DCI Ellis is on the case once again. Acorn TV and UK network Channel 5 have officially renewed Inspector Ellis for a second season, giving fans of the critically praised crime drama more time with the show’s no-nonsense detective duo. The new season will once again star Sharon D. Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as her partner DS Harper, as they investigate complex cases across northeast England.
Filming on the new season is set to begin later this month, with three new feature length, two hour episodes planned to premiere in 2026 on Acorn TV. Series co-creator Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre returns to pen the opening episode, followed by Oliver Frampton and Maria Ward, who will write episodes two and three respectively.
In a statement celebrating the renewal, Clarke said, “I am thrilled to return as DCI Ellis. The response to the first season was overwhelming, and I am excited to continue this journey with such a talented team, especially with the wonderful Andrew Gower by my side. Ellis is a character who resonates deeply, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what we have in store for her and Harper in season two.”
Acorn TV echoed that enthusiasm, calling Inspector Ellis “an instant fan-favorite” thanks to its “elevated and smart storytelling brought to life by the incomparable Sharon D. Clarke and Andrew Gower.” According to the streamer, more “unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat cases” are coming in the new season.
Andrew Gower Believes ‘Inspector Ellis’ Appeal Lies In Its “Brevity”
Gower, who previously appeared in Midsomer Murders, recently spoke to Collider’s Maggie Lovitt about what makes Inspector Ellis special and how it differs from the usual UK cop fare. “First of all, when that came through… the fact that Sharon D. Clarke is Ellis and leading the show, it was amazing,” Gower said. “Again, not just an amazing actor, but a musical icon. She’s blown me away so many times on stage I’ve lost count.”
As for what continues to draw viewers to the genre, Gower pointed to the timeless appeal of watching characters under pressure. “There’s something familiar about it,” he explained. “You get to see all facets of human behavior… The nice thing about Ellis, I think it’s heavy-hitting, but it really has a nice brevity to it. It has some lovely lightness of touch in there and humor.”
via Collider