The 'Shetland' Season 8 Trailer Reboots The Series
Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder in 'Shetland' Season 8
BritBox
When lead actor Douglas Henshall announced at the beginning of Shetland Season 7 that the season would be his last, it seemed unlikely the series would continue. The show was initially based on the novel Red Bones by Ann Cleeves and had been roughly following her books for the first few seasons before going off on its own path, but still telling stories that followed the same formula. However, the series' popularity meant the BBC wished to continue it if possible. After the season ended, it was announced the show would continue with Season 8 and new lead Ashley Jensen (Agatha Raisin).
Jensen will star as DI Ruth Calder, returning to the Shetland community after 20 years of living in London and working with the Metropolitan Police. The decision thus far has been somewhat controversial, with some fans believing the show should have concluded with Henshall's exit, others who feel the show should have been promoted from within the cast, and, of course, a few who grump at the change in general.
But the first trailer for the new season, which debuts in the U.K. on Wednesday, November 1, and follows on BritBox at the end of the month on Wednesday, November 29, feels more like a reboot than anything else.
Here's the Season 8 synopsis:
The highly anticipated series return of Shetland is back! After 7 seasons playing the beloved Detective Jimmy Perez, Douglas Henshall will be passing the baton to Ashley Jensen to star in the series. Jensen will play DI Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working in London. Based on the best-selling books by award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves, follow DI Ruth Calder as she begins investigating crimes within the close-knit island community.
Jensen's arrival as Ruth Calder isn't the only new face for Season 8; Tibu Fortes (Sister Boniface Mysteries) also debuts as Harry Lamont. However, just about everyone else will return from previous seasons, including Alison O'Donnell as DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Mark Bonnar as Duncan Hunter, Lewis Howden as PS Billy McCabe, Erin Armstrong as Cassie Pérez, Anne Kidd as Cora McLean, and Angus Miller as Donnie. Season 8 guest stars include Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Jamie Sives (Annika), Dawn Steele (Granite Harbour), Don Gilet (Sherwood), Ann Louise Ross (River City), and Lorraine McIntosh (Outlander).
Shetland Season 8 premieres in the U.K. on the BBC on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, running the six episodes on a weekly schedule. BritBox will follow starting on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, following the same once-a-week schedule for six weeks through the end of the year.
