When people search for Ridley cast season 2, they’re usually chasing a pretty simple answer. Who’s coming back. Who’s new. And honestly, whether the latest run of the ITV crime drama is worth the time. Season 2 picks up with retired detective Alex Ridley, played by Adrian Dunbar, still unable to fully step away from the job. He’s consulting on difficult cases again, this time alongside his former protégé, DI Carol Farman. The show leans into familiar chemistry but throws in fresh complications too, and let’s be real, the cast is a big reason viewers stick around.
The Core Cast
The backbone of Ridley doesn’t really change, and that’s kind of the point.
- Adrian Dunbar returns as Alex Ridley. Most viewers still associate him with Line of Duty, and that reputation carries weight here. Adrian Dunbar brings a quiet authority to the role. There’s also warmth. His take on a man juggling unresolved grief and professional instincts feels grounded, not flashy, and oddly enough, that’s what makes it work.
- Bronagh Waugh steps back into the role of DI Carol Farman. She’s no longer just the junior partner. She’s leading investigations now. Her relationship with Ridley sits at the centre of the series. It’s supportive, tense, and sometimes uncomfortable, in a very believable way.
Together, they hold the show steady. Fans who connected with season one get that sense of continuity, which matters more than people admit.
Ridley Cast Season 2 – Supporting and Guest Stars
Ridley cast Season 2 brings in new faces almost every episode. That’s baked into the format. Each story stands on its own, so the guest cast changes frequently.
- Episode one, A Sleeping Tiger, centres on Ryan. He’s a young man who dies shortly after being released from police custody. It’s grim. The performances lean into that tragedy without overplaying it.
- Other episodes move through illegal raves, jewellery thefts, and buried family secrets. Each storyline introduces new characters. Most of them leave an impression, even if they’re only around for one case.
This rotating lineup keeps things from going stale. At the same time, the familiar core gives everything some emotional grounding.
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Ridley Cast Snapshot Table
Here’s a straightforward snapshot of the main and recurring cast appearing in Ridley:
| Actor | Character | Role in Season 2 | Episodes Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Dunbar | Alex Ridley | Retired detective working as a consultant | 4 (all episodes) |
| Bronagh Waugh | DI Carol Farman | Lead investigator and former protégé | 4 (all episodes) |
| Terence Maynard | Michael Farmer | Supporting role within the police team | Multiple |
| Guest stars | Georgie Glen
George Bukhari Julie Graham Tareq Al‑Jeddal Steve Holness Sophie Alloway Rory Dempsey Bhavna Limbachia Suzanne Packer John Michie Aidan McArdle Jacquetta May |
Supporting Actors – Playing Victims, suspects, family members, and many others | Episode-specific |
Why the Cast Matters
Crime dramas live and die by their performances. Ridley is no exception. Adrian Dunbar is a major draw, plain and simple. ITV reported strong viewing figures for season one, averaging over 4 million viewers per episode. A lot of that momentum came from Dunbar’s popularity after Line of Duty, whether critics like to admit it or not.
Bronagh Waugh’s role has quietly become more central. Critics often point out that her character keeps Ridley from overshadowing everything else. That balance matters. It gives the show more texture and makes it easier for different types of viewers to connect.
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Audience Reception
Season 2 premiered in September 2024 on PBS in the US. It arrived later on ITV in the UK. Early reactions focused heavily on the chemistry between Dunbar and Waugh. The guest cast also earned praise for keeping each episode distinct.
- Viewer ratings: Season one averaged between 4 and 4.5 million live viewers. Season two’s opener pulled in similar numbers. That kind of consistency isn’t easy to maintain.
- Critical response: Some reviewers argue the cases stick too closely to familiar crime-drama patterns. Others don’t mind. Most agree the performances and emotional beats carry the show.
The Format: Four Episodes, Four Cases
Ridley doesn’t follow the long, serialized model. Instead, it sticks with a case-of-the-week approach. Season 2 includes four feature-length episodes. Each runs for roughly 90 minutes. That gives guest actors room to breathe while keeping the main duo front and centre.
The format works for viewers who don’t want to commit to a ten-episode arc. Each episode feels like a self-contained film. New suspects. New witnesses. New problems to untangle.
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Options for UK Viewers
If you’re looking to watch Ridley season 2, there are a few straightforward options:
- ITV Hub (ITVX): Episodes are available to stream after they air.
- PBS (US release): Viewers outside the UK can catch the series through PBS, which aired it in September 2024.
- DVD/Box Set: Season one received a DVD release. Season two is expected to follow, sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
The Ridley cast season 2 strikes a balance between familiarity and change. Adrian Dunbar and Bronagh Waugh remain the emotional anchor. The guest cast brings variety and, occasionally, surprise. For UK viewers especially, the appeal isn’t just the mysteries. It’s the people caught up in them.
Crime dramas can slip into formula, and sometimes Ridley brushes up against that. Still, the cast lifts the material. Strong ratings and steady performances suggest season 2 firmly secures the show’s place in ITV’s crime drama lineup.
1 Comment
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