Excitement is building for the brand-new season of the BBC's beloved and long-running crime drama Shetland, as a recent update confirmed that filming was under way. It was revealed back in April 2026 that production on season 11 had begun, with a clapperboard picture released of the show's two returning lead stars on set together.
Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell's DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh will of course be back to investigate new mysteries in the Shetland Isles, and the BBC has already confirmed that fans are in for a "gripping, atmospheric story" this time around.
Gaynor Holmes, the BBC's commissioning editor, also previously teased: "This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked."
"Alison and Ashley lead our stellar core cast who are joined by a brilliant line‑up of guest stars and supported by a crew whose craft and passion shine through in every frame – together showcasing Scotland on screen at its very best," Holmes' statement added.
Fans of police procedurals have been in for a real treat of late, with Daniel Mays' detective drama Lynley arriving to the BBC earlier this year, and Death Valley returning recently for a worthy second season. Let's also not forget that another Scotland-set crime drama – Rebus – has also just been given the green light for season two.
But with anticipation for Shetland's next set of episodes only continuing to grow, we're here to tell you everything you need to know about the new season – and it sounds like it's going to be unmissable for fans of the popular hit series.
What to Read Next
What is the plot for Shetland season 11?
As those that have kept up with Shetland already know, each season of the BBC series – which is based on the novels by popular crime author Ann Cleeves – focuses in on one mystery, which our leading detectives are set on solving.
A synopsis for the upcoming instalment has already revealed that, this time, we're in for a "historic murder", and that the case in question will "forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day".
But what exactly is this going to mean for our cast of characters? "When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made – crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male," the synopsis continues.
"The team's search to uncover the victim’s identity, begins with a hunt for the vehicle's owner – a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago."
Calder and Tosh are then set to "dig deeper" into the life of the GP, as well as looking into those connected to him before his death, and as a result this investigation "takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth".
Who are the guest stars for Shetland season 11?
A host of exciting new names have been confirmed to be joining the BBC series for its return, including:
• Christine Bottomley (Sherwood)
• Kevin Harvey (This City Is Ours)
• Stella Gonet ( The House of Eliott)
• Gregor Fisher (Only Child)
• Gavin Mitchell (Crime)
Other guest cast stars will also include:
• John Wark (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth)
• Helen Mackay (Shetland)
• Robin Weaver (Rivals)
• John McLarnon (I Swear)
• Beth Marshall (The Bombing of Pan Am 103)
• Charlene Boyd (Dept. Q)
Shetland season 11 cast: Who else is starring?
Joining the fan-favourite detective duo of Calder and McIntosh are a number of other Shetland regulars, with the below confirmed to be back for season 11:
• Lewis Howden as Billy McCabe
• Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson
• Samuel Anderson as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake
• Steven Miller as Rev Alan Calder
• Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean
• Angus Miller as Tosh's partner Donnie
• Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant
• Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns
What is the release date for Shetland season 11?
As things stand, the BBC has not yet confirmed an official release date for the new season of Shetland, but we are hopeful that it will arrive on our screens at some point in 2026.
For the past few years, a new season of Shetland has premiered in November, running for six episodes right through until early December. So if this release pattern is to continue, we'd only have around six months to wait.
What else do we know about Shetland season 11?
Shetland remains one of the BBC's most popular dramas, with the broadcaster expressing how the show is "loved by millions of fans" in an update to press.
The crime series is a hit for both BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and it was reported as being in the top five most-watched BBC Drama series of 2025. It also remained the number one BBC drama with audiences in Scotland. With all of this in mind, it seems clear that Shetland – despite running for so many seasons – is still at the height of its popularity.
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures, has said of season 11: "We're so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison, alongside our wonderful returning cast and a fantastic guest cast."
"[Lead writer of the new series of Shetland] Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles," Bartlett added. "We're thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of production."
Well, it's safe to say we cannot wait, and that fans seem in for a treat.
Shetland seasons 1 - 10 are streaming now on BBC iPlayer, and season 11 is on the way.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
