Where would we be without a good crime drama to get stuck into after a hard day's work? Bored, mostly – twiddling our thumbs on the sofa while endlessly flicking through Netflix. Thankfully, ITV's Grace has successfully plugged that boredom gap over the past few weeks, with a gripping sixth season that delivered plot twists and scandals in equal measure. Now, after a season finale that ended with a shock kidnapping, there's only one question on everyone's lips: when, if ever, will we get to find out what happens next?
With each season only lasting – at max –four episodes, the creators of Grace certainly know how to leave viewers wanting more. Based on Peter James bestselling series of novels, the show has gradually expanded on the books' original storylines with the author's blessing, but its future could get even more complicated as the Brighton-based detective show expands its world building. One thing's for sure: whatever happens next, we'll be tuning in.
Will there be a season 7 of Grace?
This just in: Grace has officially been confirmed for a seventh series, just days after the last episode aired. The lead characters, including the titular Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, are all set to return, with the cast including John Simm, Richie Campbell, Zoë Tapper, Laura Elphinstone and Brad Morrison.
Once again, fans can expect a short but action packed four-episode series, with two episode titles already confirmed: "When You Are Dead" and “Picture You Dead”. Cheery! Fans of the books will recognise the latter as the 2022's addition to the literary series, while the former is an entirely new concept.
Unsurprisingly, the Grace cast and crew are all thrilled to be returning to the series. “Honestly, if someone had said we’d be doing this for seven seasons when we first started this in lockdown I would never have believed it,” said Simm, who place Grace. "But the reason I and many others have remained part of this series for so long is down to the team and the writing. It continues to excite and be such a joy for all and we can’t wait to see what's coming next…"
Elsewhere, the show's executive producer, Phil Hunter, gave fans a more in-depth teaser of what to expect. “Following Cleo’s kidnap, we pick up Grace and his team under more pressure than ever for what promises to be another propulsive and explosive run of episodes," he said. “I can’t wait to see our brilliant cast and crew rise to the challenge of shooting another four stories based on Peter James’ iconic characters.”
When will season 7 be released?
While there's no exact date yet, fans can expect to see Grace back on their screens next year, following the yearly release pattern that the show's followed since first airing in 2021. The series usually drops around spring to late summer, airing on Sunday evenings during the perfect 8pm primetime slot.
How did season 6 of Grace end?
In the most dramatic way possible. After working hard to solve murders all season, it seemed like Detective Superintendent Roy Grace was about to catch a break. Even better, he was finally getting married to Cleo, after mourning the disappearance – and, in later seasons, death – of his first wife, Sandy.
But of course, that would be an uncharacteristically happy ending for Grace. Instead, at the end of the season finale, Roy discovers Cleo has been kidnapped at their wedding reception – by the same gang leader that's been connected to Sandy's death. What. A. Cliffhanger.
