Fans of gritty crime dramas have been glued to their screens since Dept. Q burst onto Netflix back in May 2025. That first season hooked everyone with its moody Edinburgh vibes, a team of ragtag investigators, and a cold case that twisted like a Glasgow back alley. Matthew Goode’s portrayal of the brooding detective Carl Morck felt raw and real, blending sharp sarcasm with deep-seated pain from a botched raid that left scars on everyone involved. Now, with the news that Season 2 is officially greenlit, the excitement is building like fog over the Firth of Forth. Let’s dive into the latest scoop on when it drops, who’s back in the fray, and what kind of chills the plot might bring.
Dept. Q Season 2 Potential Release Date
Netflix dropped the renewal bomb on August 18, 2025, just months after Season 1 wrapped up its six-week stint in the Global Top 10. The streaming giant couldn’t resist bringing back Morck and his basement crew, citing the show’s “best-in-class storytelling” that thrilled audiences worldwide. Production kicks off soon in Edinburgh— the same misty streets that gave Season 1 its atmospheric punch. Cameras rolled for the debut back in February 2024, leading to a May premiere about 15 months later, so fingers crossed for a similar timeline here. No exact date has surfaced yet, but mid-2026 feels like a safe bet.
Dept. Q Season 2 Cast Updates
The heart of Dept. Q beats through its ensemble, and Season 2 keeps the core intact for that lived-in chemistry. Leading the charge is Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, the brilliant but prickly cop who’s equal parts genius and grouch. Goode’s been vocal about his love for the gig, telling outlets he’s “desperate” for more and can’t wait to see what Frank cooks up next. “We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank,” he said in the renewal announcement, practically buzzing with anticipation.
Rounding out the Department Q squad:
- Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim: The Syrian refugee and ex-cop who sneaks his way into Morck’s dingy basement office. Manvelov’s quiet intensity made Salim a standout—expect his backstory to get more layers, maybe even some Iraq War ties that raise eyebrows among the team.
- Leah Byrne as Rose Dickson: The PTSD-riddled officer reassigned to desk duty, but she brings fire to the cold files. Byrne’s breakout turn added heart to the procedural beats, and she’s primed for deeper dives into her recovery arc.
- Jamie Sives as DCI James Hardy: Morck’s paralyzed partner from the raid, now dishing insights from afar. Sives nailed the loyalty and frustration, and with Hardy eyeing a return to the field by Season 1’s end, things could heat up.
Kelly Macdonald popped up as Dr. Rachel Irving, Morck’s therapist with a spark of flirtation that had viewers shipping them hard. No word on her return yet, but Goode hinted at potential “hot chemistry” that might complicate sessions—or lead somewhere steamier. Chloe Pirrie’s Merritt Lingard wrapped her arc in Season 1, but ghosts from that case could linger. New faces? Stay tuned—Frank’s track record suggests surprises that fit like a glove.
What To Expect From Dept. Q Season 2?
Season 1 drew from Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Mercy, spinning a tale of a missing prosecutor (Lingard) tied to Morck’s own trauma. It ended on a high note—rescue achieved, promotions handed out, Hardy suiting up again—but left threads dangling, like the unsolved ambush that kicked off the nightmare. Season 2 looks to pick those up while plunging into fresh territory, likely inspired by Adler-Olsen’s The Absent One (aka Disgrace), the second in his 10-book series.
Picture this: Morck settles into his basement digs, ready for another dusty file that hits too close to home. The book blurb teases a cold case colliding with a hot one, pulling in elite boarding school scandals, sibling revenge, and a runaway (Kimmie) who’s been dodging cops for years while clutching secrets that could topple big players. Frank’s called it “quite good” and floated a hybrid plot—old bones unearthed alongside a ticking present-day threat. Dark humor stays, balancing the procedural grind with character quirks: Morck’s biting wit, Rose’s quiet grit, Salim’s enigmatic edge.
With 10 books total, the sky’s the limit—could run for years if the buzz holds. Expect more on the team’s personal demons too; Goode’s pushed for deeper looks at Salim’s past, and that therapist tension screams unresolved business. No major spoilers here, but rest assured: Dept. Q thrives on those gut-punch reveals that make you question every shadow
