The Ridge is an upcoming psychological thriller series for BBC Scotland and Britbox. Directed by Douglas Mackinnon (known for Line of Duty) and Robyn Grace (Emmy-nominated for Sweet Tooth), the series is set to be a world-class drama, with the action spanning both Scotland and New Zealand.
The show follows Mia, played by Lauren Lyle, who travels from Scotland to New Zealand for her estranged sister’s wedding, only to find her sister dead. This dark and gripping tale dives deep into grief, addiction, and small-town secrets. The series is expected to be available later this year on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open, and NEON.
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When and Where was The Ridge Filmed?
Title | The Ridge |
---|---|
Genres | Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery |
Filming Locations | Scotland, New Zealand |
Filming Start Date | 2024 |
Cinematography by | Doug Emmett |
Release Dates | 2025 (exact date TBD) |
Filming for The Ridge began in 2024, with the production team working across two continents: Scotland and New Zealand. These locations were chosen to complement the film’s eerie and gothic tone, with Scotland offering dark, moody landscapes, while New Zealand‘s scenic beauty adds a mysterious twist to the story.
📍Scotland
Much of the story takes place in Scotland, with Mia’s journey beginning there as she grapples with addiction. Scotland’s rugged landscapes and moody weather set the perfect backdrop for the haunting atmosphere of the show. Specific filming locations in Scotland remain undisclosed, but the rugged terrain and small, isolated communities in the country likely provided the necessary tension and isolation that the story requires.

Scotland’s dramatic, sometimes bleak, natural beauty makes it a go-to for filmmakers wanting to evoke mystery and suspense. Its historical buildings, grey skies, and unpredictable weather perfectly suit the psychological thriller genre.
📍New Zealand
The second major filming location for The Ridge is New Zealand, where the plot unfolds after Mia travels to her estranged sister’s wedding. Once in New Zealand, the idyllic yet tension-filled environment of the small community plays a key role in the development of the narrative.
New Zealand is known for its lush landscapes, with the country offering rolling hills, green valleys, and secluded towns that help build the feeling of being trapped in an isolated community. With locations like Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch potentially being used, New Zealand’s cinematic appeal will add a beautiful contrast to the tension-filled, tragic story unfolding in The Ridge.
The Ridge Behind the Scenes
FAQs
Q: Where was The Ridge filmed?
A: The Ridge was filmed in Scotland and New Zealand, with filming locations in both countries used to portray the contrasting elements of the story.
Q: When did filming for The Ridge take place?
A: Filming began in 2024 and continues into 2025.
Q: When will The Ridge be released?
A: The series is expected to be released later in 2025 on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open, and NEON.
Q: Who stars in The Ridge?
A: The lead role of Mia is played by Lauren Lyle, with Jay Ryan playing Ewan, her late sister’s fiancé. Other cast members include Matt Grace and Jessica Hecht.
Q: Is The Ridge connected to any other series?
A: No, The Ridge is an independent psychological thriller but features the direction of Douglas Mackinnon, known for his work on Line of Duty.
The Ridge will be released in 2025 and is set to be a must-watch psychological thriller. Stay tuned for more updates from BBC Scotland and Britbox as the release date nears!