The Chief Season 2: BBC’s Police Sitcom Returns with Star Power sping of Death in Paradise

BBC’s The Chief returns for season 2 with Jack Docherty, Dougray Scott’s cameo, and new faces. Filming now in Glasgow. Read now!

Introduction

BBC’s police sitcom The Chief is back for a second season, and it’s packing some serious star power. Filming kicked off in Glasgow with Jack Docherty reprising his role as Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson, Scotland’s funniest top cop. The four-episode run brings back familiar faces from Scot Squad, adds Shetland’s Lorraine McIntosh, Dept.

Q’s Sanjeev Kohli, and a cameo from Vigil’s Dougray Scott. After a hit first season on BBC iPlayer, the show’s mix of workplace comedy and mockumentary chaos has fans buzzing on X for more. With Death in Paradise fans loving island crime, The Chief offers a Scottish twist on police humor. Here’s why this show matters, who’s in it, how it’s made, and what to watch for when it lands in 2026.

Why The Chief Stands Out in Comedy

The Chief isn’t your typical sitcom. It’s a mockumentary spun off from Scot Squad, which ran for eight seasons until 2023, pulling laughs from the absurdity of police bureaucracy. Jack Docherty, who also writes the show, plays Cameron Miekelson, a self-proclaimed “GOAT” of law enforcement. The first season’s iPlayer success—though exact viewership numbers aren’t public—shows fans love its dry Scottish humor.

Why it matters? It blends workplace comedy with police life, poking fun at authority without malice. Dougray Scott’s cameo adds buzz, as he’s a big name from Crime and Vigil. Some X fans say it’s “funnier than Scot Squad,” but others find the humor niche. If you skip it, you miss a unique take on cop shows, but it’s not for those craving high-stakes drama.

Who’s in the Cast and What They Bring

The cast is a mix of old hands and fresh talent. Jack Docherty leads as Miekelson, fresh off roles in Funny Woman and Badults. Lorraine McIntosh (Shetland) plays his estranged wife, Barbara, adding emotional depth. Eilidh Loan (Doctor Who) is their rebellious daughter, Ellen, bringing youthful chaos. Returning Scot Squad actors—Carmen Pieraccini, Dylan Bore, Lana Pheutan—keep the police team tight.

Newcomer Sanjeev Kohli (Dept. Q) plays an MSP pressuring Miekelson, upping the stakes. Dougray Scott’s cameo as himself, doing a “personal project” for The Chief, is a highlight. Scott told the BBC, “Starring alongside The Chief might be one of my most challenging roles.” Casting mistakes, like over-relying on cameos, could feel gimmicky. But this lineup promises laughs and heart, especially for Scot Squad fans.

How Season Two Is Being Made

Filming is underway in Glasgow, capturing the city’s gritty charm for four episodes. The mockumentary style means handheld cameras and improvised-feeling dialogue, though it’s scripted. The BBC’s Comedy Unit, behind Scot Squad, produces it, ensuring continuity. The show balances Miekelson’s work life—desk chaos, team squabbles—with home drama, per the synopsis.

Don’t expect a quick release; production just started, so 2026 is likely, per the BBC. A mistake is assuming it’s all ad-libbed; the humor’s crafted, not spontaneous. Another error is expecting Death in Paradise’s polish—this is raw and messy by design. Ignoring Glasgow’s backdrop, from tenements to police stations, misses the show’s vibe. Season one’s on iPlayer to tide you over.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Hype

X is buzzing about The Chief’s return. Fans of Scot Squad love Docherty’s Miekelson, with one user calling him “Scotland’s funniest cop.” Dougray Scott’s cameo has X posts hyping his Vigil cred, though some worry it’s a stunt. Season one’s iPlayer run got praise for its “dry, absurd humor,” but no viewership stats are out yet.

Not everyone’s sold. Some X users said season one felt “too niche” for non-Scots. Others want more action, not just office gags. Skipping The Chief won’t leave you lost, but you’ll miss a comedy that nails police absurdity. The buzz, paired with Shetland and Dept. Q star power, makes season two a hot topic for 2026.

How It Fits BBC’s Comedy and Crime Slate

The Chief slots into BBC’s knack for blending crime and comedy, like Death in Paradise or Beyond Paradise. With Death in Paradise’s 8.7 million viewers per episode (BARB), there’s demand for quirky police shows. The Chief trades tropical murders for Scottish bureaucracy, but it shares that fan-friendly vibe. Its 2026 release aligns with Policing Paradise’s second season, per Wales Online.

