Following its successful debut, a second series of Karen Pirie, adapted by Emer Kenny from Val McDermid’s hugely popular cold case novels, has been commissioned by ITV.
Emer returns to write and executive produce the three-part series along with Scottish writer Gillian Roger Park. Series Two will be based on A Darker Domain, the second in the internationally bestselling Karen Pirie novels and once again star Lauren Lyle (Outlander, Vigil) as the young and fearless Scottish investigator with a quick mouth and tenacious desire for the truth.
In this second season, Karen reopens the investigation into the unsolved kidnap of a wealthy young heiress and her baby son back in 1985. Karen Pirie launched with 6.6m viewers and averaged 5.9m across the series making it one of the most watched new dramas on ITV last year. The series was also in the top 10 dramas on ITVX.
Described as ‘modern and fresh’ by The Times, Karen Pirie was also hailed as ‘meaty, well-paced and sure-footed’ by The Guardian, and ‘the best new police serial this year’ by the Daily Mail. Heat magazine described the series as ‘a truly exceptional example of the TV crime drama.’
Emer Kenny is a writer and actress whose credits include the acclaimed Sky’s Save Me Too, Channel 4’s The Curse and Netflix’s The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself. Emer also stars in Karen Pirie, as the detective’s best friend and confidante, River Wilde.
Emer Kenny:
“The first series of Karen Pirie was a true labour of love, so it was thrilling to receive such an amazing response from audiences. That reaction has meant we’ve been asked back to make more, and we will happily oblige – the second book is partially set in Tuscany, and we all fancy the trip! Thank you to everyone who watched our show, and to ITV for ordering a second round. We’ll endeavour to bring you something refreshing and riveting (with lovely Italian views).”
The novels of celebrated crime writer Val McDermid have sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Karen Pirie will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX at a date yet to be announced.
