BBC Scotland has officially announced the cancellation of its flagship soap opera, River City, which has been a staple of the network for over 20 years. The show, which first aired in September 2002, follows the lives and dramas of residents in the fictional Glasgow district of Shieldinch. Viewers can expect to see the final episode air in Autumn 2026, marking the end of an era for fans.
The BBC’s decision to end the series, which has run for an impressive 23 years, comes as a response to significant changes in audience preferences and increasing competition in the television landscape. According to the network, audiences have shifted away from long-running series, tending to favor shorter, more impactful programming. As part of its announcement, the BBC expressed gratitude towards its fans, cast, crew, and writers, acknowledging their role in the show's success.
In a statement shared via social media, the BBC remarked, "After over 20 years telling the stories of the characters in Shieldinch, we’re sorry to bring you the sad news that River City will come to an end in September 2026. We’re thankful to our amazing viewers, fans, cast, crew, writers & producers who are all a valued part of the community." The network assured fans that they will continue to compile the best moments from the show until its finale, offering it a fitting send-off.
Alongside this announcement, three new dramas were introduced to replace River City: Counsels, Grams, and The Young Team, in addition to a third series of Granite Harbour. These new productions showcase Scottish talent both in front of and behind the camera, aiming to bring fresh stories to audiences.
Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, expressed her sentiments about the cancellation, saying, "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."
Valentine also mentioned the network's goals for the future: "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." This shift reflects BBC Scotland’s commitment to responding to changing viewer demands by providing content that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The new series have already sparked excitement among viewers. Counsels will feature a legal drama focusing on five young lawyers training at an elite law school in Scotland, while Grams is pitched as a dark comic thriller about a widow who becomes the target of a gang. The Young Team, a six-part series, follows a character named Azzy as he navigates his journey from boyhood to manhood. These new narrations aim to enhance the diversity of Scotland's drama landscape.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, acknowledged the significance of River City in her statement: "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."
In response to the news, many fans took to social media to express their disappointment. One user lamented, "Another one bites the dust, the end for #RiverCity." This heartbreak among the fanbase illustrates the connection viewers have built with the show over its long run.
As River City prepares to close its curtains, its legacy will undoubtedly be felt across the Scottish television landscape. The show's ability to portray relatable stories of everyday life has resonated with audiences for years. Even as it concludes, the transition to other programming signifies a commitment to innovation and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The introduction of these new dramas signals a new chapter for BBC Scotland, as it seeks to keep pace with changing audience expectations and tastes.
With the finale of River City set for 2026, viewers are left reflecting on the memorable moments and characters that defined the series. As the network pivots towards new ventures, the anticipation grows for the stories yet to be told in Scotland’s evolving drama scene.
