Silent Witness 2026: Series 29 set and filmed in Birmingham

Introduction

Silent Witness 2026 marks the return of one of the BBC’s longest-running forensic crime dramas at a milestone moment for the show. The renewal for a 29th series, timed to coincide with the programme’s 30th year, is significant for viewers who follow the long-form evolution of television crime storytelling and for regional production, as the series moves its filming base. Early confirmations about setting, episode count and themes make this instalment a notable development for fans and the wider UK television industry.

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Filming and setting

First-look images have been released ahead of the show’s return to the BBC in February 2026, confirming that Silent Witness 2026 will be set and filmed in Birmingham. The relocation of the production represents a change in backdrop for the series and highlights continued investment in filming outside London. Coverage of the move has included lists of filming locations used across the region.

Series format and themes

According to reporting in The Mirror, the 2026 series centres around the theme of trust. Series 29 will see the team from Silent Witness return for five distinct stories, told across a 10-episode run. This structure suggests a mix of two-part stories or multi-episode arcs, continuing the show’s approach of combining character-driven investigation with forensic detail.

Cast and official renewal

Emilia Fox, who has been closely associated with Silent Witness, has shared the news of the show’s renewal. The series has been officially renewed for a 29th series and is set to air in early 2026. The timing aligns with the show’s 30th anniversary, making this series both a continuation and a commemorative event for long-time viewers.

Conclusion

Silent Witness 2026 arrives with clear signals of continuity and change: familiar lead talent and the show’s established forensic format, alongside a new regional base in Birmingham and a thematic focus on trust. For viewers, the 10-episode, five-story structure promises a mix of self-contained and serialised storytelling. With the first-look images released and a confirmed early 2026 return, audiences can expect further casting and production details ahead of the broadcast.