Prepare for an ocean-sized spectacle. The BBC has revealed that its highly anticipated five-part mini-series The War Between the Land and the Sea will kick off with a double episode premiere—debuting on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK on Sunday 7 December 2025.
In This Article:
What the story involves
At the heart of the tale is Barclay (portrayed by Russell Tovey), a seemingly unremarkable staffer with the global defence organisation UNIT. When an ancient species suddenly emerges from the seas, Barclay is thrust into a world-shaking mission, becoming humanity’s unlikely ambassador.
Joining him is the enigmatic Salt (played by Gugu Mbatha‑Raw), who appears amid the chaos at a summit on the Thames, and UNIT’s Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (played by Jemma Redgrave) leads the fight to protect Earth from this underwater threat.
Cast & creative team
The series unites a strong ensemble cast led by Russell Tovey as Barclay, known for his performances in Being Human, Looking, and Pride. Starring alongside him is Gugu Mbatha‑Raw as Salt, whose notable credits include The Morning Show, Loki, and the award-winning Black Mirror episode San Junipero. Jemma Redgrave returns as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, bringing experience from productions such as Grantchester, Holby City, and Dracula.
Ruth Madeley appears as Shirley Bingham, following acclaimed roles in Years and Years, The Rook, and Nightsleeper. Alexander Devrient takes on the role of Colonel Christofer Ibrahim, a character he is best known for in Doctor Who, and he has also appeared in single episodes of FBI: International, Ted Lasso, and The Lazarus Project. Colin McFarlane portrays General Austin Pierce, drawing from a career that spans series such as Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Crawl.
The supporting cast includes Adrian Lukis, known for Peak Practice, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, and Strauss Dynasty; Patrick Baladi, who’s appeared in The Office, D.I. Ray, and Mistresses; Francesca Corney, seen in The Buccaneers and The Girlfriend; Mei Mac, an Olivier-nominated actor with credits in Call the Midwife, East Mode, and the stage hit My Neighbour Totoro; Vincent Franklin, whose roles include Bodyguard, Happy Valley, Doc Martin, Gentleman Jack and The Bourne Identity; Waleed Hammad, who has appeared in What Happened That Night, and Meliha.
Rounding out the ensemble are Iestyn Arwel, who has been in 35 Awr and one episode of Death Valley; Hannah Donaldson, best known for Granite Harbour and three episodes of Irvine Welsh’s Crime; Manpreet Bachu, whose roles include River City and Casualty; and Ann Akinjirin, known for Brave New World and Trigonometry; each bringing depth and range to this star-studded supporting cast.
Behind the scenes, The War Between the Land and the Sea is shaped by an experienced creative team. Russell T Davies serves as showrunner and writer, collaborating with Pete McTighe, whose previous credits include Wentworth, The Pact, A Discovery of Witches, The Rising, and Neighbours. Direction is led by Dylan Holmes Williams, whose work includes Servant and the short film The Devil’s Harmony, as well as Ash’s music video for “Confessions in the Pool”. The series’ score is composed by Lorne Balfe, known for major film and television projects including Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Black Widow. Produced by Bad Wolf and BBC Studios, the series brings together both established and emerging voices in British television.
Release & viewing details
- UK premiere: 7 December 2025, double episode at 8:30 pm on BBC One and full availability on BBC iPlayer.
- International streaming: The show will arrive on Disney+ in 2026 in territories outside the UK.
In his commentary, Russell T Davies said: “We’re so proud to launch this show at the height of the schedules—and then all five episodes will combine to make a terrific box set to watch over the Christmas holidays!”
Why it matters
For fans of the wider “Whoniverse”, this is a big moment: the series builds on lore familiar to devotees of the main franchise, while promising fresh high-stakes drama and ancient sea-dwellers rising from the deep. With the UK premiere timed just ahead of the festive period, it seems designed for both event television and binge-watching.
For UK viewers, the double-bill launch offers an immersive introduction, allowing audiences to dive straight into the story and experience the full scope of the series’ world from the very first night. International fans will have to wait a little longer, giving the show time to build anticipation and buzz across social media and fan communities worldwide.
What to look out for
- A dark, sweeping narrative: ancient species, global crisis, water vs land.
- Rich production values: BBC Studios, Bad Wolf, and the creative team are all high calibre.
- Big cast ensemble: familiar names and new faces shape the story.
- Strategic release: the double-episode launch promises momentum from the start.
Why You Should Watch
Mark your calendars for 7 December 2025, because The War Between the Land and the Sea is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling sci-fi events of the year. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the wider franchise or completely new to the story, the series promises a gripping mix of mythology, high-stakes action, and unforgettable drama. With its double-bill premiere and a cast of both familiar and fresh faces, it’s a dive into uncharted territory you won’t want to miss.
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