Blue Lights series 2 release date, plot, cast, where to watch and more ahead of show return

It has been a year since Blue Lights burst onto our screens and became one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

Launching to more than seven million viewers, it was within the top ten new drama series of 2023 across all broadcasters and streamers.

The Northern Ireland police drama followed three new PSNI probationary recruits as they navigated their way through their first few months in a uniquely complex place to be a response police officer in Belfast.

Read more: In pictures: First look at Blue Lights 2 as Oscar-winning NI actor joins cast

The highly anticipated second series kicks off next week and excitement is building to see how the team have learned to deal with the aftermath of Gerry's death.

Here is a round-up of everything about Blue Lights 2 ahead of its release:

When does Blue Lights series 2 air?

The much-anticipated second series will be available in full on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday, April 15, and the first episode will air at 9pm on BBC One.

What is Blue Lights 2 about?

The new series sees Grace, Annie and Tommy growing up fast as police officers, but nothing can prepare them for the turmoil they face every day.

It’s a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs, all competing for dominance.

Constable Shane Bradley is drafted in to help with the growing crime, but his motivations are unclear.

Tommy is dangerously seduced by the world of intelligence policing, while Grace struggles to deal with her son’s absence, and growing feelings for fellow officer Stevie.

As a young loyalist threatens to take over the city, the officers face a major gangland feud – culminating in a violent and devastating confrontation.

Who is the cast of Blue Lights series 2?

Reprising their roles in the forthcoming second series are:

• Siân Brooke (Grace Ellis)

• Martin McCann (Stevie Neil)

• Katherine Devlin (Annie Conlon)

• Nathan Braniff (Tommy Foster)

• Joanne Crawford (Helen McNally)

• Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff)

• Hannah McClean (Jen Robinson)

• Paddy Jenkins (Happy Kelly)

• Desmond Eastwood (Murray Canning)

• Jonathan Harden (Jonty)

• Andrea Irvine (Nicola Robinson)

Joining them for the second series is Frank Blake as new Constable Shane Bradley, along with Seamus O’Hara as Lee Thompson and Seána Kerslake as his sister Mags.

Where can I watch Blue Lights series 2?

Blue Lights will air on BBC One and BBC Northern Ireland and will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The entire first series of Blue Lights is available on iPlayer to refresh your memory ahead of series 2.

Will Blue Lights have a third series?

It has been confirmed that Blue Lights has been commissioned for a third and fourth series by BBC ahead of the second series airing on our screens.

Co-creators and Executive Producers Stephen Wright and Louise Gallagher said: “A two-series recommission is a staggering vote of confidence in Blue Lights - the writers, the cast, the crew and the entire production team. The BBC have been exceptional partners who have helped us elevate the show.

"A big thank you from everyone in the Blue Lights team for the faith and support given to our show; we are working with the best people. There are so many more stories to tell and we can’t wait to get going again with the Blue Lights squad in Belfast.”

More details including the cast for series three and four will be announced in due course.

Blue Lights series 2 trailer:

What have the writers said about the new series?

Writers and directors Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson said: “Blue Lights is a very personal project for us, set in the city where we live, so for us making this show is a special kind of privilege.

"In series two we join our officers exactly a year after the events of series one, and now they’re facing a whole new set of professional and personal challenges. We’re very excited indeed about bringing you this next chapter of the Blue Lights story. Take a beat!”

You can read more about Adam and Declan's insights into Blue Lights 2 here

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