Canada: Rebus makes Canadian debut September 25 on Viaplay

New Adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin’s Iconic Detective
REBUS
Makes Highly Anticipated Canadian Debut
Thursday, September 25
on Viaplay Canada
*Hi-res images at the bottom of the page
Aired on the BBC to rave reviews and more than 10 million streams;
New English-Language series stars Richard Rankin (Outlander)
“The most irresistible incarnation yet” -The Guardian
“Twisty and gripping… Fans of the books should leave well satisfied” -The Evening Standard
“Love it… Rankin is terrific” -The Scotsman
“I’m loving and I highly recommend a weekend binge of Rebus…recalls shows like Happy Valley and Prime Suspect…I loved Richard Rankin in the title role…definitely worth a test-drive of Viaplay” – Vogue
“Tightly structured adaptation… Six episodes, no fat” – The Wall Street Journal
“Every crime drama fan should watch Rebus’ - CBR
RTS Scotland wins for ‘Best Drama,’ ‘Best Director: Scripted,’ and ‘Best Writer’
2025 Edgars Nominee for ‘Best Television Teleplay Episode’
A huge hit on BBC One and more than 10 million streams on BBC iPlayer, the new adaptation of Sir Ian Rankin’s internationally best-selling “Inspector Rebus” novels, Rebus, with Richard Rankin (Outlander) in the title role debuts in Canada on Thursday, September 25 with the first three episodes, followed by the final three on October 2 on the European streaming service Viaplay, which is available as an add on subscription through Rogers East Ignite TV and Rogers East Ignite Streaming. The English-language series offers a fresh interpretation of the beloved character from Sir Ian Rankin’s detective novels, which have sold more than 30 million copies and been translated into 36 languages. Rebus reimagines the iconic character John Rebus as a younger Detective Sergeant, drawn into a violent criminal conflict that turns personal when his brother Michael, a former soldier, crosses the line into criminality.
Set in present-day Edinburgh, a demoted John Rebus is at a psychological crossroads. As he struggles to navigate a world increasingly driven by technology, Rebus finds himself embroiled in a toxic affair with the wife of his disabled former police partner and replaced in his daughter's life by his ex-wife's wealthy husband. Rebus begins to wonder if he still has a role to play as a father and contemporary police officer. In a world of divisive politics and national deprivation, does the law still have meaning or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn’t Rebus?
A brazen daylight attack draws Rebus and his new partner into a gang war which escalates when Rebus’s ex-soldier brother steals from drug dealers to provide for his family. Rebus finds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring him to justice.
A fresh and thrilling offering in the high-end crime genre, with a globally recognizable character at the heart of the story, the series explores family, morality and class through an emotionally-charged story, set against the Scottish landmarks that Rankin’s readers know so well.
Produced by Eleventh Hour Films (Foyle’s War) for Viaplay, the six-part series is written by the award-winning Gregory Burke (‘71) and is skillfully directed by BAFTA-winner Niall MacCormick (Complicit, The Victim) and Fiona Walton (Shetland, London Kills).
In addition to Richard Rankin, the all-star cast includes Brian Ferguson (The Ipcress File), Lucie Shorthouse (We Are Lady Parts), Stuart Bowman (The Rings of Power, Grantchester, Bodyguard), Amy Manson (The Diplomat), Neshla Caplan (The Rig), Noof Ousellam (Andor, Vigil), Caroline Lee-Johnson (Trying), Sean Buchanan (Mary Queen of Scots), Thoren Ferguson (Emmerdale Farm) and Michelle Duncan (Baptiste, Dalgliesh).
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About Viaplay:
The Viaplay streaming service features thousands of hours of premium Nordic and European series and films from Scandinavia's largest and most recognized television/streaming platform. Viaplay’s Canada content offering focuses on the Nordic region’s high-quality and psychologically penetrating titles: from atmospheric and suspenseful crime dramas and provocative and stylish young adult series to award-winning dramas and riveting documentaries. On par with the best on television, Viaplay series feature first-rate production values, incredible scenery, award-worthy acting, and edge-of-your-seat storylines. Viaplay is available as an add-on subscription on Rogers East Ignite TV and Rogers East Ignite Streaming. All titles are available in their original language with English subtitles.
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