Fans of British television crime drama have reason to celebrate: after four years of speculation, the BBC has officially confirmed that Line of Duty will return for a long-awaited seventh season. The announcement, made on November 18, 2025, has electrified audiences who have been eagerly awaiting news since the record-breaking finale of season six aired in 2021. The acclaimed series, created and written by Jed Mercurio, will see the return of beloved stars Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston, with filming scheduled to begin in Belfast in the spring of 2026.
For those who may have missed the feverish anticipation, Line of Duty has become one of the UK’s most popular and critically lauded TV dramas of the past decade. Its sixth season finale drew a staggering 17 million viewers after 28 days, making it the most-watched scripted drama episode in the UK since modern records began in 2002, according to BBC and The Hollywood Reporter. The show’s razor-sharp writing, intricate plotting, and memorable performances have turned it into a cultural touchstone, with fans dissecting every twist and turn.
The new six-part series will once again be helmed by Jed Mercurio, with production by World Productions in association with ITV Studios for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The directing reins will go to Jennie Darnell, with Ken Horn producing and executive producers including Mercurio, Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. Northern Ireland Screen will continue to support the production, ensuring that the show’s signature Belfast backdrop remains front and center.
Returning to the heart of the story are the iconic trio: Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar). Each actor has expressed excitement at reuniting for another season. Compston called the show “a job of a lifetime,” adding, “Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together.” McClure echoed his enthusiasm, declaring, “It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!” Dunbar, never one to miss a wry nod to the show’s lore, remarked, “As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year. Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”
But what can viewers expect from season seven? The BBC and creative team have teased a plot that promises to be the show’s most sensitive and challenging yet. In a major shift, AC-12—the anti-corruption unit at the core of the series—has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The central trio, now facing a more hostile and complex environment, are tasked with an investigation that could shake the very foundations of the force.
The official synopsis reveals that Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer lauded for his successes against organized crime, stands accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. Yet, in classic Line of Duty fashion, this headline-grabbing case may be a smokescreen for a more insidious threat lurking in the shadows. As the synopsis puts it, “But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?” The stakes, it seems, have never been higher.
Jed Mercurio, the mind behind the series, expressed his gratitude to the show’s loyal followers. “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh,” he said in a statement cited by multiple outlets including BBC News and The Hollywood Reporter. With characteristic wit, he added, “Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, underscored the show’s impact, noting, “Line of Duty is beloved by audiences and critics alike and its amazing ratings are a true testament to the success of Jed’s writing, the work from the brilliant team at World Productions and the entire cast and crew. I’m so pleased that after four long years Line of Duty will be back filming soon and can’t wait for BBC viewers to be back on the edge of their seats.”
For fans, the return of Line of Duty is more than just another television event—it’s a moment to reconnect with a series that has set the standard for British crime drama. The show’s ability to blend high-stakes procedural storytelling with nuanced character development has earned it not just ratings success, but a dedicated global following. The return of the “Three Amigos”—as Dunbar affectionately calls the central trio—promises more of the chemistry and tension that have defined the series.
As for when viewers can expect to see the new episodes, there’s still some uncertainty. Filming is set to begin in spring 2026 in Belfast. Given the typical production schedule—three months of filming followed by three months of post-production—the earliest possible air date could be autumn 2026. However, as outlets like Cosmopolitan have pointed out, the BBC has historically favored a March release slot for the show. This pattern suggests that March 2027 may be a more realistic premiere date, though nothing is set in stone.
The new season will also bring fresh faces, with further casting announcements expected in the coming weeks, according to Deadline. The anticipation over who will join the show’s storied lineup only adds to the buzz. After all, previous seasons have featured standout performances from the likes of Stephen Graham, Thandiwe Newton, Kelly Macdonald, and Lennie James.
For now, fans can revisit past seasons—all six are currently available on BBC iPlayer—and speculate about the mysteries to come. Will the rebranded Inspectorate of Police Standards rise to the challenge? Is Dominic Gough truly a villain, or just a pawn in a larger game? And what new twists will Mercurio and his team conjure up for the ever-watchful audience?
One thing is certain: after four years away, Line of Duty is poised to reclaim its place at the heart of British drama, promising intrigue, suspense, and, as always, a few surprises that no one sees coming.
