Nicola Walker’s Annika Unlikely to Return For Season 3
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For two seasons, Annika followed DI Annika Strandhed as she led Glasgow’s Marine Homicide Unit and, at key moments, addressed viewers directly. The Season 2 finale ended on a cliffhanger that had many expecting news of a swift renewal.
Instead, UKTV has confirmed that there are no current plans for a third season. “We are incredibly proud of the success of Annika on U&Alibi, but there are no current plans for a third series,” a spokesperson told RadioTimes.com. The update arrived shortly after the show’s recent run on BBC One.
What Made Annika Distinctive
The TV drama is adapted from the BBC Radio 4 program Annika Stranded, which also featured Nicola Walker in the title role. For television, the character was moved to Scotland and placed within a marine-focused unit that handled cases on rivers, lochs, harbors, and coastal waters. The series used a direct-to-camera device sparingly to fold in context, case themes, and personal details alongside weekly investigations. This gave viewers a clear window into Annika’s reasoning while the investigative work remained grounded in procedure. It was very much a “love it or hate it” kind of thing, and we definitely heard from a lot of readers who hated it.
Across its two seasons, the show balanced case-of-the-week storytelling with ongoing threads about Annika’s life outside the incident room, including her role as a parent and the team dynamics within the Marine Homicide Unit. The Glasgow setting and surrounding waterways provided a consistent operational backdrop for recoveries, searches, and interviews tied to waterborne evidence (and some of the best scenery of any recent British TV series).
Cast and Roles
Nicola Walker (Unforgotten, The Split) starred as DI Annika Strandhed, leading the unit and serving as the series’ narrative anchor. The core ensemble included Jamie Sives (Guilt) as DS Michael McAndrews, Katie Leung (Harry Potter) as DC Blair Ferguson, Ukweli Roach (Blindspot) as DS Tyrone Clarke, and Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones, The Witch) as DCI Diane Oban. Season 2 added Varada Sethu (Doctor Who, Andor) as DC Harper Weston. Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Luther) appeared as Jake Strathearn, and Silvie Furneaux (Limbo) played Annika’s daughter, Morgan.
The adaptation kept the title character’s habit of stepping outside the scene to relay context or an observation, but those moments were typically brief and connected directly to the case. That choice let the cast play most interactions straight, while giving Walker targeted beats to articulate motive, theme, or a link in the chain of evidence.
Why the Cancellation Stings
The Season 2 closer left several elements unresolved, which is why the announcement has been disappointing for many. The show had established a rhythm in which individual cases concluded each episode, while personal storylines and team relationships developed over time. With no continuation in production, the existing two-season run serves as the complete on-screen record of those arcs.
Could It Return Later?
The phrasing “no current plans” stops short of a permanent, categorical end, but it should not be read as a signal that more episodes are likely. As of now, there is no indication of active development on new installments.
Where to Watch
In the US, you can check it out HERE on PBS Masterpiece. Individual episodes and seasons are also available for purchase.
From Radio to TV
For those curious about the series’ origins, Annika Stranded on BBC Radio 4 introduced the character in audio form, with solo-led cases and internal monologue shaping the listener’s view of Annika’s judgment and ethics. The television version kept that reflective element, while adding the practical demands and teamwork of a specialist homicide unit.
Though episodes currently show up as “not available” on the BBC Radio 4 website, you CAN check them out HERE.
