Line of Duty could continue beyond season 7 – but ‘not on the BBC’

| Live News reporter Published August 4, 2026 4:01pm Updated August 4, 2026 4:03pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video For four excruciatingly long years, Line of Duty fans were left in limbo over whether the hit BBC police drama would ever make its return. Following a divisive season six finale, the BBC, however, finally confirmed that AC-12 would be making its return for a seventh series towards the end of last year. This came before we got our first glimpse at Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar back in action together. But now, just as fans are gearing up for the show’s long-awaited return, it has been reported that a streaming giant could be in line to steal Line of Duty from the BBC. With the lure of bigger budgets and a global platform, Netflix is said to be in the running to snag Jed Mercurio’s tale of police corruption so it can continue beyond 2027. Get personalised updates on all things Netflix Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. A TV insider told The Sun: ‘The Beeb currently hold the recommissioning rights to Line of Duty, yet ultimately it is the property of World Productions. Line of Duty is heading back to the BBC for a seventh series… but for how long? (Picture: BBC) Netflix is said to be in the running to lure away the police drama (Picture: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill) ‘The streamers have particularly deep pockets as well as a desire to tap into tried-and-tested shows that are very British.’ So far, there has been no suggestion that the show will leave the BBC. Additionally, no further series have been commissioned beyond the upcoming run. The broadcaster confirmed earlier this year that Compston, McClure and Dunbar would reprise their roles as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings in Line of Duty. Production on the new series is said to be progressing well, with reports suggesting it could air around Easter next year. AC-12 are back in action following the controversial finale of season six (Picture: BBC) Robert Carlyle has joined the cast for series seven to play Specialist Rifle Officer DC Shaun Massie (Picture: BBC) The show’s return comes after the controversial reveal of ‘H’ in the 2021 finale. If Line of Duty is to be prised away by Netflix, it would certainly not be the first major BBC drama to find a new future on a streaming platform. Both Peaky Blinders and Luther later expanded their stories with Netflix-backed films. However, neither series left the BBC during their original television runs. All episodes of Line of Duty are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Diane Morgan has proven she’s the best comedic actress on TV Arrow MORE: Greg James misses BBC Radio 1 after death of dog Barney: ‘I can’t stop crying’ Arrow MORE: Mo Gilligan shocked to discover ingredient in burgers ‘is put in condoms for lubrication’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.