The BBC’s navigating tricky waters, with recent controversies like Jermaine Jenas’ rant or Strictly casting drama. Overhyping The Chief as Scot Squad 2.0 risks alienating new viewers. But its mockumentary style and star-studded cast, from McIntosh to Scott, make it a safe bet to keep fans laughing while waiting for other BBC hits.

Mistakes to Avoid When Watching The Chief

New viewers can stumble. First, don’t expect Death in Paradise’s sunny crimes—this is desk-bound, Scottish humor. X fans noted some gags are “too local” for outsiders; missing cultural nods, like Glasgow slang, dulls the fun. Second, don’t assume it’s all laughs; family drama with Miekelson’s wife and daughter adds depth. Skipping these scenes makes the show feel flat.

Another mistake is expecting high production values. The mockumentary style is deliberately rough, not glossy. Also, it’s iPlayer-only for now, not on Netflix or BritBox—some X users were annoyed. Misjudge the tone, and you’ll find it slow; embrace the absurdity, and it’s a riot. Watch season one on iPlayer to prep for season two’s chaos.

The Rise of Police Comedy Shows

The Chief rides a wave of police comedies, from Brooklyn Nine-Nine to Pushing Daisies’ quirky crime-solving. Its Scot Squad roots and mockumentary style set it apart, focusing on bureaucracy over action. The Death in Paradise Puzzle Book’s Amazon success shows fans want interactive content, and The Chief delivers that with laughs.

The risk? If the humor’s too niche, it could alienate non-Scottish viewers. The BBC’s recent PR hits, like Gregg Wallace’s health scare, mean they need authentic hits. When The Chief nails Miekelson’s pompous charm, it’s gold. When it leans too hard on local jokes, it risks losing broader appeal. Still, it’s a fresh take on cop shows.

FAQs

What Is The Chief About?

It’s a BBC police sitcom with Jack Docherty as Chief Commissioner Miekelson, juggling work and family. Season two, filming now, has four episodes with a Dougray Scott cameo. It’s mockumentary-style, rooted in Scot Squad. Season one’s on iPlayer; season two hits in 2026. X fans love the humor, some find it niche.

How Does It Compare to Death in Paradise?

The Chief is a Scottish mockumentary, not a tropical mystery. It’s about bureaucracy, not murders, with dry humor vs. Death in Paradise’s cozy crimes. Both have strong casts—Lorraine McIntosh here, Don Warrington there. X users say it’s “grittier but funnier” but less polished.

Is The Chief Worth Watching?

If you like Scot Squad or dry comedy, yes. Season one’s iPlayer run and season two’s cast, including Sanjeev Kohli, make it a draw. Some X fans found it “too Scottish,” but Docherty’s Miekelson is a gem. Perfect for fans waiting for Death in Paradise’s series 15.

Can Non-Scots Enjoy The Chief?

Sure, but Glasgow humor and slang might fly over your head. The mockumentary style and family drama are universal, but cultural gags add flavor. Non-fans of Scot Squad can still laugh, though X users suggest watching season one first for context.

Where Can You Watch The Chief?

Season one’s on BBC iPlayer, not Netflix or BritBox. Season two, filming now, likely hits iPlayer in 2026. No release date yet, per the BBC. X fans asked for wider streaming, but iPlayer’s your spot for now. Check it for updates.

Why Include a Dougray Scott Cameo?

Scott’s cameo as himself adds star power, leveraging his Vigil and Crime fame. It’s a nod to fans, but risks feeling forced if overdone. He told the BBC it’s a “challenging” role, promising laughs. It’s a draw for viewers, especially in Scotland.

Conclusion

The Chief season two is shaping up as a must-watch, with Jack Docherty’s bumbling Miekelson, a Dougray Scott cameo, and new faces like Sanjeev Kohli. Filming in Glasgow for a 2026 iPlayer release, it’s a funny, mockumentary take on police life, perfect for Scot Squad fans. It’s not Death in Paradise’s sunny drama, but its Scottish grit delivers. Some X users find it niche, but the cast and humor shine. Catch season one on iPlayer and share your thoughts below—what’s your favorite cop comedy?