Shetland 2013
“Murder is only a ferry ride away.”
What is Shetland?
Shetland is a British crime drama television series produced by ITV Studios for BBC Scotland. The program first aired on BBC One on March 10, 2013, and is based on the novels written by Ann Cleeves.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2013
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 56
- First aired
- Mar 10, 2013
- Last aired
- Dec 10, 2025
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC One, BBC Four
- Genres
- Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Updated
Where to watch
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Free
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 56 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Shetland is a British crime drama television series produced by ITV Studios for BBC Scotland. The program first aired on BBC One on March 10, 2013, and is based on the novels written by Ann Cleeves. The series was adapted for television by David Kane. The narrative follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate various crimes, including murders and cold cases, within the close-knit community of the Shetland Islands. Located 130 miles north of the Scottish mainland, this remote and occasionally inhospitable environment requires the team to utilize a uniquely resourceful style of policing to navigate storms and corruption. The show has seen continued production, with a series 11 officially confirmed for a 2026 return. Future installments are expected to feature the characters Tosh and Calder as they continue to solve crimes in the region. The series remains a notable example of television drama set against the backdrop of the isolated island group in Scotland.
Should you watch it?
“DI Jimmy Perez leads his team investigating crimes within a close-knit Scottish island community.”
- authentic island setting
- resourceful police work
- depicts potentially inhospitable environments
Watch it if you enjoy crime dramas set in remote, tight-knit locations.
The series features crime investigations set in an isolated and sometimes inhospitable environment.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 2 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Episode 1 Mar 10, 2013
- E2 Episode 2 Mar 11, 2013
Season 2 · 6 episodes
- E1 Raven Black - Part 1 Mar 11, 2014
- E2 Raven Black - Part 2 Mar 18, 2014
- E3 Dead Water - Part 1 Mar 25, 2014
- E4 Dead Water - Part 2 Apr 1, 2014
- E5 Blue Lightning - Part 1 Apr 8, 2014
- E6 Blue Lightning - Part 2 Apr 15, 2014
Season 3 · 6 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 Jan 15, 2016
- E2 Episode 2 Jan 22, 2016
- E3 Episode 3 Feb 5, 2016
- E4 Episode 4 Feb 12, 2016
- E5 Episode 5 Feb 19, 2016
- E6 Episode 6 Mar 4, 2016
Season 4 · 6 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 Feb 13, 2018
- E2 Episode 2 Feb 20, 2018
- E3 Episode 3 Feb 27, 2018
- E4 Episode 4 Mar 6, 2018
- E5 Episode 5 Mar 13, 2018
- E6 Episode 6 Mar 20, 2018
Season 5 · 6 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 Feb 12, 2019
- E2 Episode 2 Feb 19, 2019
- E3 Episode 3 Feb 26, 2019
- E4 Episode 4 Mar 5, 2019
- E5 Episode 5 Mar 12, 2019
- E6 Episode 6 Mar 19, 2019
Frequently asked questions
What is the setting of the series?
The series is set in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland.
Who created the show?
The series was created from the novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.
What is the primary focus of the show?
The show follows DI Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate crimes.
Where are the Shetland Islands located?
They are located 130 miles north of the Scottish mainland in the North Sea.
Is the community depicted as large?
No, the series focuses on a close-knit island community.