The haunting strains of jazz piano have faded, but Lancashire’s most intuitive retired detective still lingers in viewers’ minds. Following the suspenseful conclusion of ITV’s Ridley Season 2, fans worldwide are clamoring for answers: Will DI Alex Ridley return for another gripping investigation? While ITV hasn’t officially greenlit Ridley Season 3, compelling clues suggest Adrian Dunbar’s beloved character might yet solve more chilling northern crimes.

Will Ridley Return for Season 3?

As of late 2025, ITV has not confirmed Ridley Season 3. However, strong signals point toward potential renewal. The series consistently draws over 4.5 million viewers per episode (Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board, August 2025), outperforming many primetime rivals. Crucially, the cast actively champions more stories. Bronagh Waugh, who plays DI Carol Farman, revealed to Country & Town House:

“There are plenty of [plot] ideas if we are lucky enough to get a third series. Exploring the detectives’ private lives alongside cases would be really interesting.”
Her co-star Adrian Dunbar (Ridley) echoed this sentiment in a Radio Times interview, praising the “rich storytelling potential” of Jonathan Fisher’s scripts. Industry analysts note the show’s robust streaming performance on ITVX boosts renewal prospects significantly.

Who Could Return for Ridley Season 3?

Should ITV proceed, core cast members are expected back:

Adrian Dunbar as DI Alex Ridley
Bronagh Waugh as DI Carol Farman
Terence Maynard as DCI Paul Goodwin
Georgie Glen as pathologist Dr. Wendy Newstone

Potential scheduling conflicts exist, however. Dunbar’s involvement in the rumored Line of Duty Season 7 could delay production. New characters are likely, given the show’s episodic case format. Creator Jonathan Fisher hinted at “exploring Ridley’s past partnerships” (The Guardian, September 2025), suggesting fresh faces or surprising returns.

When Could Ridley Season 3 Premiere?

Analyzing previous production cycles provides clues:

Season 1: Filmed spring 2022, aired August 2022
Season 2: Filmed late 2024, aired August 2025

A similar timeline would position Ridley Season 3 for an August 2028 release. However, writer Paul Matthew Thompson acknowledged (TV Times, October 2025) that scripts aren’t yet finalized. Delays could push this to 2029, especially if Dunbar’s schedule demands adjustments. Fans can currently stream all existing episodes exclusively on ITVX.

Why Ridley’s Return Matters

Beyond intricate crime plots, Ridley resonates through its exploration of grief, redemption, and northern England’s atmospheric landscapes. The dynamic between Dunbar’s brooding ex-detective and Waugh’s determined Farman creates rare emotional depth in police procedurals. As The Telegraph noted, “Dunbar masterfully balances vulnerability with razor-sharp intuition” (August 2025). Season 3 could delve deeper into Carol’s backstory or Ridley’s unresolved trauma, themes Waugh described as “fertile ground.”

While ITX holds the cards, momentum favors Ridley Season 3. With overwhelming fan demand, cast enthusiasm, and strong ratings, Adrian Dunbar’s jazz-loving detective appears poised for a comeback. Until official confirmation, revisit every twist of Seasons 1–2 on ITVX – and keep those theories alive. What case should Ridley tackle next? Share your hopes with #RidleySeason3 on social media.

Must Know

Q: Has Ridley been renewed for Season 3?
A: Not yet. ITV hasn’t officially announced Ridley Season 3, but positive viewer ratings and cast advocacy make renewal likely.

Q: Where can I watch previous Ridley seasons?
A: All episodes stream exclusively on ITVX in the UK. International viewers can access via BritBox or ITV’s partner platforms.

Q: Will Adrian Dunbar return as Ridley?
A: Yes, if Season 3 proceeds. Dunbar has expressed commitment, though scheduling with potential Line of Duty projects may require coordination.

Q: What would Ridley Season 3 explore?
A: Expect new criminal cases alongside deeper character arcs. Bronagh Waugh hinted at exploring Carol Farman’s past and Ridley’s emotional journey.

Q: How many episodes would Season 3 have?
A: Likely four 2-hour films, matching Seasons 1 and 2. ITV favors this event-style format for crime dramas.

Q: Could Season 3 film in new locations?
A: Possibly. While Lancashire remains central, producer Judy Counihan mentioned considering “atmospheric new northern settings” (Broadcast, 2025).