Following the success of the first series, 5 and Acorn TV has announced the recommission of ground-breaking detective drama Ellis from Company Pictures, in association with All3Media International and Northern Ireland Screen.

Having launched with over 2.4million viewers on 5 in October 2024, Ellis garnered critical acclaim for being the first black solo female-led detective series in the UK, with Sharon D Clarke (Mr Loverman, Showtrial, Lost Boys & Fairies, Rocketman), receiving praise for her portrayal of DCI Ellis – a detective fighting a system rife with flaws.

Series two (3×120’) will once again follow the DCI, played by three-time Olivier Award winner and BAFTA nominee Sharon D Clarke, a tenacious cop who, along with her right-hand man DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower (The Winter King, Carnival Row, Outlander), is parachuted into failing investigations across the north of England.

The second series of Ellis was ordered for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Head of Drama, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Scripted, 5. Both also serve as executive producers for the series. Catherine Mackin, Managing Director of Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), commissioned the series for Acorn TV and executive produces alongside Bea Tammer, AME’s Director of Development. Executive producers for Company Pictures are CEO Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety, with producers Martin Mahon and Ana Ture. Created by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre with Paul Logue, the second series will be written by Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre (Ep1), Oliver Frampton (Ep2), and Maria Ward (Ep3).

All3Media International, co-producer and global partner on Ellis, has also revealed four continents have acquired the first series of Ellis, with partners in Europe, Australia and Asia joining 5 in the UK and Acorn TV in North America, Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the series will air on Germany and German speaking territories on ZDF, Flemish Belgium on VRT, Sweden on SVT and the Netherlands on NPO, whilst BBC Studios has licensed the series in the Balkans and Central Eastern Europe. Throughout the rest of the world Ellis S1 will air in Australia on Nine Network, in a second window deal after Acorn’s premiere in the region, in addition to the show launching this month on Mystery Channel in Japan.

On entering the world of Ellis again for series two, Sharon D Clarke says: “I am thrilled to return as DCI Ellis. The response to the first series was overwhelming, and I am excited to continue this journey with such a talented team, especially with the wonderful Andrew Gower by my side. Ellis is a character who resonates deeply, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what we have in store for her and Harper in series two.”

On bringing the hit series back to 5 screens, Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Scripted, 5 comments: “Following the huge success of the first series of Ellis, we are thrilled for it to return with the brilliant Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower reprising their roles. We can’t wait to bring the detective duo back to the 5 audience next year”.

Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV), shares: “Ellis was an instant fan-favourite for the Acorn TV audience and met with rave reviews from top critics for its elevated and smart storytelling brought to life by the incomparable Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower. We could not be more excited to dive in on a second season of unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat cases with this dynamic pair.” 

Michele Buck, CEO, Company Pictures (an All3Media company), adds: “I’m thrilled Ellis has been a success for 5 and Acorn TV and so happy to return for a second series, creating new and engrossing stories for fans and new audiences to watch.”

David Swetman, SVP Content and Commercial Strategy, at All3Media International commented: “We’re delighted to reveal the first round of premium global partners bringing Company Pictures’ Ellis to an international audience. With a second season now commissioned, it’s fantastic to bring our clients and their audiences a new slate of compelling mysteries led by the enigmatic and brilliant DCI Ellis — a standout new addition to our distinct and celebrated detective lineup brought to life by an exceptional performance from Sharon D Clarke.”

Ellis series two is set to begin filming this month and will air on 5 and Acorn TV in 2026.