The fan-favorite detective drama is back—and DCI Ellis is still not here to play.
Sharon D Clarke is officially suiting back up as the relentless and sharp-witted DCI Ellis, as Acorn TV and Channel 5 have confirmed a second season of Inspector Ellis. After a critically acclaimed debut and standout audience response, the gripping crime drama is returning with three new feature-length episodes set to air in 2026.
Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre and Paul Logue, Inspector Ellis struck a chord with viewers who embraced the character’s no-nonsense attitude, unshakable ethics, and ability to sniff out corruption on both sides of the law. Clarke—fresh off a BAFTA nomination for Mr Loverman—once again leads the charge, with Andrew Gower (Carnival Row, The Winter King) reprising his role as DS Harper, her loyal (and often exasperated) second-in-command.
“I’m thrilled to return as DCI Ellis,” Clarke shared. “The response to the first series was overwhelming, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world with such a talented team—especially with the wonderful Andrew Gower by my side. Ellis is a character that really sits with people, and we’ve got some twists coming in Season 2 that I think audiences will be gripped by.”
Once again, the pair will be “parachuted” into police departments across northern England, tackling messy, mishandled investigations and systemic failures head-on. If Season 1 was any indication, don’t expect Ellis to follow the rules—but do expect her to get the job done.
Behind the scenes, the production team is staying just as strong. The new season will be penned by Ejiwunmi-Le Berre (Episode 1), Oliver Frampton (Episode 2), and Maria Ward (Episode 3). Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer return as executive producers for Acorn Media Enterprises, alongside Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety for Company Pictures. Producers Martin Mahon and Ana Ture are also back on board, with Sebastian Cardwell and Paul Testar shepherding the show on behalf of Channel 5.
Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, said: “Following the huge success of Season 1, we’re beyond excited to bring Ellis and Harper back. Sharon and Andrew bring such depth and tension to the screen—it’s a no-brainer to continue their journey.”
David Swetman, SVP at All3Media International, added: “DCI Ellis has quickly carved out a spot in the global detective lineup. Sharon D Clarke delivers a masterclass performance that resonates far beyond the UK.”
And resonate it has. Season 1 of Inspector Ellis has already traveled across four continents, airing on ZDF (Germany), VRT (Flemish Belgium), SVT (Sweden), NPO (Netherlands), and Nine Network in Australia (following Acorn TV’s initial premiere). BBC Studios has picked up the series in the Balkans and Central Eastern Europe, and it just landed this month on Japan’s Mystery Channel.
With Season 2 set to begin filming this month in the UK, Acorn TV and Channel 5 are clearly betting big on Clarke’s DCI Ellis—an officer who doesn’t just chase justice, she demands it.
The official premiere date for Season 2 will be announced at a later time.
Stay tuned. Ellis is just getting started.