Acclaimed BBC drama to return next month two years after receiving rave reviews for debut series

The BBC is giving a critically acclaimed drama a second series after two years off screens to critical acclaim.

Scottish murder mystery Granite Harbor was a BBC iPlayer favorite upon its debut in 2022, generating more than seven million streams for its three hour-long episodes.

The series centers on Lance Corporal Davis Lindo (Romario Simpson), a new recruit to Police Scotland who arrived in Aberdeen from Jamaica.

Series two launches on Thursday, May 2 at 10pm on BBC Scotland and on BBC One the following day.

Alternatively, all three episodes will be available to binge on BBC iPlayer from the second release.

In the first season, new Detective Constable found himself straight in the deep end following a front-page murder of a local oil tycoon, who was found dead when his company merged with a renewable energy company.

Lance, along with his new mentor, DCI Lara ‘Bart’ Bartlett (Hannah Donaldson) – a sharp, smart Aberdonian used to working alone – were tasked with finding the criminal.

Filming for the new season, which will also consist of three parts, began in October 2023 and wrapped shortly afterwards after being renewed last August.

The synopsis for the first part of season two reads: ‘When notorious drug lord fixer Grace McFadden (Lesley Hart) turns up dead, MIT must do their job to find the source of a new cocaine and ketamine compound hitting the streets. floods.

‘Fearing that a war on drugs is looming, the team fights to uncover the truth.

‘To complicate matters further, Lindo investigates the case of pregnant stowaway Mariam, who claims her partner died during their journey across the sea.

‘At the dock, Lindo and Bart’s suspicions are aroused by the vigilant behavior of Captain Anders Nilsen and his protege Axel Berg of the Stolthet, a Norwegian freighter that recently arrived in Aberdeen.

‘After complications and conflict arise, DCI MacMillan removes Lindo and Bart from the stowaway murder case.

However, Lindo has other ideas and refuses to give up his suspicion that the crew of the Stolthet is guilty of something sinister.

“As the drug investigation slowly progresses, Monty and Mallick become further frustrated by the McFadden family’s unwillingness to cooperate.

As the investigation pulls the team in different directions, Lindo faces an additional complication when his estranged father, Grantley, visits from Jamaica. However, it is clear that he has his own agenda.’

Returning with Simpson and Donaldson are Dawn Steele as DCI MacMillan, Bhav Joshi as Mallick and Michelle Jeram as DS Simone ‘Monty’ Montrose.

They will be joined by new cast members including Hart, Patrick Robinson as Grantley, Afsaneh Dehrouyeh as Mariam, Søren Malling as Captain Anders Nilsen and Christopher Rygh as Axel Berg.

Sani Mamood, Sakuntala Ramanee, Sam Garioch, Layla Kirk, Kate Bracken, Melina Akermin Kvie and Alex Høgh Anderson will also appear in unknown roles.

Following the success of season one, Jamaican-born Simpson said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Scotland to film season two of Granite Harbour.

“I’m looking forward to reuniting with the original cast and working with some new creatives.

‘It’s another chance to learn more about Aberdeen and get some vital fresh air and open space.’

Co-star Donaldson added: “Growing up as an aspiring young actress in the North East of Scotland, I didn’t often see the landscapes I recognized as home or hear the accents of my friends and family on screen.

“I am very proud to be a small part of bringing Granite Harbor to life.

‘Series two is an excellent opportunity for us to delve further into the relationship between Bart and Lindo and the dynamics of the team.

“I can’t wait to put my tie on and get back to work with the North East Murder Investigation Team.”

Granite Harbor joins a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Shetland, Guilt, Vigil and the upcoming new series Nightsleeper in that category.