“Dept. Q,” Netflix’s gripping British crime thriller, captivated audiences with its debut season on May 29, 2025. Adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Danish crime novels, the series follows Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, as he leads a misfit team in solving Edinburgh’s cold cases. With Season 1 leaving fans eager for more, speculation about a second season is buzzing. Here’s everything we know so far about Dept. Q Season 2.
Dept. Q Season 2 Release Date Speculation
As of May 30, 2025, Netflix has not officially confirmed a second season for Dept. Q. However, the show’s strong reception, compelling narrative, and the wealth of source material from Adler-Olsen’s book series fuel optimism for a renewal. If renewed in 2025 and production begins in early 2026, Dept. Q Season 2 could premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, likely between September 2026 and March 2027.
Dept. Q Season 2 Expected Cast
While no official cast list exists for Season 2, the police procedural format suggests core characters will return, with new faces tied to fresh cases. Here’s a look at the likely returning cast:
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Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck: The brilliant yet abrasive detective, haunted by a violent attack that killed a colleague and paralyzed his partner, is the heart of Dept. Q.
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Jamie Sives as DCI James Hardy: Carl’s paralyzed former partner, now walking with crutches after physiotherapy, remains integral to the team’s dynamic.
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Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim: A Syrian cop turned civilian assistant, his journey toward a DI rank could deepen in Season 2.
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Leah Byrne as Rose: The cadet seeking to prove herself is a mainstay, bringing fresh energy to the cold case unit.
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Kelly Macdonald as Dr. Rachel Irving: The police therapist aiding Carl’s trauma recovery is likely to return for emotional depth.
Dept. Q Season 2 Potential Plot
Season 1, based on Adler-Olsen’s “The Keeper of Lost Causes,” ended with Carl and his team rescuing prosecutor Merritt Lingard after four years of captivity, followed by a three-month time jump. The finale teased unresolved threads, setting the stage for Season 2. Here’s what we anticipate:
The Leith Park Shooting: The ambush that injured Carl, paralyzed Hardy, and killed a young officer remains unsolved. Season 2 may explore this, with DCI Bruce’s incompetent investigation offering Carl a chance to dig deeper despite conflicts of interest.
New Cold Case: Following the book series, Season 2 might adapt “The Absent One,” delving into a decades-old case involving a boarding school, the murder of a brother and sister, and a dubious confession. This would introduce fresh mysteries and suspects.
Team Dynamics: The misfit squad—Carl, Akram, Rose, and Hardy—will likely grow stronger, with more resources secured via Season 1’s budget win. Personal stakes, like Carl’s guilt and Hardy’s recovery, will deepen the narrative.
