Giri/Haji cancelled by BBC after one season as creator reveals second run was planned

BBC said show would not be returning ‘to create room for new dramas’

British/Japanese-language drama 'Giri/Haji' has been cancelled after one season (BBC)

Bafta-winning drama Giri/Haji has been cancelled after one season.

The British/Japanese series, which aired on BBC Two last year before joining Netflix internationally, follows detective Kenzo Mori (Takehiro Hira) as he searched for his missing brother in London.

Created by Joe Barton, the show was considered one of the biggest sleeper hits of the last year, with The Independent calling it “the most underrated television drama of 2019”. 

Giri/Haji was nominated for three Baftas, with Will Sharpe taking home the award for supporting actor.

However, on Thursday (10 September), it was reported that the BBC and distributor Netflix had reached the decision not to bring Giri/Haji back.

A BBC spokesperson told RadioTimes.com: “We are incredibly proud of Giri/Haji and the recognition that it achieved, however in order to create room for new dramas it will not be returning. We are very grateful to Joe and the cast and crew for all their hard work on it.”

Taki (Aoi Okuyama) and Kenzo (Takehiro Hira) in 'Giri/Haji' (BBC / Sister Pictures)

However, Barton wrote on social media that he had planned for the show to return, tweeting: “We had a whole outline for a 2nd series. Would have been very Rodney/Taki centric. It’s a shame but at least I won’t have a chance to f*** it up.”

The news of Giri/Haji’s cancellation was a frustrating one for fans, one of whom tweeted in reference to the BBC’s comment: “‘In order to make room for new dramas’ I’ve waded through a ton of s*** series on the BBC and Netflix. And they have to cancel one of the best after one season??”

“What is wrong w you BBC & Netflix,” another echoed. “So much ridiculous crap you churn out and you choose not to continue this brilliant series? To make room for more crap?”