BBC Scotland soap River City to end in 2026

Scottish soap River City has been axed after more than two decades on air.

BBC Scotland has announced it will be saying 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 2026.

Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland said:

“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.”

River City cast celebrate 10 years on air in 2012 / BBC

Launching on the 24th of September 2002, River City has become a much-loved Scottish drama over the last two decades, with over 1300 episodes filmed at the BBC Dumbarton Studios outside Glasgow.

The BBC explained that the decision to end the series was made after a “change in audience behaviour”, highlighting a growing trend towards shorter series. The funds saved will be redirected towards new drama projects across Scotland, including three upcoming series: Counsels, Grams, and The Young Team.

In addition to these new shows, the popular drama Granite Harbour will be back for a third season, with filming taking place in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months. Shetland will also return for its tenth season, and Vigil will be back for a third season, while the previously announced eight-part drama Mint is currently in production in Scotland.

Flashback, a cast photo from the 2000s / BBC

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland said: 

“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. 

“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.”

The River City set and studios are in Dumbarton, near Glasgow

River City, Monday and Wednesday at 10pm on BBC Scotland, Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm on BBC One Scotland and across the UK on BBC iPlayer