Popular PSNI documentary Peelers returns for second series on BBC One Northern Ireland

Thursday 29 October 2026

The popular fly-on-the-wall documentary series ‘Peelers: The PSNI for Real’ is returning to television next month, giving viewers another behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, pressures and human stories of policing across Northern Ireland.

Series Two will begin on BBC One Northern Ireland on Wednesday 11 November at 10.40pm, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that morning.

The documentary follows Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers and staff as they carry out their duties, offering audiences an insight into the unpredictable situations they encounter and the decisions they must make while protecting communities.

Stephen Nolan returns as Peelers expands its coverage following ratings success

Broadcaster Stephen Nolan will once again join PSNI officers on patrol, with the second series introducing new faces from policing teams in Lurgan and Portadown alongside familiar officers from the first series.

The BBC has revealed that approximately a quarter of Northern Ireland’s population watched the first series on local television and BBC iPlayer, making it the broadcaster’s most-watched factual series in Northern Ireland during the period cited in its announcement.

The programme also attracted a substantial UK-wide audience following its broadcast on BBC network television.

The new series will follow officers responding to a wide range of incidents, including drug-related crime, violent street fights, dangerous driving, animal cruelty investigations, domestic abuse cases and major drug searches.

Stephen Nolan said:

“The response to the first series of Peelers was incredible. Everywhere I went, people were asking me about it. We’re delighted to be back with even greater access to frontline policing across Northern Ireland. This series gives viewers an unfiltered look at the reality of the job, following officers as they tackle crime, protect vulnerable people and respond to incidents that can change in an instant.

“It’s compelling, surprising and, at times, deeply moving television. We follow officers dealing with everything from drug-related incidents and violent disorder to protecting vulnerable people in crisis, showing the extraordinary range of situations they face every day.

“And, of course, it wouldn’t be Peelers without the officers giving me a bit of stick from time to time.”

Produced by Third Street Studios for BBC News NI, the entire second series will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Wednesday 11 November, ahead of its BBC One Northern Ireland premiere at 10.40pm that evening.

Behind the scenes of frontline policing

The first series offered viewers a close-up look at the realities of modern policing, including officers responding to emergencies, supporting vulnerable people and dealing with complex and challenging incidents.

The returning series promises to continue that fly-on-the-wall approach, providing an opportunity to see the people behind the uniform and gain a greater understanding of the demands placed on officers and police staff.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher welcomed the programme’s return and praised those who agreed to participate despite the security risks associated with policing in Northern Ireland.

He said:

“I am delighted that ‘Peelers: The PSNI for Real’ will return to our screens for a second series.

“The first series gave the public a valuable and unfiltered insight into the demands of modern policing in Northern Ireland. It reflected the professionalism, courage and compassion shown by our officers and staff as they respond to people in crisis, protect communities and deal with often complex and challenging circumstances.

“I am certain that Series Two will continue to give the public that ‘fly on the wall’ insight into policing in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Boutcher also acknowledged the personal considerations involved for officers and staff who allowed cameras to document their work.

“I want to again thank every officer and member of staff who took part. I recognise that this was not a straightforward decision, particularly given the enduring threat faced by many of our people. Their willingness to share their experiences has helped increase public understanding of the realities of frontline policing.”

New series arrives during PSNI anniversary year

The programme's return coincides with the PSNI marking its 25th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect on how policing has developed and the relationship between officers and the communities they serve.

Mr Boutcher said the documentary could help strengthen public understanding and confidence by showing the realities of police work rather than simply the incidents that make headlines.

“As we mark the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s 25th anniversary, the new series offers a further opportunity to reflect on the contribution policing makes to communities across Northern Ireland and on the people who deliver that service every day. As with Series One, we hope that Series Two will reinforce the vital relationship between the police and all the communities we serve every day.”

Recruitment drive seeks new officers and police staff

The second series also arrives during an active PSNI recruitment drive, with opportunities available for people considering careers in policing and police support roles.

The current student officer recruitment campaign opened on 12 October, followed by recruitment for Call Handlers on 19 October. Applications for Administrative Support Officer positions are scheduled to open on 9 November, two days before the programme returns to television.

Mr Boutcher hopes the documentary will encourage people from different backgrounds and communities to consider joining the organisation.

“It also comes at an important time for recruitment. We are currently seeking new student officers from all backgrounds and communities, people with integrity, compassion and a willingness to learn who want to make a meaningful difference. Policing is more than a job. It is a vocation, offering the chance to serve alongside communities throughout Northern Ireland, build trust and confidence, and help keep people safe.”

He added:

“I hope the series will encourage people to consider a career with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. We want to be representative of the communities we serve and to be an employer of choice for people from every background.”

Further information about police officer roles, eligibility requirements and the application process is available at https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer⁠, while details of current police staff vacancies can be found at joinpsni.co.uk.

When and where to watch Peelers Series Two

• Programme: Peelers: The PSNI for Real – Series Two

• Television channel: BBC One Northern Ireland

• First broadcast: Wednesday 11 November 2026

• Time: 10.40pm

• Streaming: BBC iPlayer from 6am on Wednesday 11 November

The returning documentary offers another opportunity to see the realities of frontline policing, including the pressures, difficult decisions and personal experiences that are rarely visible beyond the scene of an incident.