Netflix has officially announced the return of its acclaimed crime drama, Department Q, confirming a second series set to resume filming in Edinburgh. The show garnered significant attention for its compelling narrative and atmospheric Scottish backdrop.
Matthew Goode is slated to reprise his role as DCI Carl Morck, the complex and unconventional detective leading a team of investigators in the basement-level “Department Q,” dedicated to cracking cold cases.
The series centers on the team’s efforts to solve previously deemed unsolvable cases, offering a fresh take on the crime drama genre.
Season two will see the return of key team members, including Alexej Manvelov as Akram, Leah Byrne as Rose, and Jamie Sives as Hardy, promising a continuation of the dynamic team’s chemistry and investigative prowess.
Department Q is adapted from the renowned book series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, blending Scandinavian noir elements with a distinct Scottish flair.
The show’s shift from “Scandi noir” to “Tartan noir” occurred after the director’s location scouting in Edinburgh, particularly along the Royal Mile, which inspired the decision to set the series in Scotland.
While a Danish-language version of the program previously aired on the BBC, Netflix’s English-language adaptation, which debuted in May, marked the first large-scale, globally accessible iteration.
Upon its release, Department Q remained in Netflix’s top ten most-watched shows for six consecutive weeks, highlighting its popularity and viewer engagement.
Show writer and director Scott Frank, also known for his work on The Queen’s Gambit, previously shared with BBC Scotland News how the Scottish setting enhanced the humor present in the original novels.
Frank commented, “I’m grateful to the folks at Netflix, as well as our shining cast and crew, for once more risking their careers to enable my folly,” underscoring his enthusiasm for the project and collaborative spirit.
Executive producer Rob Bullock expressed his delight at the renewal, stating he received a “really wonderful response” to the news of the second series.
“It is going to be loosely based on the second book in Jussi’s series,” he confirmed, offering insights into the upcoming season’s narrative foundation.
“And much like season one, we will take the book and the gold that’s in that book but then go off and tell our own stories alongside it,” Bullock added, indicating a blend of adaptation and original storytelling.
Bullock emphasized that Edinburgh remains a vital component of the series’ identity.
“It is such a fantastic, cinematic city,” he remarked, highlighting the visual appeal and unique atmosphere the city provides.
“When we found out it’s often the case that shows are set there but not filmed there, we thought that was a really exciting opportunity for us to live and film in Edinburgh,” Bullock explained, underscoring the commitment to authenticity.
“It’s one of those places that looks beautiful in each direction you point the camera,” he added, praising the city’s photogenic qualities.
“That’s what we wanted from the start, to make a really beautiful thriller,” Bullock concluded, summarizing the artistic vision behind the series.
Production for the second season is scheduled to commence early next year.
Netflix executives Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin expressed their excitement, stating: “We are raring to return to Carl Morck and his band of glorious misfits at Department Q.”
“Scott Frank brought us best-in-class storytelling and thrilled Netflix audiences worldwide,” they added, acknowledging the creative team’s contributions.
“We can’t wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover in season two… Edinburgh, we’re back,” Qureshi and Levin concluded, signaling their anticipation for the upcoming season and continued collaboration with the city.
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