Viewers are saying the 'brilliant' crime drama is giving 'serious competition' to favourites like Shetland and Sherlock and it's streaming for free now on BBC iPlayer.08:34, 27 Jun 2026Crime drama enthusiasts needn't search any further, as there's a criminally underrated BBC series that's giving the very best in the genre a serious run for its money.‌Outshining celebrated shows such as Line of Duty and Shetland, and holding its own against detective favourite Sherlock Holmes, this under-the-radar gem has viewers utterly hooked and clamouring for more.‌Scottish crime drama Rebus is available to stream completely free on BBC iPlayer, and audiences simply can't get enough. The series made its UK debut in May 2024 and has accumulated glowing reviews in the time since its release.‌Based on Sir Ian Rankin's beloved Scottish detective, Inspector Rebus, the show has been brought to the small screen from the celebrated author's acclaimed novels. Interestingly, this isn't the first occasion Ian Rankin's iconic novels have been adapted for television.A hugely popular and successful earlier adaptation first aired on ITV back in April 2000. Featuring John Hannah and later Ken Stott in the lead role of Inspector Rebus, the series proved an enormous hit and continues to hold a special place in fans' hearts to this day - and it's available to watch for free on Channel 4, reports Wales Online.‌The 2024 adaptation has succeeded in winning over audiences, with numerous viewers proclaiming it vastly superior to its predecessor. Penned by Gregory Burke and co-directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, the series has proven so successful it's already been commissioned for a second season which will air in 2027. Ian Rankin and Burke also serve as executive producers on the programme.The debut season of Rebus (2024) comprises six episodes running approximately 45 minutes each, and the narrative follows Detective John Rebus as he confronts a notorious Edinburgh gangster while simultaneously navigating a shifting workplace and the fallout from his divorce.The programme's official synopsis states: "40-year-old police detective John Rebus finds himself at a psychological crossroads following an altercation with an Edinburgh gangster."‌Rebus features the outstanding Richard Rankin in the lead role, accompanied by Lucie Shorthouse, Thoren Ferguson, Caroline Lee-Johnson, Sean Buchanan and Michelle Duncan who complete a superb supporting ensemble.Boasting a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has made a significant impression, particularly amongst devotees of crime dramas.‌One reviewer said of the series: "With so much going on, Rebus has to juggle a lot of different elements – but it's a testament to the show and the strong performances that it all hangs together."Meanwhile, another critic lavished praise on Richard Rankin: "Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance. He is so believable."One critic commented: "There's serious competition in the crime world now, and Rebus will have to work hard to get ahead, but this is a strong start to what could turn out to be a successful franchise operation."‌Audiences are equally captivated by the detective drama, with one IMDB user posting: "That's the best crime drama I've seen for ages. Complex and realistic story telling, excellent acting from all involved. Quality story telling."While another devotee of the series declared: "A MUST WATCH! What a brilliant modern day version based on incredible books, can't wait for the 2nd series! Richard Rankin shines as Rebus."‌Another viewer championed the series: "Excellent acting, writing and directing. So refreshing to see a police drama that is more realistic than the usual flat lined fluff ITV and the BBC puts out. This drama feels authentic, the characters are extremely believable and bonus, they're likeable."One IMDB review reads: "Brilliant. I was nervous when I saw they had revived Rebus as I was a big fan of the Ken Stott take on the character. I almost didn't watch it. However, that was a few years ago and time moves on. This version is gritty and modern. Rankin portrays the troubled character brilliantly. Really good acting that has a depth you don't often see. It just kept getting better until the final dramatic episode. I loved the series and really hope to see more."Another fan said: "This reimagining of Sir Ian Rankin's classic Inspector Rebus novels is a stroke of genius. In the same way Sherlock reinvigorated the novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a younger Detective Sergeant John Rebus, gives the drama a whole new lease of life.Article continues below"Fans of Taggart, Karen Pirie, Shetland, Dougray Scott's Crime, and, of course, the original STV Rebus adaptations will be adding this new 2024 version to their 'must watch' list and hoping for many more series to come. This show is brilliantly filmed, performed and produced. Well done to all involved!".Rebus is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.