ITV crime drama Karen Pirie is back and Lauren Lyle faces her darkest case yet

ITV has confirmed that Karen Pirie will return for a third series, with Lauren Lyle back as the determined Scottish detective for what promises to be her darkest case yet.

The six-part crime drama will adapt The Skeleton Road, the third novel in Val McDermid’s bestselling series, with filming scheduled to begin in 2027. Scottish screenwriter Gillian Roger Park will take the lead on the adaptation, bringing another complex investigation to the screen for fans of the award-winning drama.

The recommission follows strong viewing figures for the second series, which averaged 5.3 million viewers when it aired on ITV and STV last year, reaching a peak of 5.6 million. The series was also streamed 11 million times on ITVX and STV Player.

What is Karen Pirie series 3 about?

The new investigation begins when human remains are discovered hidden in the roof of a derelict building in Edinburgh. DI Karen Pirie soon learns that the victim fled the conflict in the Balkans during the 1990s and sought safety in Scotland, where he married a woman who has since become a famous author.

The discovery threatens to unleash a wave of publicity, but the case soon develops into something far more dangerous. As Karen investigates the victim’s past, she uncovers disturbing secrets and a cycle of revenge, with someone taking justice into their own hands.

Karen must work out who is responsible before another person is killed, while untangling the connections between old conflicts and present-day resentment. The investigation promises a mystery in which the truth is more shocking than anyone could have anticipated.

The story comes from McDermid’s The Skeleton Road, a novel the author has described as a favourite among her books. She will executive produce the adaptation alongside World Productions chief executive Simon Heath, lead writer Park and Lyle.

Lauren Lyle returns as Karen Pirie

Lyle first brought Karen to television in 2022, establishing the character as a fiercely intelligent detective with a sharp sense of humour, a distinctive style and an unwavering determination to uncover the truth.

For the third series, the actor will also take on an executive producer role, giving her a greater involvement behind the scenes as well as returning to the central role.

Lyle said playing Karen had become one of the most exciting experiences of her career. She also joked about the detective’s famous bumbag and the opportunity to use her new position to get those higher up in the production to fall into line.

More seriously, she said she was grateful to bring the character back, describing the new series as even more ambitious, with a wilder story full of thrills, twists and plenty of Karen’s trademark eye-rolls.

The role has already brought Lyle significant recognition. The series won BAFTA Scotland awards for Best Actress Television and the Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, while the second series also secured Best Drama at RTS Scotland, where Lyle received the Best Actor award.

A new writer takes charge

Park, whose previous credits include The Young Offenders, Avenue 5 and The Bombing of Pan Am 103, will adapt the novel into six hour-long episodes. She described taking the reins as an honour, praising McDermid’s distinctive detective and Lyle’s portrayal of her.

As a Scottish writer, Park also welcomed the opportunity to continue showcasing modern Scotland through the new case. Deli Segal, the screenwriter and actor known for Pickle, will write an episode, while Marcus Wilson returns as producer after working on the second series. Ella Tayler Baron joins the production as associate producer.

ITV commissioning editor Huw Kennair Jones said the broadcaster was delighted to return to Karen and Lyle’s acclaimed performance, adding that the new adaptation would offer fans another compelling mystery.

World Productions will produce the drama in association with ITV Studios, which will also distribute the series internationally. Simon Heath praised ITV for supporting the return of McDermid’s much-loved detective and Lyle’s performance.

McDermid has also welcomed the news, saying she was thrilled that plans for the third series were progressing and that she was particularly excited to see The Skeleton Road brought to the screen.

With a hidden body, a famous author, dangerous secrets and a revenge plot at its heart, the new series gives Karen another challenging case to solve. The return is confirmed, although viewers will have to wait for further announcements about the cast and eventual broadcast date.

Where to watch: Karen Pirie series 3 will air on ITV and STV, with episodes available on ITVX and STV Player. Filming is due to begin in 2027.

Image credit: ITV