BBC crime drama Sherwood axed after three series as creator reveals ‘last series’ bombshell
James Graham has confirmed the Nottinghamshire-set thriller will conclude in early 2027, with David Morrissey and Lesley Manville returning alongside new cast members for its final instalment.
Sherwood is set to come to an end after its third series, with creator James Graham confirming the acclaimed BBC crime drama will return for one final run early next year.
The award-winning writer, 44, revealed the show’s forthcoming episodes have already been filmed and edited, with the concluding series expected to air on BBC One in January or February 2027.
The Nottinghamshire-set drama, which first aired in 2022, stars David Morrissey, 62, and Lesley Manville, 70, and explores the lasting divisions within former mining communities, drawing inspiration from the 1984–’85 miners’ strike and murders in Nottinghamshire in 2004.
Speaking on Sky’s new vodcast, Backstory with Cathy Newman, James said: “We've finished it, we've edited it, and it will be the last series, and it will be out in January, February time.”
The comments confirm the third instalment will bring the drama to a close after two series exploring crime, family tensions and the legacy of industrial conflict.
David, who is also known for playing the Governor in The Walking Dead and starring in the BBC drama The Missing, leads the cast as Detective Chief Superintendent Ian St Clair.
Lesley, whose credits include Phantom Thread, The Crown and the BBC sitcom Mum, plays Julie Jackson, one of the central figures in the original series.
The programme has featured an ensemble cast including Monica Dolan, 57, David Harewood, 60, Lorraine Ashbourne, 65, Robert Lindsay, 76, Perry Fitzpatrick, Christine Bottomley, 47, Michael Balogun, Oliver Huntingdon and Bethany Asher.
James has previously spoken about bringing back familiar faces for the final instalment, including actors who helped establish the programme during its first series.
Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: “[What's] been really lovely is to get original actors back – people like Lesley Manville, David Morrissey, Lorraine Ashbourne, from the first series bringing back Claire Rushbrook, Robert Glenister. People, just even saying their names, you go, 'Why are you working with me? I feel so lucky.'”
Claire Rushbrook, 55, whose credits include Secrets and Lies and Enola Holmes, and Robert Glenister, 66, best known for Hustle and Spooks, are among those returning to the drama.
James has described the returning performers as “proper national treasure”, with the third series also introducing new characters and storylines.
Rosalie Craig, 45, who recently appeared in the BBC drama Riot Women, and Joe Dempsie, 39, best known for playing Gendry in Game of Thrones and Chris Miles in Skins, are joining the cast.
Discussing their characters, James said they would portray “a brand new family that I put through a brand new trauma”.
He added: “We really put these guys through the wringer, but it's very exciting.”
The writer also praised the newcomers as “great Nottingham actors to tell a Nottinghamshire story”.
James, who grew up in Nottinghamshire, has drawn on the region’s industrial history and the divisions left by the miners’ strike throughout the programme’s previous two series.
The first series centred on murders in a former mining community, while the second explored organised crime and rival families against the backdrop of Nottinghamshire’s changing social landscape.
James is also a three-time Olivier Award winner whose television and theatre credits include Dear England, Brian and Maggie and Quiz.
His work includes the forthcoming film Ink, directed by Danny Boyle, 70, whose previous films include Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and 28 Days Later.
The final series of Sherwood is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2027, although a precise premiere date has not yet been announced.
