Fans of the acclaimed BBC crime drama Sherwood have been given both good and bad news: the series is returning for a third season, but the upcoming chapter will also be its last.
Since first arriving on screens in 2022, Sherwood has built a devoted following, with viewers praising the drama as compelling, gripping and among the best British crime series in recent years.
The final series has already been completed and is expected to arrive in early 2027.
Sherwood will be returning for a third, and final, season (Image: BBC/House Productions/Sam Taylor)
A Drama Rooted in Nottinghamshire
Set in a Nottinghamshire mining community, Sherwood draws loose inspiration from real-life events and murders.
The first season plunged viewers into a major manhunt following two shocking killings, while the second series shifted its focus toward organised crime.
Season Two was also inspired by the so-called “Shottingham” gang wars that affected the region and the Nottinghamshire community where creator James Graham grew up.
According to the BBC’s synopsis, the drama follows a fractured community where old grudges and new rivalries become entangled in a dangerous web of murder and revenge.
The series stars acclaimed actors Lesley Manville and David Morrissey, whose performances have helped make the show a favourite with viewers.
Sherwood continues to be a huge success (Image: BBC/House Productions/Sam Taylor)
Creator Confirms the End Is Near
The news of the show’s final season was confirmed by creator James Graham during the launch episode of Sky News’ Backstory with Cathy Newman podcast.
“We’ve finished it, we’ve edited it, and it will be the last series,” Graham said, adding that it would arrive around January or February.
The third and final season will once again be written by the BAFTA-winning Graham, who will also serve as an executive producer alongside Juliette Howell, Tessa Ross and Harriet Spencer for House Productions, as well as Jo McClellan for the BBC.
Lesley Manville and David Morrissey are among the returning cast members, while new faces are also expected to join the drama for its final chapter.
Sherwood has been branded one of the ‘best’ crime dramas (Image: BBC/House Productions/Sam Taylor)
Fans Share Their Disappointment
The announcement that Sherwood is coming to an end has left many viewers disappointed.
One fan wrote on X that they had been thrilled by the prospect of another season but were “so gutted” to learn that the third would be the last, adding that they had hoped the drama would continue for many more seasons.
Others described the news as “devastating,” while one viewer called Sherwood a “fabulous BBC drama.”
The first two seasons, which are available to stream on BBC iPlayer, continue to attract enthusiastic reviews.
One viewer praised the series for its exceptional cast, while another wrote that they had loved it “from first to last,” calling it a wonderful drama that felt authentic.
Perhaps the strongest praise came from a fan who said the show was so gripping that they watched it twice because they did not want to let it go.
A Highly Acclaimed Crime Drama
Sherwood has also received strong critical recognition, earning a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for its first season and 93% for its second.
Viewers have described it as one of the best series in its genre, praising its stellar cast, unpredictable storylines and jaw-dropping moments.
One fan summed up the show’s appeal by calling it “BBC drama at its brilliant best.”
While an exact release date has not yet been confirmed, Sherwood Season Three is expected to air in 2027 and bring the acclaimed crime drama to its conclusion.
For James Graham, however, there could be more television projects on the horizon. The writer has also revealed that he hopes to adapt his acclaimed West End and Broadway play, Punch, for television.
Until the final chapter arrives, fans can revisit the first two seasons of Sherwood on BBC iPlayer.