BBC’s acclaimed crime drama Strike is set to return with its seventh series, Strike: The Running Grave, bringing back detective Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott to unravel a dark and twisted mystery surrounding a religious cult in the Norfolk countryside.
- Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger reprise their roles.
- New story centers on a sinister religious cult.
- Expected to air on the BBC in December 2026.
What happened
Strike: The Running Grave is the seventh TV adaptation in the Cormoran Strike crime drama series, based on J.K. Rowling’s novels written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The series continues to follow private investigator Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott as they tackle complex and intriguing cases.
In this new series, the pair are called upon by a worried father whose son has joined the Universal Humanitarian Church, a seemingly peaceful religious group in the Norfolk countryside. However, beneath its calm exterior, the cult harbors dark secrets that Strike and Robin must uncover, with Robin going undercover to infiltrate the group and aid in the rescue effort.
Why it feels good
The Strike series has earned high praise from critics and viewers alike, being described as “the BBC at its best” thanks to its compelling storytelling and well-drawn characters. Its faithful adaptation of best-selling source material ensures a blend of suspense and depth, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
With over 20 million copies of the novels sold worldwide, the series already commands a passionate following. The return of Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger brings continuity and warmth to the show, promising the same brilliant acting and intricate plotting that fans appreciate.
What to enjoy or watch next
While Strike: The Running Grave is expected to premiere in December 2026, viewers interested in catching up can watch the previous six series on BBC iPlayer. Each season unpacks a different case, offering a rich mix of mystery and character development that's perfect for binge-watching ahead of the new release.
For those looking to dive deeper into the world, reading J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike novels provides additional layers and background on the characters and cases. Fans can look forward to more twists, challenges, and emotional moments when the latest series arrives to continue this highly praised crime drama.