After more than two decades, the Scottish Highlands are once again set to become the backdrop for family drama, romance, and a whole lot of rain. PBS MASTERPIECE, in partnership with Channel 5 and Ecosse Films, has announced a six-episode reimagining of the beloved series Monarch of the Glen. The show will follow a new generation of characters grappling with legacy, love, and the financial ruin of a sprawling estate.
The new series centers on Isla Campbell, a high-flying London lawyer who returns to her family's ancestral Highland home for her estranged father's funeral. Expecting to stay only a few days, she instead discovers she has inherited a million-pound debt, a bank closing in, and a brother who refuses to let go of their crumbling estate. Forced under the same roof for the first time in years, the siblings must find a way to save the struggling property before time runs out.
“When high-flying London lawyer Isla Campbell finds herself back at her family's crumbling Highland estate for her estranged father's funeral, she expects to be gone in days,” PBS MASTERPIECE said in a statement. “Instead, she discovers she has inherited a million-pound debt, a bank closing in, and a brother who refuses to let go of their ancestral home.” The synopsis promises a rich ensemble of new characters, breathtaking landscapes, and a story that balances heart, humor, and romance.
The reimagining is created, written, and executive produced by Jeremy Brock, known for A Very Royal Scandal, The Last King of Scotland, and Mrs Brown. He is joined by writer Stephen Greenhorn (Sunshine on Leith, Dept. Q). Tom Vaughan, who directed Doctor Foster and Victoria, will direct and executive produce. Production and filming are scheduled to take place in Scotland and Northern Ireland later this year.
Brock expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “When I was offered the chance to re-imagine Monarch of the Glen, I leapt at it. I’m hugely excited by the opportunity to tell a story of family life and finding your place in our hectic world — one that celebrates the warmth, humor, and eccentricities of a special community, with both optimism and authenticity. Hope and joy are a currency in short supply right now, and the Highlands — one of the most magical places on Earth — felt like exactly the right home for them.”
The producers include Alex Boyd (How to Get to Heaven from Belfast) and Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae (The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Great Escaper, Fleming). Rob Darnell and Adam Duncan executive produce for Ecosse Films, with Susanne Simpson executive producing for PBS MASTERPIECE. Bernstein noted that the original series still holds a special place for the team, and the new version aims to bring the story to a new generation. “Monarch of the Glen holds a very special place in our hearts, and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this beloved show to the next generation of viewers,” he said.
For fans of classic family sagas, this reimagining promises the same warmth and humor that made the original a hit. If you're looking for more TV masterpieces, check out our ranking of all eight Harry Potter movies or explore the best dark fantasy movie masterpieces. And for those who appreciate a good crime saga, HBO's 'The Sopranos' remains the ultimate crime masterpiece.
