‘Strike’ Season 7: Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger Confront Terrifying Cult in ‘The Running Grave’ Adaptation

By Television Desk January 18, 2026

The gripping BBC detective series Strike is set to return in 2026 with its seventh season, adapting Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rowling) novel The Running Grave in what promises to be one of the show’s darkest and most psychologically intense outings yet. Production began in late 2025 and continues into early 2026, with the five feature-length episodes expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in the year—potentially as a major Christmas or autumn highlight.

bbc.co.uk

Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger return in Strike – The Running Grave

Tom Burke reprises the role of Cormoran Strike, the one-legged, war-veteran private investigator whose gruff exterior hides deep emotional scars, while Holliday Grainger returns as Robin Ellacott, his brilliant, determined partner whose growth from secretary to full detective has become a fan-favorite arc. Their charged, slow-burn dynamic—built over six seasons—faces unprecedented strain as they tackle a harrowing case involving a powerful cult.

The story begins when an influential couple hires Strike and Robin to rescue their estranged son from the Universal Humanitarian Church—a charismatic, celebrity-supported organisation that has isolated him and eroded his autonomy. What appears as a straightforward extraction quickly descends into a nightmare of manipulation, control, and hidden horrors. Robin takes on a high-risk undercover assignment inside the cult’s remote compound, exposing herself to psychological and physical danger, while Strike works externally to unravel the group’s secrets, confront ex-members, and manage the case’s heavy toll on their partnership and personal lives.

radiotimes.com

Is Strike returning for season 7: The Running Grave? | Radio Times

The ensemble cast adds depth and tension: Ruth Sheen as steadfast office manager Pat Chauncey, Jack Greenlees as Sam Barclay, Tupele Dorgu as Midge, Natasha O’Keeffe as Charlotte Campbell, and others return to ground the story in familiar warmth amid the escalating dread. Newcomers portray key cult figures, including leaders whose charm masks sinister intent, heightening the themes of belief, coercion, and family betrayal.

Directed by Sue Tully (who helmed recent seasons) and scripted by Tom Edge, the adaptation expands the novel’s chilling atmosphere across extended episodes, allowing for immersive builds of suspense—from Robin’s infiltration to Strike’s confrontations with his own vulnerabilities. Filming in London and rural Norfolk captures the contrast between urban grit and isolated menace, with first-look images showing the leads in determined, shadowed moments.

cultbox.co.uk

The Running Grave — new Strike series now filming

Since debuting in 2017, Strike has become a BBC staple, drawing millions of viewers per season and earning praise for faithful adaptations, atmospheric storytelling, and the leads’ nuanced chemistry. Burke’s portrayal of Strike’s physical and emotional wounds, paired with Grainger’s portrayal of Robin’s quiet strength, has kept audiences hooked through increasingly complex mysteries.

As Season 7 approaches, buzz centers on its exploration of cult dynamics and the personal risks for Strike and Robin—potentially pushing their relationship toward new turning points. Previous seasons remain available on BBC iPlayer for catch-up viewing. With higher emotional and suspense stakes than ever, this chapter looks poised to deliver a unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat experience in one of British television’s most enduring detective partnerships.