Series synopsis
The War Between the Land and the Sea is a British sci-fi & fantasy drama television series that premiered on BBC One on December 7, 2025. It ended on December 21, 2025. It was created by Russell T Davies. It stars Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave and Ruth Madeley.
When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.
Premise
When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt
- Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart
- Ruth Madeley as Shirley Bingham
Guest cast
- Rodo Gener as Agustin
- Henry Nott as Corporal Pip Morgan
- Fia Hadeed as Private Bushra Abdallah
- Delroy Brown as Jackson St Lewis
- Leo Anthony as Roger Trevithick
- Alys Metcalf as UK Reporter
- Benito Curteanu as Marko Novak
- Patrick Baladi as Sir Keith Spears
- Cordelia Bugeja as Esther Spears
- Antonia Bernath as Rose-Marie Hunt
- Iestyn Arwel as Platoon Leader
- Zina Esepciuc as Russian Newsreader (as Zina Ida)
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 8 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 3 | November 29, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| Season 1 | 5 | December 7, 2025 | December 21, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sneak Peek The cast and writers of The War Between the Land and the Sea give us a sneak peek behind the scenes and tease what we can expect from the new series. |
November 29, 2025 |
| 2 |
Interview with the Writers Writers Russell T Davies and Pete McTighe discuss The War Between the Land and the Sea. |
December 22, 2025 |
| 3 |
The Making Of The War Between The Land And The Sea Go behind the scenes of the Doctor Who spin-off. Witness the creation of stunning sets and groundbreaking special effects. Explore the challenges and triumphs of filming across diverse locations, from Spain to a wave pool. |
February 15, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Homo Aqua Barclay's ordinary life becomes a world of terror when an ancient species rises from the sea. As UNIT fights for control, the summit on the Thames reveals terrifying secrets. |
December 7, 2025 |
| 2 |
Plastic Apocalypse Barclay becomes humanity's ambassador when the mysterious Salt emerges from the Tank. But his family's life is torn apart when Salt wreaks revenge upon all mankind. |
December 7, 2025 |
| 3 |
The Deep Barclay makes a terrifying descent into the world of Homo Aqua. Back on the land, Kate stands alone as Downing Street conspires with the army to change the course of the war. |
December 14, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | December 7, 2025 |
| Last aired | December 21, 2025 |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Sunday |