Scottish soap River City axed by BBC Scotland after two decades on screen

BBC Scotland drama River City will air for the final time next year after being axed by the broadcaster.

Audiences will bid farewell to the residents of Shieldinch in autumn 2026 as the long-running series comes to an end after more than 20 years.

The drama has entertained audiences since 2002 and has seen the likes of Sam Heughan, Lorraine McIntosh and Barbara Rafferty form part of its cast.

BBC bosses said a change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs is behind the decision to axe the show.

The channel will instead invest in three new series set across Scotland – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team – representing the single biggest investment in drama from Scotland in the past decade.

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

Shetland will return for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series.

The previously announced eight-part drama Mint is also filming in Scotland.

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

The BBC says it will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland.

A new training framework will build on River City’s successful training academy and the ongoing work on other series to elevate individuals into senior creative roles and support and develop production crews.

Hayley Valentine, director of 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, added: “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.”