BBC Scotland has announced it will bid farewell to its flagship soap opera, River City, airing its final series next autumn, after 23 years of captivating audiences. Initially launched in September 2002, the drama set in the fictional district of Shieldinch has been integral to Scottish television, blending local stories with engaging characters.
River City, which has followed the lives of its characters through love, struggle, and triumph, will conclude its run as viewer preferences shift toward shorter, high-impact series. BBC Scotland leaders cite significant changes in audience behavior, which have dictated this difficult but necessary decision. “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go,” said Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland. She noted the value of the show and its impact on both viewership and the cultural narrative within Scotland.
The cancellation has sparked immediate backlash from industry groups, including Equity and Directors UK. Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, expressed concern, stating, “Axing River City would have a devastating effect on acting and production roles for Scottish talent. There is simply no equivalent to a regular soap for getting your foot in the door of this notoriously cutthroat industry.”
Despite the cancellation of the beloved soap, the BBC is enhancing its investment in drama produced within Scotland. Over the next three years, the broadcaster plans to invest nearly £100 million, marking the largest expenditure on Scottish drama productions within the past decade. Between 2026 and 2028, the BBC will allocate over £95 million to new programs. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, stated, “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness... it leaves a tremendous legacy behind.”
Fans of River City are encouraged to stay tuned as the series prepares for its grand finale, with plans already underway to end on a high note. Thornton remarked on the team’s dedication to the show, highlighting their efforts to create lasting memories for viewers. “I know they have some big plans for the finale next year,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the contributions made behind and in front of the camera.
Three new series have already been commissioned as part of this strategic shift. The exciting new titles include Counsels, Grams and The Young Team, each promising to reflect unique Scottish narratives and expand the creative industry’s offerings. Counsels, set around young lawyers, is co-created by Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack, detangling the professional struggles faced by rising talents within the legal system.
Grams, described as a darkly comic thriller, follows the story of Thana, who seeks justice for her grandson's death, creating new opportunities for storytelling rooted firmly within Glasgow's community. The Young Team, adapted from Graeme Armstrong's bestselling novel, aims to relate the trials and tribulations of young men growing up amid challenges, featuring themes of gang culture and addiction.
Along with these new additions, the beloved drama Granite Harbour will return for its third series, with filming set to commence soon across Aberdeen and Glasgow. Established favorites such as Shetland, returning for its tenth series, and Vigil, for its third, will also contribute to the fresh slate of programming focused on the Scottish experience.
The BBC's proactive approach aims not only to entertain but also to set new benchmarks within the global drama market by showcasing unique stories from Scotland, aiming for wider international appeal. This effort reflects the BBC's commitment to respond to changing viewing habits and audience demands.
Viewers have shown increasing preferences for dramas with shorter, more intense narratives, and the BBC aims to meet this shift head-on by refocusing its programming strategy. While the audience may mourn the loss of River City, the promise of fresh, innovative storytelling has ignited hope for future productions within Scotland.
“Our goal is to grow Scotland on the global drama map—that sustainable commitment is reflected through our new productions,” Valentine emphasized. The BBC strives to offer new opportunities for actors, writers, and production staff, especially considering the challenges posed during recent years where traditional formats like River City were unable to adapt to changing viewer preferences.
With production plans for the new series underway and casting announcements soon expected, the BBC's vision for the future of Scottish drama appears brighter, buoyed by its dedication to fostering talent both on and off-screen. The concluding episodes of River City will be cherished, leaving behind fond memories and paving the way for next-generation narratives.
The transition signifies the beginning of a new chapter for BBC Scotland, as River City concludes its storyline, embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by modern audience engagement. It remains to be seen how well this investment will nurture new talent and produce impactful series capable of capturing the hearts of viewers, both locally and internationally.
