For fans of gritty crime dramas like Baptiste, the return of BBC’s Shetland for its tenth season is a cause for celebration. Premiering on BBC One and iPlayer in November 2025, this latest chapter of the beloved Scottish murder mystery series, set against the windswept cliffs and stark beauty of the Shetland Isles, delivers far more than its signature whodunits. With a new case that unearths dark secrets in the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick, Shetland Season 10, led by Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder and Alison O’Donnell as DI Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, weaves emotional complexity, personal stakes, and the haunting allure of its setting into a tapestry that transcends the genre. Fans expecting another formulaic crime saga will be floored by the show’s bold evolution, proving it’s not just about murder—it’s about the heart and soul of a community.

Since its debut in 2013, Shetland, based on Ann Cleeves’s bestselling novels, has captivated audiences with its blend of atmospheric storytelling and intricate mysteries. Initially led by Douglas Henshall as the brooding DI Jimmy Perez, the series transitioned in Season 8 to Jensen’s Ruth Calder, a pragmatic Met detective returning to her Shetland roots. The show’s ninth season, which aired from November 6 to December 11, 2024, drew an average of 7 million viewers, making it the top BBC drama in Scotland for 2024 and a top-10 drama across the UK. Season 10, currently filming in the Shetland Isles and mainland Scotland, promises to build on this success with a six-part arc that dives deeper into the emotional lives of its characters while delivering a chilling new case.

The season’s central mystery revolves around the murder of an elderly retired social worker in Lunniswick, a remote Shetland hamlet where secrets fester like the island’s unrelenting storms. Calder and Tosh, now both Detective Inspectors, are called to investigate after the victim’s body is found exposed to the elements for days, hinting at a crime steeped in neglect and malice. The official synopsis teases that the case will see the duo “excavate the victim’s life, past and present, as well as the lives of those who knew her,” uncovering “dark secrets and terrible deeds” at the heart of the tight-knit community. Written by lead writer Paul Logue, with contributions from Denise Paul and Phil Mulryne, and directed by Ruth Paxton and Andrew Cumming, the story promises the moody, evocative vibe that Shetland fans crave, amplified by a narrative that blurs personal and professional lines.

What sets Season 10 apart is its refusal to lean solely on the murder mystery formula. While the show has always excelled at crafting knotty plots—think Nordic Noir with a Scottish soul—this season doubles down on character-driven storytelling. Calder, who settled in Shetland after Season 8, grapples with her identity as an outsider-turned-resident, her pragmatic approach clashing with the island’s insular culture. Tosh, newly promoted and navigating her role as a leader, faces personal challenges that deepen her dynamic with Calder. Their evolving friendship, described by O’Donnell as “just scratching the surface” in Season 8, takes center stage, offering a raw exploration of loyalty and vulnerability. Gaynor Holmes, BBC Commissioning Editor, called the season “a compellingly new, gnarly, and emotional murder-mystery,” while executive producer Kate Bartlett praised Logue’s “distinctive and emotionally complex story” set against the Shetland’s stunning landscape.

The returning cast, including Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Sgt. Billy McCabe, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, and newcomers like Samuel Anderson as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake, brings continuity and fresh energy. Guest stars, including The Witcher’s Clive Russell, Fresh Meat’s Greg McHugh, and Motherland’s Ellie Haddington, add intrigue, with their roles tied to the Lunniswick case. Anderson, known for Gavin & Stacey, is a particularly exciting addition, with his character Matt Blake poised to shake up the Shetland police station’s dynamics. The ensemble’s authenticity—bolstered by local actors like Robertson, who revels in using his native Shetland dialect—grounds the show in a sense of place that feels palpable, even when filmed in mainland locations like Kilbarchan or Irvine.

