“When I was offered the chance to re-imagine Monarch of the Glen, I leapt at it,” said Jeremy Brock, the series’ creator. The beloved Scottish comedy-drama is set to return with a six-part reboot airing on Channel 5, bringing a fresh storyline and a new lead character.
The new protagonist, Isla Campbell, is a high-flying London lawyer who returns to her family’s Highland estate for her estranged father’s funeral. Upon her arrival, she discovers that she has inherited a million-pound debt along with a brother who refuses to let go of their ancestral home.
Filming for this reboot will take place in Scotland and Northern Ireland later this year. Ecosse Films, known for producing the original series, continues its involvement in this reimagining.
Jeremy Brock emphasized that hope and joy are essential themes in the new series. He stated, “Hope and joy are a currency in short supply right now, and the Highlands – one of the most magical places on Earth – felt like exactly the right home for them.”
The original Monarch of the Glen aired from 2000 to 2005 on BBC One, spanning 64 episodes across seven series. It was loosely based on Sir Compton Mackenzie’s Highland Novels series.
Robert Bernstein expressed excitement about introducing this beloved show to a new generation: “Monarch of the Glen holds a very special place in our hearts, and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this beloved show to the next generation of viewers.”
Meanwhile, casting details for the new series have not yet been revealed. Fans eagerly await information about who will join Isla Campbell in this updated family saga.
On another front, Susanne Simpson from Masterpiece PBS highlighted that this version will capture the warmth, humor, and romance that American audiences seek in their programming.
