The BBC has confirmed that The War Between the Land and the Sea will launch with a double bill on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on December 7 from 8:30pm. The five part event thriller is created by Russell T Davies and introduces a new sci fi narrative set within the world of Doctor Who.
What is ‘The War Between The Land And The Sea’ About?
The series follows Barclay, played by Russell Tovey, an unassuming UNIT staffer whose quiet life collapses when an ancient species rises from the ocean. Following the arrival of the mysterious Salt, played by Gugu Mbatha Raw, Barclay is thrust into the role of humanity’s unlikely ambassador. UNIT, led by Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge Stewart, struggles to maintain control as the crisis escalates across London.
The main cast also includes Ruth Madeley as Shirley Bingham, Alexander Devrient as Colonel Christofer Ibrahim and Colin McFarlane as General Austin Pierce. Additional cast members include Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac, Vincent Franklin, Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu and Ann Akinjirin.
“A Terrific Box Set to Watch Over the Christmas Holidays”
In a statement, 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!”
The series is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television, written by Davies with Executive Producer Pete McTighe. Direction comes from Dylan Holmes Williams with a score composed by Lorne Balfe. Outside the UK, the series will release exclusively on Disney+ in 2026.
DThe War Between the Land and the Sea premieres with a double-bill release on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on December 7. Check out a trailer below:
