Netflix has officially renewed Dept. Q for a second season, bringing back the brooding detective drama adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling novels.
The crime procedural will once again be set and filmed in Edinburgh, following the success of Season 1’s striking Scottish backdrop. The series, created and directed by Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Godless), blends dark humor with chilling mysteries that captivated global audiences.
Dept. Q Season 2 will see the return of Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, along with Alexej Manvelov as Akram, Leah Byrne as Rose, and Jamie Sives as Hardy.
Why Netflix Renewed Dept. Q
The renewal was an easy decision for Netflix. Season 1 held a spot in the Global Top 10 for six weeks, proving the series had international appeal. Its mix of procedural storytelling and character-driven drama made it stand out among the platform’s crime series.
According to Netflix executives Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin, the show’s distinctive tone and strong cast were key factors:
“We are raring to return to Carl Morck and his band of glorious misfits at Dept. Q. Scott Frank brought us best-in-class storytelling and thrilled Netflix audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover in Season 2… Edinburgh, we’re back.”
Cast and Creative Team
- Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck
- Alexej Manvelov as Akram
- Leah Byrne as Rose
- Jamie Sives as Hardy
The creative force behind Dept. Q remains Scott Frank, who writes and directs the series. Frank, who previously helmed Netflix hits like The Queen’s Gambit, brings the same sharp storytelling style to this adaptation.
Executive producers Rob Bullock, Scott Frank, and Charlotte Moore continue to oversee production, alongside Left Bank Pictures.
Frank joked about the renewal, saying:
“I’m grateful to the folks at Netflix, as well as our shining cast and crew, for once more risking their careers to enable my folly.”
Goode echoed the excitement:
“We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank. I cannot wait to read what comes from his magic quill!”
What to Expect in Season 2
Like the novels, Dept. Q Season 2 will follow Carl Morck and his small team as they take on unsolved cases from the basement of an Edinburgh police station. Each case uncovers not just hidden crimes but deeper truths about the detectives themselves.
Expect more of the show’s signature balance: tightly plotted mysteries paired with darkly comic character dynamics. The Edinburgh setting once again plays a central role, lending atmosphere to the stories.
Release Date for Dept. Q Season 2
Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Dept. Q Season 2. Production is slated to begin soon in Edinburgh, with the new episodes likely arriving in 2026.
Fans of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novels can anticipate the adaptation of another case file from Morck’s archive, though Netflix has not revealed which book Season 2 will draw from.
Why Dept. Q Matters for Netflix
With crime dramas continuing to dominate streaming, Dept. Q offers Netflix a distinctive European angle. The combination of Matthew Goode’s performance, Scott Frank’s direction, and the adaptation of an internationally popular book series gives the show strong staying power.
If Season 1 established the mood and ensemble, Dept. Q Season 2 promises to expand both the scope of the cases and the personal journeys of its leads.
Looking Ahead
Netflix’s decision to bring back Dept. Q proves the demand for smart, character-driven crime dramas is still strong. With Matthew Goode anchoring the cast and Scott Frank shaping the vision, the series looks ready to deliver another round of unsolved mysteries against Edinburgh’s atmospheric backdrop.
Audiences can now look forward to Dept. Q Season 2.
