Shetland (2013)
A gripping BBC crime drama set on Scotland's remote Shetland Islands, where DI Jimmy Perez navigates murder and community secrets.
Shetland - Series Information
- Original Title: Shetland
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Ann Cleaves
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 56
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 10, 2013 (United States - TV-PG), March 10, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), March 10, 2013 (Germany - 12), March 10, 2013 (France - 16), March 10, 2013 (India - U/A 16+), March 10, 2013 (Australia - M), March 10, 2013 (Brazil - 14), March 10, 2013 (Spain - 16), March 10, 2013 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: BBC One, BBC Four
- Production Companies: ITV Studios, BBC Scotland
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Shetland - Plot
Created from the novels by award winning crime writer Ann Cleeves, Shetland follows DI Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate crime within the close knit island community. In this isolated and sometimes inhospitable environment, the team have to rely on a uniquely resourceful style of policing.
Shetland - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the windswept drama of the islands come to life:
Murder is only a ferry ride away.
Where to Watch Shetland
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Shetland - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ann Cleaves
Main Cast
- Alison O'Donnell
- Steven Robertson
- Lewis Howden
- Douglas Henshall
- Erin Armstrong
- Mark Bonnar
- Anne Kidd
- Conor McCarry
- Julie Graham
- Angus Miller
Writers
- Ann Cleeves
- David Kane
- Paul Logue
- Gaby Chiappe
- Robert Murphy
Executive Producers
- Kate Bartlett
- Christopher Aird
- Elaine Collins
- Paul Logue
- Denise Paul
Shetland - FAQs
Where can you stream Shetland online?
Shetland is available to stream on BritBox and the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel via subscription. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. BritBox is the primary streaming home for the series in the United States.
Is Shetland based on a true story?
Shetland is not based on a specific true story. It is adapted from the Shetland novel series by crime writer Ann Cleeves. While the cases are fictional, the show draws authentically from the real landscape, culture, and community life of the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Why did Douglas Henshall leave Shetland?
Douglas Henshall, who played DI Jimmy Perez, departed Shetland after Series 7 in 2022. He stated it felt like the right time to move on after nearly a decade in the role. Ashley Jensen subsequently joined the cast as new lead DI Ruth Calder, taking the series in a fresh direction from Series 8 onward.
How many seasons and episodes does Shetland have?
Shetland has 10 seasons comprising 56 episodes in total. Each main series typically consists of 6 episodes. The show began with a 2-episode pilot series in 2013 and has continued through Series 10, with the show currently listed as a returning series still in production.
Who are the main actors in Shetland?
The principal cast includes Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez (Series 1–7), Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder (Series 8 onward), Alison O'Donnell as DI Tosh McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe, Mark Bonnar as Duncan Hunter, and Julie Graham as Rhona Kelly.
Is Shetland cancelled or still being made?
Shetland is not cancelled. As of the latest available information, the series holds a status of Returning Series and remains in active production. Series 10 is the most recent season, and the show continues to air on BBC One and BBC Four in the United Kingdom.
When did Shetland first air on television?
Shetland first aired on March 10, 2013, in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The debut consisted of a two-part pilot episode adapted from Ann Cleeves' novel Red Bones. It broadcast on BBC One and BBC Four, quickly earning critical praise and a loyal audience.
How was Shetland received by critics and audiences?
Shetland has been warmly received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its atmospheric setting, strong character writing, and compelling mysteries. The show is frequently cited as one of the finest British crime dramas, with Douglas Henshall's portrayal of DI Perez earning particular acclaim throughout its long run.
More About Shetland
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