James R | On 24, Jan 2020

BBC One has ordered a second season of crime drama Baptiste.

Tchéky Karyo (The Missing) will return as retired police investigator, Julien Baptiste, and will be joined by Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Fleabag) for a case which will take viewers into Budapest’s secretive and corrupt underworld.

Julien Baptiste is not the man we knew before. After enduring a horrific personal tragedy, Julien has pushed his wife Celia away and is looking for any distraction – whether that be the bottom of a bottle or a new case – to consume him. When British Ambassador Emma Chambers’ (Fiona Shaw) whole family disappears whilst on a skiing holiday in the Hungarian mountains, Baptiste immerses himself into Emma’s world, committed to finding her husband and two sons. However, when the case turns into something far more brutal and desperate, Julien must navigate a Hungarian police force he doesn’t trust and unrelenting media interest who are hungry for information on such a high-profile international case.

Produced by Two Brothers Pictures (The Missing, Fleabag, Liar, Cheat) and written by Harry and Jack Williams, the new season will span six episodes.

Karyo says: “I am so excited and proud of Harry and Jack for their new audacious story in Hungary. I can’t wait to prepare for Julien’s new adventure and for the emotions that he is about to go through. I’m looking forward to sharing this incredible journey with an amazing cast.”

Shaw adds: “I’m honoured to be joining this hugely talented and committed team with the superb writing of Harry and Jack Williams and under the direction of Thomas Napper. I’m so lucky to be working with all the best of the new generation!”

Harry and Jack Williams comment: “We are thrilled to be continuing Julien Baptiste’s story. Even more ambitious than ever, this year’s story pays homage to its roots in The Missing by unfolding across two distinct periods of time, and we can guarantee even more surprises and twists. It’s a privilege to work once more with the mesmerising Tchéky Karyo who has created an iconic character. And this year he’ll be joined by Fiona Shaw, an incredible actress who we’ve wanted to work with for some time. We can’t wait to see the two of them together. ”

Filming will begin in Budapest in February and further casting will be announced in due course.

Add to Watchlist