BBC Scotland will be saying farewell to long-running drama series River City next year after more than 20 years on screen, although the broadcaster insists that as one door closes another one will open for Scottish production.
The drama, which has entertained audiences since 2002, and the fictional residents of Shieldinch will make their final appearance in Autumn 2026.
Reflecting “a significant change in audience behaviour” away from long-running series and towards shorter runs, the BBC will boost drama productions across Scotland, including with the cash saved on River City, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.
As well as these new titles, popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, filming in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months. Also making a return is Shetland for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is also filming in Scotland. Combined, these dramas will bring a greater range of stories written by Scots, about Scotland and made in Scotland to a UK-wide audience.
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Forming part of the single biggest investment in drama from Scotland in the past decade, according to the BBC, the new dramas – along with existing commissions – will create new opportunities across the independent sector. Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m cumulatively (2026-28).
Counsels, Grams and The Young Team were ordered by Louise Thornton, head of commissioning for BBC Scotland and Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama.
The BBC will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland. A new framework for training will build on River City’s successful training academy and the ongoing work on other series to elevate individuals in to senior creative roles as well as supporting and developing production crews. Further details will be announced in the autumn.
Hayley Valentine, director, BBC Scotland said: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK. Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”
BBC Scotland commissioning chief Thornton added: “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities.
“However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”
