'Hope Street' Season 2 To Stream on PBS Passport

Most series that focus on Ireland, especially the U.K.'s section of Northern Ireland, either tell stories about "The Troubles," whether a period piece or a contemporary set story, or they tend to be mysteries about serial killers. (Sometimes, like in the case of Bloodlands, it's both.) That's one reason Hope Street, created by Paul Marquess (best known for The Bill), is such a breath of fresh air. Despite being a police procedural, the Northern Ireland-set series is more about celebrating the culture of small towns, focused on good vibes, family drama, and humor more than the death and destruction of the past. Now, it's getting a boost in America by coming to PBS Passport.

The series initially debuted on NI's BBC One in November 2021 and ran to the beginning of February 2022, with all episodes debuting in the U.S. on BritBox just before the finale aired. The series began with the surprise arrival of DC Leila Hussain (played by Amara Karan) to the local squad in the small town of Port Devine, with her undercover mission forming the overall arc of Season 1. Karan exited the series after the first season, giving it a close-ended finale, but the show was popular enough to be renewed. Season 2 begins with a new undercover officer arriving in town, DC Al Quinn, played by Stephen Hagan. Season 3 was greenlit in April 2023.

Season 2 followed the same schedule as the first, debuting in November 2022 and arriving on BritBox at the end of January 2023. PBS Passport is picking up the series starting with Season 2, as Season 1 isn't necessary to know what's happening. However, for completionists, it will be available on BritBox for PBS Passport members who decide they need to see it.