Situated northeast of Scotland – around 50 miles further northwards and easterly of the Orkney Isles – the Shetland Isles sit in the North Sea 140 miles off the west coast of Norway, on the same latitude as Oslo as well as parts of Alaska, Greenland and St Petersburg.

‘The Shetland Isles are breath-taking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to,’ Jensen said on the announcement of series 9. ‘I’m looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon.’

WATCH

Catch up with all eight series of Shetland on BBC iPlayer.