Netflix has been on a roll with literary crime adaptations, and one of its most gripping series is gearing up for a return. Dept. Q, the psychological thriller based on Jussi Adler-Olsen's bestselling novels, has officially wrapped production on its second season. The news comes as the show's first season continues to dominate streaming charts, having amassed over 27 million views and spending six weeks in Netflix's global top ten.
The series, which stars Matthew Goode as the troubled Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, quickly became a fan favorite after its debut. Now, with filming concluded as of October 24, the show is moving into post-production, setting the stage for a 2027 release. The sophomore season is expected to be even more ambitious, with showrunners Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani taking the story beyond the moody streets of Edinburgh.
From Mercy to Disgrace
Season 1 adapted the first novel in Adler-Olsen's series, Mercy, introducing viewers to Morck and the quirky team of investigators working out of the police department's basement. The new season will tackle the second book, Disgrace, which plunges Morck into the world of Scotland's elite. Frank has teased that the story will focus on "rich and powerful people who believe they are above the law," promising a more expansive and socially charged narrative.
A Cold Case with a Twist
If the series stays true to the novel, the plot will revolve around a 20-year-old murder case involving a brother and sister who were killed at a boarding school. The original investigation concluded with a student confessing to the crime, but as with any good detective story, nothing is as it seems. Morck will be forced to question who reopened the case, what new evidence has emerged, and why someone has chosen to bring it to Department Q now.
The first season's success has clearly given the creative team more confidence to expand the scope. With a faster production schedule than initially planned, the show is clearly a priority for Netflix. The streamer has been doubling down on crime dramas, from the recent adaptation of Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole novels to the hit series His & Hers starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. Harlan Coben's thrillers have also found a loyal audience on the platform.
For fans of the genre, Dept. Q stands out for its complex characters and intricate plotting. The show's ability to balance dark themes with moments of levity has drawn comparisons to other acclaimed crime series. If you're looking for more binge-worthy mysteries, check out our list of the best crime miniseries or explore some underrated Netflix gems that prove less is often more.
As the wait for Season 2 begins, fans can revisit the first season or dive into the original novels to get their fix. With production wrapped and post-production underway, the countdown to 2027 is officially on. One thing is certain: Morck's next case will be anything but cold.
