Will there be a Blue Lights season 4? Future of Belfast drama confirmed

Fans have been left hooked on the third season of BBC police drama Blue Lights.

BBC crime drama fans have been left hooked on the third series of Blue Lights, as it came to an end this week.

The Belfast-set police procedural drama, which first aired in 2023, returned last month, starring Sian Brooke as Grace Ellis, Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon and Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster.

Set in the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast, it follows three new police officers navigating the pressures of their new job amid a dangerous criminal underworld and divided communities as they figure out who they can trust.

The synopsis for the third season teased: “Two years into their jobs as response officers Grace, Annie and Tommy are accustomed to life under the blue lights.

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“But their work will take them into a sinister world hidden behind the veneer of middle-class life, the world of the accountants and lawyers who facilitate organised crime.

“The old political and criminal order has gone and a new global gang rule Belfast, bringing danger closer to home for our officers than ever before.”

Viewers have been hooked on the third season, with one writing: “Blue Lights – Has to be the best drama the BBC has produced in years. Five episodes into season 3 and I am stunned by the writing, the acting and the rollercoaster of emotions.”

Another said: “#BlueLights is a jewel in the British drama crown. The quality of the writing is exceptional; every character is given space, storylines make sense and challenge the viewer, and don’t compromise.”

A third added: “Another fabulous heartwrenching tense heartwarming series. Amazing writing and heartfelt characters we’ve grown attached to and unbearable tension makes #BlueLights one of the best of the year.”

Here’s everything to know about Blue Lights season four.

Will there be a Blue Lights season 4?

The fourth season of Blue Lights was confirmed when the third was renewed back in February 2024.

The show’s co-creators and writers, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled that the BBC is committing to Blue Lights in this way. From the beginning, we wanted to write a show that had scale and ambition in its storytelling, and this decision gives us everything we need to do that.

“Thanks to the BBC, to Two Cities/STV and Gallagher Films, and to our brilliant cast and crew. But most of all, thanks to our audience who have responded so powerfully to the show. Time for us to get to work!”

Co-creators and executive producers Stephen Wright (Two Cities Television) and Louise Gallagher (Gallagher Films) added: “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.”

Lindsay Salt, BBC Director of Drama, added: “We were bowled over by the reaction to Blue Lights and I’m really pleased to be confirming our commitment to bring two more series of our beloved Belfast drama to air. Adam and Declan have brilliant ideas about where to take the characters next, and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”

When will Blue Lights season four air?

Lawn and Patterson’s production company confirmed the new series will air next year.

They wrote on X, alongside a picture with the cast: “Thanks to everyone who watched #bluelights series three. See you in 2026 for the next chapter!”

“Absolutely fantastic,” one fan replied, as another said: “Love it.”

“An outstanding series,” someone else said, while another wrote: “Great series, plenty of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one.”

Blue Lights is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.