The BBC has unveiled the cast for its new legal drama Counsels, with filming now underway in Glasgow. This eight-part series, set in Scotland’s bustling courtrooms, follows five young lawyers navigating their careers and personal lives after training together at an elite law school.
Plot Details and Series Overview
Counsels centers on a group of twentysomething lawyers who once studied together but now find themselves on opposite sides in Glasgow’s courts. The show explores their professional rivalries and personal struggles at a key point in their early careers.
Created by Bryan Elsley, known for Skins, and Gillian McCormack, the drama promises high-stakes courtroom action mixed with coming-of-age stories. It marks a major investment by the BBC in Scottish content, the largest in over a decade, highlighting the unique aspects of Scotland’s legal system.
The series is produced by Balloon Entertainment, with episodes airing on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Scotland. International partners include All3Media and Germany’s ZDFneo, aiming for a broad audience.
Filming began in late August 2025, capturing Glasgow’s vibrant cityscape and historic court buildings to bring authenticity to the story.
Lead Cast and Their Roles
The main cast features fresh talent portraying the young lawyers. Brandon Grace takes on a role as a driven advocate balancing ambition and ethics.
Ro Kumar plays a lawyer dealing with complex cases and old friendships turned rivalries.
Eilidh Park embodies a character facing moral dilemmas in high-pressure trials.
George Prentice portrays a rising star navigating the cutthroat world of legal practice.
Alyth Ross and Rebecca Bell round out the leads, each bringing depth to characters entangled in professional and personal conflicts.
These actors come from diverse backgrounds, with credits in shows like My Lady Jane, Traces, and Outlander prequels, adding star power to the ensemble.
Supporting Actors and Guest Stars
The series boasts a strong supporting cast, including familiar faces from Scottish television. Stars from River City, This Life, Doctor Who, and Rebus join the lineup, enhancing the drama’s appeal.
Notable additions include performers from Happy Valley and Dept. Q, who will appear in key roles that drive the plot forward.
This mix of emerging and established talent aims to reflect the real diversity of Scotland’s legal profession.
- Veteran actors bring experience from long-running series, grounding the young leads.
- Guest stars from international hits add intrigue to specific episodes.
- The casting emphasizes Scottish authenticity, with many performers hailing from the region.
Filming Locations and Production Updates
Production is taking place across Glasgow, using real courtrooms and city streets to create an immersive experience. Crews have been spotted in areas like the High Court and surrounding neighborhoods since filming kicked off on August 31, 2025.
The team faces the challenge of shooting in a live city environment, but this adds realism to the legal scenes. Local authorities have supported the project, seeing it as a boost to Glasgow’s profile as a filming hub.
Insiders note that the schedule aims for completion by late 2025, with a premiere expected in 2026. This timeline allows for detailed post-production to polish the high-octane courtroom moments.
Weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, but the production has contingency plans to keep things on track.
Why This Drama Stands Out
Counsels differentiates itself from other legal shows by focusing on Scotland’s distinct legal traditions, unlike English-based series like Silk or The Split. It dives into topics like advocacy in sheriff courts and the role of procurators fiscal, offering viewers an educational yet entertaining look.
The narrative blends intense legal battles with relatable personal stories, such as work-life balance and ethical choices. This approach appeals to fans of character-driven dramas.
Early buzz suggests it could become a hit, building on the success of similar BBC productions. Comparisons to past favorites highlight its potential to showcase Scottish talent on a global stage.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Count | 8 |
| Key Themes | Legal rivalries, personal growth, Scottish law |
| Production Company | Balloon Entertainment |
| Broadcast Platforms | BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland |
| International Partners | All3Media International, ZDFneo |
| Expected Premiere | 2026 |
Impact on Scottish Television
This project represents a significant push for Scottish storytelling on the BBC. With funding aimed at regional voices, Counsels could pave the way for more homegrown series.
It also spotlights Glasgow as a creative center, potentially attracting more productions to the area. Local economies benefit from jobs and tourism tied to filming sites.
Viewers interested in law or drama will find value in its accurate portrayal, drawn from real legal consultations.
As details emerge, fans can look forward to trailers and behind-the-scenes glimpses in the coming months.
What do you think of the cast choices? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word about this exciting new series.
