The BBC has been so pleased with the reception accorded to Shetland that it has commissioned another six-episode series.
So far, a two-part pilot project and a six-part series have been shown, based on the detective novels written by Ann Cleeves. The pilot episodes received mixed reviews but the series has clearly begun to capture audiences" attention, with around six million viewers tuning in and a 29.5% audience share in Scotland. Judging by comments in the press and social media, the consensus in Shetland appears to be that the series just ended has been thoroughly absorbing. Almost all of the exterior scenes were shot in Shetland and several interior scenes have also been filmed in the islands.
Christopher Aird, BBC Head of Drama Production Scotland, said: "Shetland is a really distinctive crime series that has proved hugely popular with audiences both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK. I am thrilled it has been commissioned for a third outing and rest assured we have some really exciting plans for viewers from DI Perez and his team.”
Elaine Collins, ITV Studios - which makes the series for the BBC - welcomed the return of Shetland for another series: “I'm delighted that Shetland has been recommissioned and proud to have made a distinctive Scottish show that is enjoyed all over the UK. It's also been a pleasure to work with outstanding actors like Douglas Henshall, Alison O'Donnell and Steven Robertson, who have made Jimmy Perez and his close-knit team a regular fixture in the homes of millions of viewers.”
However, Perez" fans will have to be a little patient, as filming won't take place until 2015. Meanwhile, a DVD of all the episodes screened so far has been released.