The windswept isles of Shetland are once again the backdrop for gripping drama, as the beloved British crime series Shetland makes a triumphant return, stirring excitement and nostalgia among its dedicated fanbase. For years, this moody, atmospheric show, set against the stark beauty of the Shetland Isles, has captivated audiences with its intricate mysteries and deeply human characters. However, recent seasons sparked heated debate when Douglas Henshall, who portrayed the iconic DI Jimmy Perez for seven seasons, exited the series in 2022, paving the way for Ashley Jensen’s DI Ruth Calder. Now, as the show reverts to its classic roots, fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see the dark, introspective tone that made Shetland a global phenomenon restored to its former glory.
The transition from Henshall’s Jimmy Perez to Jensen’s Ruth Calder was a seismic shift for the series. Henshall’s portrayal of Perez, a brooding, compassionate detective navigating personal loss and complex cases, became the heart of Shetland. His departure, announced just before the seventh season finale in 2022, left fans reeling. Perez’s exit was handled with care, allowing him to walk away with love interest Meg, having sacrificed his career to save an innocent man. Yet, the void he left was palpable. Ashley Jensen, known for roles in Extras and Agatha Raisin, stepped into the spotlight as DI Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander returning after 20 years with the Metropolitan Police in London. Her character brought a new dynamic—snippy, defensive, and burdened by personal history—but the change divided viewers. Some embraced Jensen’s fresh energy, while others felt the show had lost its soul, with many taking to social media to plead for Henshall’s return.
The backlash was particularly intense during the eighth season, which aired in 2023. Fans described the new direction as “confusing” and “fragmented,” missing the grounded, character-driven storytelling of earlier seasons. Calder’s cases, while still set against the haunting Shetland landscape, felt disconnected from the slow-burn intensity that defined the Perez era. The introduction of new plotlines, such as Calder’s reconciliation with her estranged brother and unresolved past, struggled to fill the emotional depth Perez had provided. Despite strong performances from Jensen and series regular Alison O’Donnell as DS Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, the consensus among many fans was clear: Shetland wasn’t the same without its original heart.
Now, as Shetland embarks on its tenth season, set to begin filming in 2025, the show is poised to reclaim its classic essence. While specific details about the plot and cast remain under wraps, the production team has hinted at a return to the tone that made the series a standout in the crime drama genre. The rugged beauty of the Shetland Isles, with its stormy seas and tight-knit communities, will once again take center stage, weaving tales of secrets buried in the past. The show’s signature elements—moody silences, morally complex characters, and mysteries that unravel like a well-worn sweater—are expected to dominate, reigniting the spark that drew millions to the series.
The decision to move away from the Ruth Calder era reflects the show’s responsiveness to its audience. Fans have long cherished Shetland for its authenticity, rooted in Ann Cleeves’ novels, and its ability to balance gritty crime with intimate human stories. The Perez years were marked by a quiet intensity, with Henshall’s performance earning him a BAFTA Scotland award in 2016. His character’s personal struggles, including the loss of his wife and his role as a single father, resonated deeply, grounding the show’s mysteries in emotional stakes. Calder’s arc, while compelling in its own right, leaned more heavily on external conflicts, which some felt diluted the introspective quality that defined Shetland.
The return to the show’s origins doesn’t necessarily mean Henshall will reprise his role, though fans remain hopeful, especially given author Ann Cleeves’ announcement of a new novel featuring Jimmy Perez. Instead, the focus appears to be on recapturing the atmosphere and storytelling style that made the early seasons iconic. Series regulars like Alison O’Donnell as Tosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, and Lewis Howden as Sergeant Billy McCabe are expected to return, providing continuity and familiarity. New guest stars, including Samuel Anderson as procurator fiscal Matt Blake, will add fresh dynamics to the close-knit investigative team.
Filming for the tenth season will once again take place across the Shetland Isles and mainland Scotland, with the stark, windswept landscapes serving as a character in their own right. The show’s ability to blend the raw beauty of its setting with dark, human-driven narratives has always been a draw, and producers are keen to emphasize this in the upcoming season. The plot is rumored to involve a chilling case in the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick, where secrets within a tight-knit community unravel into a web of betrayal and tragedy.
For fans, this return to form is a cause for celebration. The Shetland community, both in Scotland and worldwide, has been vocal about their love for the series, which was the second biggest drama in Scotland in 2023, behind only Happy Valley. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, boosting tourism to the Shetland Isles and showcasing the region’s unique culture. As the series prepares to dive back into its dark, atmospheric roots, it carries the weight of expectation—but also the promise of rediscovering what made it a beloved staple of crime drama.
As the cameras roll in 2025, Shetland stands at a crossroads, ready to honor its legacy while forging a new path. Whether it’s through familiar faces or fresh mysteries, the show is poised to remind us why the windswept isles hold such a powerful grip on our imaginations. For now, fans can only wait, their anticipation as fierce as a Shetland storm.
