The Bay (2019)
A taut British crime drama set on the Morecambe coast, where personal entanglement and professional duty collide in every investigation.
The Bay - Series Information
- Original Title: The Bay
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Daragh Carville, Richard Clark
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 20, 2019 (United States - TV-14), March 20, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), March 20, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), March 20, 2019 (Mexico - B-15), March 20, 2019 (Spain - 16), March 20, 2019 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: Tall Story Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Bay - Plot
Family Liaison Officer Lisa Armstrong becomes a little too emotionally involved with a case (to the point where she might compromise it) concerning a pair of missing Morecambe twins to whose distraught parents she is assigned.
The Bay - Trailer
See the tension unfold along the Morecambe coast in the official trailer below.
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The Bay - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Daragh Carville
- Richard Clark
Main Cast
- Daniel Ryan
- Erin Shanagher
- Andrew Dowbiggin
- Marsha Thomason
- Barry Sloane
- Georgina Scholes
- David Carpenter
- Thomas Law
- Emme Haynes
- Morven Christie
Writers
- Daragh Carville
- Kate O'Riordan
The Bay - FAQs
Is The Bay based on a true story?
The Bay is a fictional drama, though it draws on the real coastal town of Morecambe in Lancashire, England, as its atmospheric backdrop. Creator Daragh Carville crafted the characters and storylines from imagination, using the distinctive seaside setting to ground the series in a vivid, believable sense of place.
Why does the lead detective change each season of The Bay?
Each season of The Bay introduces a new Family Liaison Officer or detective as its central character, giving the show an anthology-like freshness while keeping Morecambe and its ensemble community constant. Morven Christie led Series 1 and 2, followed by Marsha Thomason and then Daniel Ryan, each bringing a distinct perspective to the role.
Where can you stream The Bay?
The Bay is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Amazon Channel, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel. If you prefer to own episodes, they can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Is The Bay worth watching for crime drama fans?
Absolutely. The Bay stands out in the crowded British crime drama landscape thanks to its intimate character focus, moody Morecambe setting, and emotionally layered storytelling. Rather than relying purely on procedural twists, it digs into the personal toll investigations take on the officers involved, making it compelling viewing across all five series.
How many seasons and episodes does The Bay have?
The Bay has five seasons, each consisting of six episodes, bringing the total to 30 episodes. The series has been airing on ITV1 since March 2019 and remains in production, with a fifth season continuing the show's tradition of a self-contained mystery set against the Morecambe coastline.
Who created The Bay and who writes it?
The Bay was created by Daragh Carville and Richard Clark. Carville has served as the primary writer throughout the series, with Kate O'Riordan also contributing scripts. The writing team's focus on character psychology and community dynamics has been central to the show's consistent critical appeal across its five seasons.
Where is The Bay filmed?
The Bay is filmed on location in Morecambe, a seaside town in Lancashire, northwest England. The town's distinctive bay, promenade, and working-class neighborhoods are integral to the series' atmosphere, giving it a grounded, authentic feel that distinguishes it from many studio-heavy British crime dramas.
What are some shows similar to The Bay?
If The Bay appeals to you, consider Vigil, Grace, and The Tower — all British crime dramas with strong character-driven mysteries. Vigil blends procedural tension with political intrigue, Grace follows a Brighton detective with a supernatural edge, and The Tower offers a compelling look at police investigations with moral complexity.
More About The Bay
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