The BBC’s critically acclaimed crime drama Strike is set to return with its seventh series, adapting The Running Grave, the seventh novel in J.K. Rowling’s bestselling Cormoran Strike series, written under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith. With its intricate plotting, richly developed characters, and the magnetic chemistry between leads Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger, the series has solidified its place as one of the UK’s most beloved dramas. Described by critics as “the BBC at its best,” Strike: The Running Grave promises to deliver another thrilling chapter that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series, including its release schedule, expected premiere, cast, and the gripping plot that awaits.
Release Schedule and Expected Premiere
While the BBC has not yet officially confirmed the exact premiere date for Strike: The Running Grave, excitement is building as the series is already in pre-production, with filming slated to begin in autumn 2025. Based on the production timeline of previous seasons, which typically air around two years after the corresponding book’s publication, fans can expect The Running Grave to hit screens no earlier than late 2026, likely around Christmas, aligning with the show’s tradition of winter releases. For instance, the sixth series, Strike: The Ink Black Heart, premiered on December 16, 2024, roughly two years after its source novel was published in August 2022.
The production schedule is influenced by the busy calendars of lead actors Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger, as well as screenwriter Tom Edge, who is adapting the novel. Burke, for example, is committed to a theatrical production of The Seagull with Cate Blanchett at the Barbican in London from February to April 2025, which may push filming to later in the year, potentially October or beyond. Once filming wraps, post-production typically takes several months, further supporting a late 2026 air date. All episodes are expected to be available on BBC iPlayer upon release, with weekly broadcasts on BBC One, following the pattern of previous seasons.
Fans should note that The Running Grave is likely to consist of four hour-long episodes, consistent with recent seasons like The Ink Black Heart. This format allows for a deep dive into the novel’s complex narrative while maintaining the pacing that has made the series a fan favorite. As the BBC continues its partnership with HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery for this co-production, international viewers can also anticipate a simultaneous or near-simultaneous release in the US on HBO and Max.
The Cast: Familiar Faces and New Additions
The heart of Strike lies in its stellar cast, led by Tom Burke as the gruff yet brilliant private detective Cormoran Strike and Holliday Grainger as his resourceful partner Robin Ellacott. Both actors are confirmed to return for The Running Grave, bringing their impeccable chemistry to the screen once again. Burke’s portrayal of Strike, a war veteran with a keen investigative mind, has been praised for its depth and authenticity, while Grainger’s nuanced performance as Robin, who evolves from a temp to a full-fledged partner, has captivated audiences.
Returning alongside Burke and Grainger are several recurring cast members who add depth to the series’ world. Ruth Sheen will reprise her role as Pat Chauncey, Strike’s loyal office manager, whose dry humor and maternal presence ground the detective agency. Jack Greenlees is expected to return as Sam Barclay, the Scottish subcontractor who has become a reliable ally in recent seasons. Natasha O’Keeffe will also be back as Charlotte, Strike’s enigmatic ex-fiancée, whose complex relationship with him continues to stir drama. Caitlin Innes Edwards is set to return as Ilsa, a close friend of both Strike and Robin, adding emotional stakes to their personal lives.
Additionally, Stephen Hagan may return as DCI Richard (or Ryan) Murphy, Robin’s boyfriend introduced in The Ink Black Heart, whose presence complicates the simmering romantic tension between Strike and Robin. Given the novel’s plot, fans can expect a host of new guest stars to portray characters tied to the Universal Humanitarian Church, the cult at the center of the story. While no new cast members have been officially announced, the series has a history of attracting acclaimed British actors, such as David Westhead, Christian McKay, and Emma Fielding, who appeared in The Ink Black Heart. Fans on platforms like Reddit have speculated about high-profile casting choices, with some suggesting Kate Fleetwood as a potential fit for the cult leader Mazu.
The Plot: A Dark and Twisting Mystery
The Running Grave, published in September 2023, is the seventh novel in J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series and is widely regarded as one of the most gripping entries yet, earning a 4.6 rating on Goodreads and praise from The Observer as “a page-turner that will keep you up all night.” The story plunges Strike and Robin into a chilling investigation involving a religious cult, the Universal Humanitarian Church, set in the Norfolk countryside. The plot kicks off when a worried father hires Strike to rescue his son, Will, who has become ensnared by the cult.
On the surface, the Universal Humanitarian Church appears to be a peaceful organization dedicated to improving the world. However, Strike uncovers sinister undertones, including unexplained deaths and manipulative practices. To get to the truth, Robin takes the bold step of infiltrating the cult, living incognito among its members. This decision places her in grave danger, as the cult’s seemingly idyllic facade hides a web of deceit and control. The official synopsis teases that Robin is “unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her,” hinting at the emotional and physical challenges she will face.
The novel’s narrative weaves together themes of psychological manipulation, loyalty, and personal sacrifice, all while advancing the complex relationship between Strike and Robin. At the end of The Ink Black Heart, Strike confessed his feelings for Robin to a mutual friend, though he stopped short of telling her directly. In The Running Grave, their romantic tension reaches new heights, particularly as Robin navigates her relationship with DCI Ryan Murphy. Fans of the book have celebrated its emotional depth, with one reader on X describing it as “insanely good” and praising Rowling’s “incredible genius talent” for plotting. However, some reviewers have noted the novel’s length—over 1,000 pages—may pose challenges for adaptation, potentially requiring the trimming of subplots like those involving secondary characters or unrelated cases.
The series’ adaptation, penned by Tom Edge, is expected to stay faithful to the novel’s core while streamlining its sprawling narrative for television. Edge, who has written all previous Strike adaptations, is known for preserving the essence of Rowling’s work while enhancing its visual and emotional impact. Director Sue Tully, who helmed The Ink Black Heart and Troubled Blood, may return to bring her signature gritty realism to the cult’s eerie setting.
Why It’ll Keep You Hooked
Strike: The Running Grave promises to be a standout addition to the series, combining a high-stakes mystery with the slow-burn romance that has kept fans invested for years. The cult setting offers a fresh backdrop, contrasting with the urban London landscapes of previous seasons, and allows for a deeper exploration of Robin’s courage and vulnerability. The series’ strength lies in its character-driven storytelling, with Burke and Grainger delivering performances that critics have called “brilliantly acted” and “impeccable.”
The show’s old-fashioned yet compelling approach to the detective genre, likened to classics like Morse, sets it apart from flashier crime dramas. Its focus on dialogue, character development, and intricate plotting ensures that viewers must pay close attention to catch every clue—a quality that has earned it comparisons to Poirot and Midsomer Murders. With a loyal fanbase and an average of 8.4 million viewers for Troubled Blood in 2022, Strike continues to be a flagship drama for the BBC, delivering what critics have called “an extraordinarily fine drama.”
Looking Ahead
As fans eagerly await The Running Grave, the future of the Strike series looks bright. J.K. Rowling has confirmed that she plans to write at least ten novels in the series, with the eighth, The Hallmarked Man, slated for release in September 2025. This ensures that Strike and Robin’s adventures will continue beyond series seven, provided the BBC maintains its commitment to adapting each novel. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, guarantees that the series will remain true to its literary roots.
In the meantime, fans can catch up on all six previous seasons on BBC iPlayer, from The Cuckoo’s Calling to The Ink Black Heart, to relive the journey of Strike and Robin. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Strike: The Running Grave is shaping up to be a must-watch, blending suspense, heart, and the BBC’s signature storytelling prowess. Stay tuned for more updates as production ramps up, and prepare to be hooked by this gripping new case.
