Bloodlands is a crime drama series that follows DCI Tom Brannick, a detective who investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious assassin known as Goliath. The show is set in Northern Ireland and explores the legacy of the Troubles, the conflict that lasted from 1968 to 1998. Bloodlands is created by Chris Brandon and produced by HTM Television, a joint venture between Hat Trick Productions and Jed Mercurio, the creator of Line of Duty and Bodyguard.
The first season of Bloodlands premiered on BBC One on February 21, 2021, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences. The show was renewed for a second season on March 14, 2021, which aired from September 26 to October 23, 2021. The second season continued the story of Brannick and his team as they faced new threats and uncovered more secrets about Goliath and his past.
But what about the third season of Bloodlands? Will the show return for another round of thrilling and suspenseful episodes? Here is everything you need to know about Bloodlands season 3, including the release date, cast, plot, trailer, and more.
Bloodlands Season 3 Release Date
As of now, there is no official confirmation on whether Bloodlands will be renewed for a third season or not. However, given the popularity and acclaim of the show, there is a good chance that BBC One will greenlight another season soon. The show has a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb and an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that it has a loyal fanbase and critical support.
If Bloodlands does get a third season, it will likely follow a similar production schedule as the previous seasons. The first season was filmed in early 2020 and aired in early 2021, while the second season was filmed in early 2021 and aired in late 2021. Assuming that the third season will be filmed in early 2022, we can expect it to air in late 2022 or early 2023. Of course, this is just a speculation and the actual release date may vary depending on the COVID-19 situation and other factors.
Bloodlands Season 3 Cast
The cast of Bloodlands season 3 will depend on the fate of the characters in the second season finale, which ended with a shocking twist and a cliffhanger. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that some of the main characters may not return for the third season, while some new faces may join the show.
The most likely cast members to return for the third season are:
- James Nesbitt as DCI Tom Brannick, the lead detective and the protagonist of the show. Nesbitt is a veteran actor who has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as The Hobbit trilogy, Cold Feet, The Missing, and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.
- Lorcan Cranitch as DCS Jackie Twomey, Brannick’s boss and friend. Cranitch is also a seasoned actor who has starred in shows like Cracker, Rome, The Bill, and Fortitude.
- Charlene McKenna as DS Niamh McGovern, Brannick’s colleague and partner. McKenna is a rising star who has appeared in shows like Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders, Vienna Blood, and The Nevers.
- Chris Walley as DC Billy “Birdy” Bird, a young and eager detective who works with Brannick and McGovern. Walley is a BAFTA-winning actor who is best known for his role in The Young Offenders, a comedy film and TV series.
- Lola Petticrew as Izzy Brannick, Brannick’s daughter and a medical student. Petticrew is a promising actress who has starred in films like A Bump Along the Way, Dating Amber, and Here Before.
Some of the new cast members who joined the show in the second season and may return for the third season are:
- Victoria Smurfit as Olivia Foyle, a wealthy and influential businesswoman who has a connection to Goliath. Smurfit is a familiar face who has played roles in shows like Ballykissangel, Once Upon a Time, Marcella, and The Lying Game.
- Diarmaid Murtagh as Robert Dardis, a former soldier and a banker who is involved in a murder case. Murtagh is an Irish actor who has appeared in films like Dracula Untold, The Monuments Men, and The Siege of Jadotville.
- Jonjo O’Neill as Ryan Savage, a former paramilitary leader and a politician who has a history with Brannick. O’Neill is a stage and screen actor who has performed in plays like The Ferryman, The Doctor, and The Plough and the Stars.
Bloodlands Season 3 Plot
The plot of Bloodlands season 3 will depend on how the second season ended and what direction the showrunners will take the story. The second season revealed more details about Goliath, the mysterious assassin who killed four people during the Troubles and disappeared. It also introduced new characters and subplots, such as Olivia Foyle’s involvement in a money laundering scheme, Robert Dardis’ murder and his link to Goliath, and Ryan Savage’s political ambitions and his rivalry with Brannick.
The third season will likely pick up from where the second season left off and explore the consequences of the shocking twist and the cliffhanger that occurred in the final episode. It will also answer some of the unresolved questions and mysteries, such as who is Goliath’s real identity, what is his motive, and what is his connection to Brannick and his family. The third season may also introduce new cases and challenges for Brannick and his team, as well as new enemies and allies.
Bloodlands Interesting Facts
- The show is produced by Jed Mercurio, the creator of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, two of the most popular and acclaimed British TV series in recent years.
- The show is set in Northern Ireland and explores the legacy of the Troubles, the conflict that lasted from 1968 to 1998 and claimed over 3,000 lives.
- The show’s title refers to the term “bloodlands”, which was coined by the historian Timothy Snyder to describe the regions of Europe where mass killings took place during the 20th century.
- The show’s main character, DCI Tom Brannick, is played by James Nesbitt, a veteran actor who has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as The Hobbit trilogy, Cold Feet, The Missing, and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.
- The show’s plot revolves around a mysterious assassin known as Goliath, who killed four people during the Troubles and disappeared. Brannick has a personal connection to the case, as one of the victims was his wife.
- The show was filmed mainly in the rural area around Strangford Lough in the east of Northern Ireland, which offers scenic views and historic locations.
- The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 76/100 score on Metacritic. The show was also nominated for the Best Drama Series award at the 2021 National Television Awards.
Bloodlands Season 3 Trailer
There is no trailer for Bloodlands season 3 yet, as the show has not been officially renewed or filmed. However, you can watch the trailer for the second season below, which gives you a glimpse of what to expect from the show.
Bloodlands Season 3 FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Bloodlands season 3 and their answers.
Q: Is Bloodlands based on a true story?
A: No, Bloodlands is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by the real events and history of Northern Ireland during and after the Troubles. The show’s creator, Chris Brandon, said that he wanted to explore the impact of the conflict on the people and the society, as well as the moral dilemmas and the personal costs of seeking justice and peace. He also said that he drew inspiration from his own family background, as his father was a police officer in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Q: How many episodes are there in Bloodlands season 3?
A: There is no official confirmation on how many episodes there will be in Bloodlands season 3, as the show has not been renewed yet. However, based on the previous seasons, we can expect that the third season will have four or five episodes, each lasting about an hour.
Q: Where can I watch Bloodlands season 3?
A: If Bloodlands season 3 is made, it will most likely air on BBC One in the UK, as the show is a BBC original production. For international viewers, the show may be available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Acorn TV, depending on the region and the distribution rights. The first and second seasons of Bloodlands are currently streaming on Netflix in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries.