BBC Scotland axe River City after more than 20 years on screen

BBC Scotland has announced it will be saying a fond farewell to long-running drama series River City and the residents of Shieldinch next year after more than 20 years on screen.

The drama, which has entertained audiences since 2002, will air its final series in Autumn next year.

The Beeb has said the decision to axe the show reflects a significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs.

They said it had been a sad and difficult decision to make.

Channel bosses have said they will be making a considerable boost in major drama productions set across Scotland, moving the River City investment, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.

Hayley Valentine, Director at BBC Scotland says: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go.

“The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.

“Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, commented: “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision.

“I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present.

“For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go.

“The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities.”

“However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this.

“Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK and beyond.

“We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”

As well as the new titles, popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, filming in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months.

Also making a return is Shetland for its 10th series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is filming in Scotland.

BBC Scotland has said that combined ‘these dramas will bring a greater range of stories written by Scots, about Scotland and made in Scotland for a UK-wide audience’.

Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m cumulatively (2026-28).

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