ITV recommissions hit cold-case crime drama Karen Pirie for a highly anticipated third series

ITV and World Productions are returning with a third series of Val McDermid’s internationally renowned cold-case crime stories, Karen Pirie, starring Lauren Lyle in the iconic role of the fiercely intelligent Scottish detective.

Following the success of the second series, which averaged 5.3 million viewers, peaking at 5.6 million when it aired on ITV and STV last year, World Productions will produce The Skeleton Road, Val McDermid’s gripping, suspenseful third book in the Karen Pirie series. The second series was also streamed 11 million times on ITVX and STV Player.

Acclaimed Scottish screenwriter Gillian Roger Park (The Young Offenders, Avenue 5, The Bombing of Pan Am 103) will adapt the novel into a 6 x 1-hour series, which will start filming next year.

ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, and Commissioning Editor Huw Kennair Jones have recommissioned the BAFTA- and RTS Scotland-winning series. Huw will oversee production from the broadcaster’s perspective.

Commented Huw Kennair Jones:

“We’re thrilled to be returning to Karen Pirie and Lauren Lyle’s award-winning performance in what promises to be another brilliant series. Based on Val McDermid’s bestselling book, Gillian has woven a compelling story that will delight Karen’s many fans. With the fantastic team at World Productions producing, the ITV and ITVX audience are in for a gripping drama.”

The story starts with the discovery of a man’s remains hidden in the roof of a derelict Edinburgh building. DI Karen Pirie learns that the victim fled the Balkans conflict of the 1990s for the safety of Scotland to marry a now famous author, whose identity stirs up a hornets’ nest of publicity. As the investigation develops, Karen unearths dangerous secrets and a vicious cycle of revenge as someone takes justice into their own hands. Can Karen stop the killer before they kill again? And when present resentment collides with secrets of the past, the truth is more shocking than anyone could have imagined

Commented Simon Heath, on behalf of World Productions:

“We’re very grateful to ITV for giving us the opportunity to bring back to the screen Val’s iconic and much-loved detective, so brilliantly realised in Lauren’s stellar performance.”

Lauren Lyle (Outlander, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Toxic Town) has made the role of DI Karen Pirie her own since debuting in 2022 as the sharp-witted, Doc Marten-wearing detective who relentlessly pursues justice no matter the cost.

Commented Lauren Lyle:

“Playing Karen Pirie has become one of the most delicious thrills of my career and knowing that people of the world want more of her and her bumbag is an absolute honour! With the added joy of getting to put my Executive Producer hat on for season 3, I can finally, much like Karen, whip all those higher up’s in to shape. In all seriousness, I’m so grateful to be bringing more Karen Pirie to our screens. Season 3 feels even more elevated, with an even wilder story full of thrills, twists, and of course, plenty of eye rolls.”

Amongst other honours, the series most notably won Best Actress Television and the Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen at BAFTA Scotland for Lauren Lyle, as well as Best Drama at the Celtic Media Festival. The second series also won Best Drama from RTS Scotland, with Lauren Lyle receiving Best Actor.

Regarded as an atmospheric and chilling mystery, the adaptation of The Skeleton Road has the blessing of Val McDermid, who executive produces the drama alongside World Productions CEO Simon Heath (The Party, Until I Kill You, Line of Duty, The Hunt for Raoul Moat) lead writer Gillian Roger Park and Lauren Lyle.

Commented Val McDermid:

“I’m thrilled to hear that plans are so far advanced for Karen Pirie series three. The Skeleton Road is a favourite with many readers, so it’ll be particularly exciting to see it adapted. I feel very privileged to have such a talented team bringing my books to a wider audience and I can’t wait to see what they make of it.”

Commented Gillian Roger Park:

“I’m delighted to be taking the reins on Karen Pirie for series three as she takes on her darkest and most challenging case yet! The incomparable Val McDermid has created a truly distinctive and enduring character in Karen and it’s a real honour to follow Emer, whose brilliant adaptation brought Karen’s world to the screen over two successful series. As a Scottish writer, I’m especially thrilled to continue showcasing modern Scotland and to write for Lauren, who plays Karen with such wit and fresh energy.”

Screenwriter and actor Deli Segal (Pickle) will also write an episode for the series. Deli is developing several TV and film projects and is working on her first novel.

Marcus Wilson (Vigil, Doctor Who, Whitechapel) will produce the series and also produced the second award-winning series of Karen Pirie.  Ella Tayler Baron is the Associate Producer for series three.

Karen Pirie will air on ITV and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.

The series is produced in association with, and will be distributed internationally by, ITV Studios.