Ellis will be returning to Channel 5 with a series 2 the channel has confirmed, and here's everything we know so far - including plot, start date, and episode guide.

Channel 5 and Acorn TV, who also host the detective series, have revealed that the detective drama starring Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower is set to start filming new episodes any day now.

This follows the success of the first series of the ground-breaking detective drama, which received critical acclaim for being the first black solo female-led detective series in the UK.

Here's everything we know about series 2 of Ellis, including plot, cast, episode guide, location, and possible start date...

Is there a series 2 of Ellis?

Channel 5 and Acorn have confirmed that Ellis has been commissioned for a series 2.

Even better, the second season is set to begin filming this month (May 2025) and will air on Channel 5 and Acorn TV in 2026.

Acorn TV said: "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."

Like Vera, Ellis has the potential to run and run. After all, Vera aired on ITV for over 14 years. There's no reason why Ellis can't do the same.

Like Inspector Morse, DCI Ellis hasn't yet shared her first name... Nor do we know why she's been on gardening leave. There's still so much to learn about the mysterious Ellis.

What's the plot?

Series 2 will once again follow DCI Ellis, a tenacious cop who is "parachuted into failing investigations across the north of England". She will be joined by her right-hand man DS Harper, as they fight a system rife with flaws.

Channel 5 said: "As a black female cop, Ellis is used to being dismissed and overlooked, but she is a first-class murder detective, with a determination for justice and a deep well of compassion for those who need it."

Who's in the cast?

Three-time Olivier Award-winner and BAFTA nominee Sharon D Clarke returns as DCI Ellis. She's best known for playing Lola Griffin in Holby City on and off for 14 years. She's also famous for roles in Mr Loverman, Showtrial, Lost Boys & Fairies, Doctor Who, and the film Rocketman.

Sharon D Clarke said: "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."

Andrew Gower is also back playing DS Harper. He's best known for starring in Sherwood, The Winter King, Carnival Row, and Outlander.

Like series 1, we're expecting some decent guest cast names, following on from actors such as Charley Webb, and Charlie Melo.

How many episodes is Ellis series 2?

Like the first run, series 2 will be three episodes of 120 minutes long.

On bringing the series back to Channel 5, Commissioning Editor Paul Testar said: "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 Channel 5 audience next year."

When is the Ellis series 2 start date?

With filming only just starting in May 2025, fans of the detective series will have to wait a while for more episodes.

But we do know that they will land on Channel 5 and Acorn TV sometime in 2026. Watch this space for more info.

Ellis series 1 reviews

In 2024, Ellis received plenty of positive reviews from TV critics. Radio Times said: "Ellis marks something major not just for Channel 5 but for television in general. Ellis is the British detective drama that the genre has been crying out for."

The Times said: "The first black female lead in a UK TV detective series is a surly, complex figure. I could watch her glaring down hapless plods in regional police stations all day."

The Sun added: "Excellent series. It's a great concept with plenty of legs. Highly recommended."

How can I watch it?

Ellis arrived on our screens at the end of October 2024, and a short series followed. The final episode of series 1 aired on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Series 1 is currently available to stream on Channel5.com and will be available to watch on Acorn from Monday, May 19, 2025.

Series 1 comprised of three feature-length episodes, which were 120 minutes each (like Vera, Ridley, and Karen Pirie over on ITV).

Fans begged for a series 2 of Ellis

Channel 5 viewers expressed their hope for a series 2. One fan simply wrote: "Really enjoying this series - I hope more are made."

Another added: "Hope this becomes a firm regular Channel 5."

A third wrote: "I like watching a good gritty detective show on the telly, and Ellis is outstanding. Sadly, there's only three long episodes for series 1. I'd like to see more stories."

Read more: The Game on Channel 5 filming locations revealed, and it's not where you think!

Ellis series 1 is currently available to watch on Channel5.com.