The War Between the Land and the Sea (2025)
A gripping BBC One sci-fi miniseries where ancient ocean dwellers surface, forcing UNIT into a desperate battle for humanity's survival.
The War Between the Land and the Sea - Series Information
- Original Title: The War Between the Land and the Sea
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Russell T Davies
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 5
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: Bad Wolf, BBC Studios Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The War Between the Land and the Sea - Plot
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.
The War Between the Land and the Sea - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the conflict between worlds unfold:
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The War Between the Land and the Sea - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Russell T Davies
Main Cast
- Russell Tovey
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw
- George Robinson
- Barbara Probst
- Alexander Devrient
- Gethin Alderman
- Charles Sandford
- Stewart Alexander
- Colin McFarlane
- Francesca Corney
Writers
- Russell T Davies
- Pete McTighe
Executive Producers
- Phil Collinson
- Joel Collins
- Jane Tranter
- Julie Gardner
- Russell T Davies
The War Between the Land and the Sea - FAQs
Is The War Between the Land and the Sea a Doctor Who spin-off?
Yes, the series is a spin-off set within the Doctor Who universe, centred on UNIT — the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce. Creator Russell T Davies, who also revived Doctor Who, developed it as a standalone story exploring what happens when an ancient aquatic species surfaces and challenges humanity.
Where can you stream The War Between the Land and the Sea?
The War Between the Land and the Sea aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom. Streaming availability varies by region. You can check all current viewing options — including any subscription, rental, or free streaming platforms available in your area — via JustWatch.
Who are the lead actors in this series?
Russell Tovey stars as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Salt, an aquatic being known as Homo Aqua. The ensemble also includes George Robinson, Barbara Probst, Alexander Devrient, Stewart Alexander, Colin McFarlane, and Francesca Corney, among others.
What is The War Between the Land and the Sea about?
The series follows the emergence of a fearsome ancient species from the ocean, triggering a global crisis. UNIT mobilises to manage the escalating conflict between humanity and the aquatic civilisation. At its heart, the story also explores an unlikely interspecies romance amid the chaos of impending war.
How many episodes does the series have?
The War Between the Land and the Sea consists of 5 episodes across its single miniseries season. There are also 3 additional special episodes listed under Season 0. The series concluded in 2025 and is not currently in production for additional seasons.
Who created The War Between the Land and the Sea?
The series was created by Russell T Davies, the acclaimed showrunner best known for reviving Doctor Who. Davies also co-wrote the scripts alongside Pete McTighe. Executive producers include Phil Collinson, Joel Collins, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, and Davies himself.
Is The War Between the Land and the Sea based on a true story?
No, the series is entirely fictional. It is a science-fiction drama set in a world where an ancient aquatic species — Homo Aqua — has coexisted secretly beneath the ocean. The story draws on themes of environmental conflict, diplomacy, and first contact rather than any real-world events.
What are some shows similar to this series?
Viewers who enjoyed The War Between the Land and the Sea may also like The Survivors (2025), Cilla (2014), The Great Fire (2014), The Passing Bells (2014), and Olive Kitteridge (2014). These series share a similar blend of British drama, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes narrative tension.
More About The War Between the Land and the Sea
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources: