It’s been called “the best TV in years”, “BAFTA-worthy” and “edge-of-your-seat viewing” – so it’s only right that BBC crime drama Blue Lights should return for another series. And it looks like we’re about to get even more than we bargained for as the third series is set to be the show’s most ambitious yet.
The new instalment will welcome back Grace (Siân Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy (Nathan Braniff), who are now two years into their jobs as response officers, with Boiling Point’s Cathy Tyson and Bad Sisters’ Michael Smiley joining the cast to shake things up. According to Nick Lambon, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, “The arrival of both characters marks the start of the most ambitious Blue Lights series yet, which will leave fans questioning everything they think they know about the response officers they have come to love."
With filming currently underway, here’s everything you need to know about the show’s return, including the new plot, cast and how you can watch it.
What is Blue Lights about?
The Northern Irish police drama is based at the fictional Blackthorn police stations in Belfast and follows rookie police officers as they attempt to fight crime and navigate life in the police force. The first series, which launched to more than 7 million viewers in March 2023, followed three new PSNI probationary recruits - Grace (Siân Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) - and their challenging first few months in the job.
They had their work cut out, specifically when it came to dealing with drug kingpin James McIntyre (John Lynch) and his gang. The second series followed the same characters a year later as they tried to quell a loyalist feud in the city that led to chaos on the street. Both instalments of the show received critical praise, with fans desperately hoping for another instalment. In February last year, a third series was announced and filming is now finally underway.
What will happen in Blue Lights series 3?
Once again, the new six-part series will reunite us with response officers, Grace (Siân Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy (Nathan Braniff), who are now accustomed to life under the blue lights. But that doesn’t mean they’re prepared for what’s in store for them this time round.
According to the official synopsis, “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.”
The first three episodes will be directed by Jack Casey while actor/director Angela Griffin (Waterloo Road) will direct the last three episodes. The new series will also see arrival of Cathy Tyson (Boiling Point) and Michael Smiley (Bad Sisters), who have joined the cast – although it’s not yet been revealed what their roles are.
Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the show’s co-creators and executive producers have said the joy of making Blue Lights is “spending time with the characters” and “watching them grow, learn, and deal with the daily adversity of response policing in Belfast.”
They continue: "At its heart, this is a show about personal, institutional, and social change, and we want each series to reflect that in its own way. We can't imagine better custodians of our creative vision than our brilliant series three directors Jack Casey and Angela Griffin. It's a privilege, as ever, to be back in Blackthorn."
Stephen Wright and Louise Gallagher, co-creators and executive producers say: "Declan and Adam continue to develop rich characters in a complex world with stories that will shock and move the audience. We are delighted to have Jack Casey back and are thrilled to welcome Angela Griffin to the Blue Lights family."
Who’s starring in Blue Lights series 3?
The cast of Blue Lights series 3 includes:
- Siân Brooke as Grace
- Martin McCann as Stevie
- Katherine Devlin as Annie
- Nathan Braniff as Tommy
- Joanne Crawford as Helen
- Andi Osho as Sandra
- Frank Blake as Shane
- Abigail McGibbon as Tina
- Dearbháile McKinney as Aisling
- Andrea Irvine as Nicola
- Cathy Tyson (Boiling Point, Dune: Prophecy)
- Michael Smiley (Bad Sisters, Censor)
Is Blue Lights any good?
Yes - the BBC series has received overwhelmingly positive reviews since it arrived on our screens two years ago, with viewers calling it “the best TV in years”, “edge-of-your-seat viewing” and "BAFTA-worthy". Earlier this year, the series won Best Drama Series at the 2025 Broadcast Awards, and it’s been nominated for Best Drama at this year’s BAFTA TV awards. We’ll have to tune in to the Awards on Sunday 11th May 2025 to find out if it wins!
How can I watch Blue Lights series 3?
The BBC hasn’t yet shared an official release date for Blue Lights series 3, but we do know that filming is currently underway and that the new series will arrive at some point later this year. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll share it here. In the meantime, you can catch up on the first two series on BBC iPlayer.
Will there be a Blue Lights series 4?
Yes – a 4th series has already been commissioned and will consist of another six episodes! Watch this space for more details as we have them.