Shetland’s appeal lies in its ability to balance the grim realities of crime with the raw beauty of its setting. The Shetland Isles, with their rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and historic sites like Lerwick’s Lodberries house (Perez’s former home), serve as a character in their own right. Season 10’s Lunniswick setting, described as a “tiny, isolated hamlet,” amplifies the claustrophobia of small-town life, where everyone knows everyone’s secrets—or so they think. Unlike Baptiste, which often leaned on international intrigue, Shetland finds drama in the mundane: a neighbor’s grudge, a family’s hidden past, or the weight of tradition. The show’s cinematography, capturing the islands’ stark beauty, has drawn comparisons to Wallander, with fans on X praising its “big skies and claustrophobic smallness.” One user wrote, “Shetland’s scenery makes every episode feel like a movie. It’s not just about the murder—it’s about the place.”

This season’s emotional depth sets it apart from its peers. While Baptiste explored personal trauma through its titular detective’s obsessive quests, Shetland Season 10 delves into the collective psyche of its characters and community. The Lunniswick case, with its focus on a retired social worker’s life, promises to unravel intergenerational conflicts and buried truths, echoing themes from Cleeves’s novels like Red Bones or Wild Fire. Calder and Tosh’s investigation will force them to confront their own vulnerabilities—Tosh’s loyalty to friends and Calder’s struggle to belong—making the case as much about their growth as about solving the crime. Fans of Baptiste will appreciate this character-driven approach, which elevates Shetland beyond the “body of the week” trope common in murder mysteries.

The show’s cultural resonance also adds layers absent in many crime dramas. Shetland’s real-life low crime rate—far from the fictional body count rivaling Midsomer Murders—makes the series a love letter to the islands’ unique lifestyle. From Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa fire festival to the Hillswick wildlife sanctuary, the show weaves local traditions into its narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into a world both remote and relatable. Author Ann Cleeves, whose novels inspired the series, has praised its portrayal of Shetland’s community, noting in a Bluesky post that the islands’ beauty and culture are as vital as the mysteries. Her latest book, The Killing Stones, set in Orkney and featuring a retired Jimmy Perez, further ties the Shetland universe to its literary roots, hinting at potential crossovers or cameos in Season 10.

Production details underscore Shetland’s commitment to authenticity. Filming began in March 2025, with cameras rolling in Shetland by April 13, capturing the islands’ dramatic spring light. Mainland locations like Glasgow and Ayr supplement the Shetland shoots, with interiors often filmed in studios to replicate crofts or the Lerwick police station. Directors Paxton and Carney, known for their work on A Banquet and Out of Darkness, bring a cinematic edge, while Logue’s scripts promise the emotional complexity seen in Season 9’s double missing persons case. The show’s international appeal—airing in countries like Finland (Shetlandsaarten murhat), Japan, and New Zealand—reflects its universal themes, distributed by ITV Studios to a global audience.

Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with X posts calling Season 10 “the perfect mix of heart and horror.” One user wrote, “Shetland isn’t just a crime show—it’s about people, place, and pain. Can’t wait for Calder and Tosh to break our hearts again.” The season’s focus on “dark secrets and terrible deeds” suggests a narrative that will test the detectives’ resolve, much like Baptiste’s Julien Baptiste faced moral dilemmas in his cases. Unlike Baptiste, however, Shetland’s strength lies in its ensemble, with characters like Sandy and Cora providing humor and humanity amid the grim investigations. The addition of guest stars like Russell and McHugh, known for their nuanced performances, hints at layered suspects or victims whose stories will resonate long after the case is solved.

Critics have already hailed Shetland as “flawless” and “the best crime drama you’ll see all year,” with Season 9’s success—shortlisted for the 2024 Thalia Proctor Memorial Award—setting a high bar. The show’s ability to evolve, from Perez’s soulful tenure to Calder’s steely resolve, mirrors the resilience of the Shetland community itself. As one Reddit user on r/television noted, “Shetland feels like a warm hug and a cold shiver at the same time. It’s more than murder—it’s about what makes us human.” With Season 10 poised to deliver another gripping tale, Shetland continues to prove it’s not just a crime drama—it’s a profound exploration of life, loss, and the ties that bind. For Baptiste fans and newcomers alike, this is one mystery you won’t want to miss.