Everything you need to know about series 2 of The Responder

Martin Freeman is back as PC Chris Carson

Author: Alex RossPublished 3rd May 2024

The BBC have enjoyed some super popular dramas over the last few years, resulting in some record breaking viewing figures. And after shows such as Time, Vigil and The Tourist were all renewed for second series, Martin Freeman's The Responder was also recommissioned and now bosses have shared the all-important start date!

When does it start?

It's now been confirmed the second series will begin on Sunday 5th May, with all episodes being available immediately on the BBC iPlayer.

Weekly episodes will air on BBC One every Sunday night at 9pm.

Check out the brand new trailer below:

Earlier this year bosses shared a selection of first-look photos from the second series, which includes Martin Freeman reprising his role as PC Chris Carson.

Check out the first look photos from The Responder series 2 below:

The Responder series 2


The Responder series 2


The Responder series 2


The Responder series 2


Who is in the cast?

Martin Freeman, Adelayo Adedayo, MyAnna Buring, Warren Brown, Josh Finan, Emily Fairn, Philip S McGuinness, Faye McKeever, Mark Womack, and Amaka Okafo are all reprising their roles in the show.

For series two, there will also be some new additions to the cast, including Chernobyl actor Adam Nagaitis, Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill, and Tin Star's Ian Pulston-Davies.

How many episodes?

Series two will be made up of five 60 minute episodes.

How can I watch it?

The Responder airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Where was it filmed?

Just like series one, the second instalment was filmed in Liverpool, England.

Filming kicked off on Tuesday 5th September 2023.

What will series 2 be about?

The BBC say of series two: 'Series two joins Chris Carson six months on from series one. Chris is attempting to rebuild his life, and his relationships, desperate to avoid the corruption that nearly sucked him under. He is trying to be a better police officer, a better man, and most importantly, a better father to his daughter Tilly. All whilst still dealing with the relentless trauma of being a night response officer. Chris wants a day job. Chris needs a day job. But is he prepared to risk everything to get one? Rachel Hargreaves is putting her life back together too.

'She’s still fuming at the way Chris dragged her down with him into the dirt in series one, and now she’s desperately trying to take control of a life and a career that sometimes feels like it’s slipping away. But after working with a succession of ‘normal’ coppers, Rachel is starting to realise she’s got more in common with Chris than she’d ever want to admit. As they are sucked back together, and into the night, they must pull each other back into the light. But then a routine stop on a black Range Rover changes everything, and suddenly the darkness beckons once again.'

Speaking about the new series, writer Tony Schumacher said: "Throwing myself back into the world of The Responder has been such a ride over this last year or so. Gathering the characters old and new around me has been a delight, and finally getting to see these people brought to life by so many incredible people fills me with genuine excitement. I just can't wait for you to see them too!"

Series one of popular drama series, which aired in 2022, follows Martin Freeman's character PC Chris Carson as he tries to patrol the streets of Liverpool, whilst also battling with his own demons and personal issues.

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News that The Responder has been renewed was first announced in March 2022, with the BBC's Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore saying: "The BBC is on fire creatively and the return of four of our biggest dramas over the last year demonstrates the sheer scale and range of storytelling on the BBC."

Series one of The Responder is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer now, with series two landing on 5th May.

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