Karen Pirie season 2 release date confirmed as acclaimed series tackles dark new cold case

In Season 2, Emer Kenny has once more brought a novel by Val McDermid to life on screen. Lauren Lyle reprises her role as the main character, who has recently been elevated to the rank of Detective Inspector.

The baffling 1984 case of Catriona and Adam Grant has left detectives puzzled and the public captivated unlike any other.

In a shocking incident, Catriona, a captivating young woman known for her immense oil inheritance, along with her two-year-old son, Adam, were violently abducted at gunpoint near a fish and chip shop in Fife.

In the wake of the mysterious ransom messages, a media frenzy erupted without restraint. However, once the criminals stopped speaking, the authorities lost momentum, and Catriona and Adam vanished without a trace.

Now, a body has been found that undoubtedly connects to the initial kidnapping. With this first evidence in years, Karen needs to gather an exceptional team. She’ll be working alongside her genuine and endearing partner DC Jason ‘Mint’ Murray (Chris Jenks), as well as the smart yet romantically puzzling DS Phil Parhatka (Zach Wyatt).

Faced with the global notoriety surrounding the abduction and persistent demands from Sir Broderick Grant, played by James Cosmo, the team embarks on the most daunting task they’ve encountered so far in their professional lives.

In addition to Kenny, who will be reprising her role, we have returning cast members Steve John Shepherd and Rakhee Thakrar, as well as new additions Saskia Ashdown, Frances Tomelty, John Michie, Julia Brown, Mark Rowley, Kat Ronney, Conor Berry, Stuart Campbell, James Fleet, and others joining the lineup for season 2.

Karen Pirie season 2 will air from Sunday 20th July 2025 on ITV1 and ITVX.