Karen Pirie (2022)
A sharp-witted Scottish detective reopens a decades-old murder case — and finds far more danger than she bargained for.
Karen Pirie - Series Information
- Original Title: Karen Pirie
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Emer Kenny, Gareth Bryn
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (88 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 2022 (United Kingdom - 15), September 25, 2022 (Germany - 12), September 25, 2022 (France - 18), September 25, 2022 (Brazil - 14), September 25, 2022 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: World Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Karen Pirie - Plot
When a 25-year-old murder in St Andrews becomes the subject of a provocative true-crime podcast, DS Karen Pirie is tasked with heading up a review. Digging up the past, Karen uncovers fresh evidence and a potential perpetrator. But when suspects start coming under attack, the cold case turns into an active investigation. Can Karen find the killer before it's too late?
Karen Pirie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the cold case unfold:
Where to Watch Karen Pirie
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Karen Pirie - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Emer Kenny
- Gareth Bryn
Main Cast
- Lauren Lyle
- Chris Jenks
- Zach Wyatt
- Emer Kenny
- Rakhee Thakrar
- Steve John Shepherd
- Ariyon Bakare
- Michael Shaeffer
- Stuart Bowman
- Jack Hesketh
Executive Producers
- Val McDermid
- Emer Kenny
- Simon Heath
Karen Pirie - FAQs
Is Karen Pirie based on a true story or book?
Karen Pirie is adapted from Val McDermid's 2003 novel 'The Distant Echo', the first book in her Karen Pirie series. McDermid, a celebrated Scottish crime writer, also serves as executive producer on the show, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the spirit of her original work.
Who plays DI Karen Pirie in the series?
Lauren Lyle brings DI Karen Pirie to life with sharp wit and fierce determination. Best known for her role in Outlander, Lyle delivers a standout performance as the tenacious Scottish detective who refuses to let a cold case stay cold, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.
Where can you stream Karen Pirie?
Karen Pirie is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Amazon Channel, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel, all as part of a flatrate subscription. The series originally aired on ITV1 in the United Kingdom. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Is Karen Pirie worth watching for crime drama fans?
Absolutely. Karen Pirie stands out in the crowded British crime drama landscape thanks to Lauren Lyle's magnetic lead performance, the atmospheric Scottish setting, and a cold case narrative that keeps you guessing. It blends procedural tension with sharp character work, making it a genuinely satisfying watch from start to finish.
How many seasons and episodes does Karen Pirie have?
Karen Pirie currently has 2 seasons, each consisting of 3 feature-length episodes running approximately 88 minutes apiece — giving each instalment the scope and pacing of a cinematic thriller rather than a conventional TV episode. The series is still in production, with more to come.
Where was Karen Pirie filmed?
Karen Pirie was filmed primarily on location in Scotland, with the historic university town of St Andrews serving as a central backdrop. The rugged Scottish landscapes and coastal scenery play a significant atmospheric role, lending the series an authentic sense of place that enriches the cold case storyline.
Is Karen Pirie renewed for another season?
Karen Pirie is currently listed as a returning series and remains in active production, so further seasons beyond Series 2 are very much on the table. ITV1 has shown strong support for the show, and with Val McDermid's rich back catalogue of Karen Pirie novels, there is plenty of source material to draw from.
What are similar shows to Karen Pirie?
If Karen Pirie has you hooked, try Rebus, another atmospheric Scottish crime drama, or Traces, a forensic thriller also set in Scotland. The Loch and Criminal Record offer similarly tense British procedural storytelling, while The Missing delivers the same cold case intensity with a deeply emotional edge.
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