By Lacy Baugher for Drama on March 20th, 2021

Crime Thriller 'Bloodlands' Renewed for a Second Season

(Photo: Acorn TV)

It's official, crime thriller Bloodlands, which just arrived in America by way of streamer Acorn TV this month, has been renewed for a second season. 

The series, which stars James Nesbitt as DCI Tom Brannick, a veteran detective who delves into his own dark past to try and solve an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance when a series of mysterious disappearances is linked to a turbulent period in Northern Irish history over 20 years ago.

 “I’m thrilled that viewers responded to Bloodlands so positively and that we will be returning for a second series," Nesbit said in a statement. "I’m always happy to be back in Northern Ireland and to reveal even more about Tom Brannick.”

The first season concluded earlier this spring in the U.K., where it launched with 8.2 million viewers, landing as the BBC's biggest drama premiere since June. It also ranked as the corporation's biggest drama launch ever in Northern Ireland.

The thriller is the first from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio's new production company, HTM Television. Mercurio serves as executive producer, alongside Mark Redhead and Jimmy Mulville and Tommy Bulfin, and Tom Lazenby for the BBC. Chris Brandon is the series' writer.

"Everyone at HTM Television is thrilled our debut production has been recommissioned. It's a tribute to the quality of Chris Brandon's writing, the hard work of our crew, and the brilliant performance of our cast led by James Nesbitt," Mercurio said in a statement. "We're grateful for the outstanding support we've received from the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen and can't wait to reward Bloodlands fans with another twisty case for Brannick and co."

Filming on Season 2 will once again take place in Belfast and the surrounding areas, including Strangford Lough.  No word yet on when we might expect to see Season 2 on our screens, but early 2022 is looking like a likely bet. 

What do you think of the Bloodlands renewal? Have you tried the first season yet? Let's discuss in the comments. 

By Lacy Baugher for Drama on March 20th, 2021
Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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