BBC orders third series of Sherwood

The BBC has commissioned a third series of James Graham’s drama, Sherwood, made by House Productions.

The second series of Sherwood, inspired by the so-called ‘Shottingham’ gang wars that mired the region and the Nottinghamshire community in which James Graham grew up, recently concluded on the BBC. Episode one of the new series has been watched by more than 6.5 million viewers so far. Series two has also led to a resurgence in viewing for Sherwood’s first run on BBC iPlayer, with over 7.2 million streams for series one episodes since the beginning of August alone.

Series two was directed by Clio Barnard, and Tom George, with a cast including David Morrissey, Monica Dolan, David Harewood, Lorraine Ashbourne, Robert Lindsay, Perry Fitzpatrick, Christine Bottomley, Michael Balogun, Oliver Huntingdon, Bethany Asher and Lesley Manville.

James Graham said: “It continues to be the greatest privilege to tell stories set in and inspired by the history of my home county of Nottinghamshire. Having a returning series on the BBC is pretty much every British writer’s dream, and I’m incredibly grateful for the continued passion that Lindsay, Charlotte and Jo have for Sherwood – and to everyone at House Productions, the most supportive producers you can have. My biggest appreciation though goes to our audiences and I’m determined to deliver for them in a series three, which will be a new set of stories, and the continuation – and completion – of some strands I’ve been dreaming of for some time.”

Juliette Howell and Harriet Spencer, Executive Producers for House Productions added: “The love that the second series of Sherwood has garnered has been incredible to witness and so we are thrilled that the BBC are once again backing this very special drama for a third run and giving us all the opportunity to bring more rich stories from the Nottinghamshire community that has been such an integral part of James’s life. We are looking forward to further exploring the brilliantly complex world of Sherwood and unearthing some more of the many secrets which are harboured in and amongst its characters. James has a lot of very exciting storylines planned so fans will need to be prepared for some more heart-wrenching, jaw-dropping and shocking twists.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Sherwood has quickly established itself as one of the all-time great television dramas, with its impeccable mix of characters, story and themes that have gripped and resonated with millions of viewers across the UK. We’re so pleased to be working with James Graham and the team to bring his exciting plans for Sherwood’s third chapter to the BBC.”

Sherwood series three will once again be written by the BAFTA award winning James Graham who will again be an executive producer alongside Juliette Howell, Tessa Ross and Harriet Spencer for House Productions and Jo McClellan for the BBC. The new series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama.