Channel 5 has unveiled a first look at the second season of its gritty detective drama, Ellis, which stars Sharon D Clarke as the titular tenacious detective, DCI Ellis, as she investigates failing cases in towns around the Peak District with the help of her sidekick, DS Harper (Andrew Gower).

The new four-part series, which returns in March, welcomes a fresh cast of guest stars, including the likes of Mark Addy (Downton Abbey) and Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks).

close-up female detective© Company Pictures / Steffan Hill
Sharon D Clarke stars as DCI Ellis

This detective drama is a must-watch for fans of the genre. Following a crime-solving duo, who initially get off on the wrong foot but eventually prove to be a formidable pairing, the series blends familiar tropes of the genre with topical themes, such as the exploration of institutional racism and misogyny in the police force.

If you haven’t yet watched season one, which premiered in October 2024, now is the time to catch up! Keep reading to find out more about season two…

What happens in Ellis season 2?

In season two, DCI Ellis is parachuted into failing cases across the north of England.

two detectives walking up road© Company Pictures / Steffan Hill
DS Harper and DCI Ellis face a new wave of fractured communities and suspicious deaths in season two

With DS Harper at her side, the detective “faces a new wave of fractured communities and suspicious deaths that test not only her forensic brilliance but her resilience,” according to the synopsis.

It continued: “The series takes them from a rural village, where the suspicious death of a beloved community leader exposes long-nursed resentments, to the industrial shadow of a stone works, where the death of a young woman reveals a hidden network of coercion and exploitation. Every case peels back layers of silence, ambition, and betrayal.”

Who stars in Ellis season 2?

Sharon D Clarke will return as DCI Ellis, alongside Andrew Gower as DS Chet Harper and Charlotte McCurry as DC Kate Trent.

close-up male detective© Company Pictures / Steffan Hill
Andrew Gower plays DS Harper

Joining the cast for season two alongside Mark Addy and Stephen Tompkinson are James Doran, Niamh Blackshaw, Cariad Lloyd, Keir Charles and Sonny Ashbourne Serkis.

What have viewers and critics said about the show?

Following its debut in 2024, viewers hailed the drama as “fantastic” and “the best show since Vera”.

female detective next to armed police officers© Company Pictures / Steffan Hill
The series returns on 10 March

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “What a fantastic drama! Gutted I just learnt it’s only a 3-parter! This has had me mind blown as to who the suspect is each week,” while another added: “I’m blown away! A cracking good yarn and strong female lead, the first episode left me wanting more.”

Meanwhile, the show boasts a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 83 per cent and was met with mostly positive reviews from TV critics.

The Times praised leading star Sharon’s performance in its three-star review, while The Telegraph also gave three stars, stating that the show “nails” the “oddball crime-cracking pairing” trope.

three detectives in police station© Company Pictures / Steffan Hill
Stephen Tompkinson joins the cast as DCI Chalmers

How to watch Ellis

The first episode of season two will air on 5 at 9pm on Tuesday 10 March, while the second episode will be broadcast the following day on Wednesday 11 March.