Shetland (TV series)

Shetland (TV series)
source
Title	Shetland
Genre	Crime drama, Police procedural
Based on	Shetland novels, Ann Cleeves
Starring	Douglas Henshall, Alison O'Donnell, Steven Robertson, Mark Bonnar, Julie Graham, Erin Armstrong, Lewis Howden
Theme music composer	John Lunn
Composer	John Lunn
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Num episodes	54
Executive producer	Christopher Aird, Elaine Collins, Gaynor Holmes
Location	Shetland, Scotland
Runtime	57–90 minutes
Company	ITV Studios, BBC Scotland
Network	BBC One
First aired	10 March 2013
Last aired	present

Shetland (TV series). *Shetland* is a British crime drama television series first broadcast on BBC One in March 2013. Developed from the novel series by author Ann Cleeves, the programme is set and filmed on the Shetland archipelago in Scotland. The series has been acclaimed for its atmospheric portrayal of the isolated landscape and complex character-driven narratives, earning several awards including a BAFTA Scotland award.

Premise and setting

The series centres on Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, a senior Police Scotland officer leading a small team in Lerwick. Each series typically involves Perez and his colleagues, including Detective Sergeant Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh and Detective Constable Sandy Wilson, investigating major crimes that disrupt the close-knit island communities. The remote and starkly beautiful setting of the Shetland Islands, with its long summer days and dark, stormy winters, is a central character, profoundly influencing the mood and progression of the mysteries. Stories often explore tensions between traditional island life and external influences, weaving in elements of Shetlandic culture and history.

Production and development

The series was developed for television by ITV Studios and BBC Scotland, with key creative figures including executive producer Christopher Aird. It is adapted from the "Shetland" book series by Ann Cleeves, beginning with the 2006 novel *Raven Black*. Filming takes place extensively on location in Shetland, with additional shooting in Glasgow and other parts of mainland Scotland. The production has utilized various notable locations across the isles, including Lerwick Town Hall and the Shetland Museum. The distinctive score is composed by John Lunn, known for his work on Downton Abbey.

Cast and characters

The principal cast is led by Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez, a role he played from the first series until his departure after the seventh. Alison O'Donnell stars as DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh, with Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson. Other long-standing main characters include Lewis Howden as Sergeant Billy McCabe and Erin Armstrong as Cassie Perez, Jimmy's step-daughter. Following Henshall's exit, Ashley Jensen joined the cast as DI Ruth Calder, a Metropolitan Police officer returning to her native Shetland. Notable recurring and guest stars have included Julie Graham, Mark Bonnar, Celine Buckens, and Anne Kidd.

Episodes

Since its premiere in 2013 with two-hour pilot adapted from *Raven Black*, *Shetland* has aired eight series comprising fifty-four episodes. Early series largely followed a format of two-episode arcs based directly on Cleeves's novels, such as *White Nights* and *Red Bones*. From the third series onward, the show transitioned to primarily original six-episode serialized stories, though it has returned to adapt later Cleeves novels like *Cold Earth*. Each series typically features a single case investigated across the run, with episodes originally airing on BBC One before streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Reception

The series has received widespread critical praise for its strong performances, compelling writing, and evocative use of its Scottish Highlands and Islands setting. It won the BAFTA Scotland award for Best Television Drama in 2016. Douglas Henshall received the BAFTA Scotland award for Best Actor in 2016 for his role. Critics from publications like The Guardian and The Telegraph have consistently highlighted the show's atmospheric quality and narrative depth. The programme maintains high viewership figures for BBC One, contributing to a significant boost in tourism to the Shetland Islands.

Adaptations and related media

The television series is itself an adaptation of the "Shetland" novel series by Ann Cleeves, which currently comprises ten books. The success of the show has increased international interest in Cleeves's literary works and the broader genre of Nordic noir. In 2023, a spin-off podcast titled *Shetland: The Return* was released, exploring the aftermath of a key storyline. The series is regularly broadcast internationally, including on BritBox in North America and various public broadcasting networks across Europe, further expanding its global audience.

Category:2010s British television series Category:2020s British television series Category:BBC television dramas Category:British crime drama television series Category:Television series based on British novels Category:Television series set in Scotland Category:Shetland