After the Flood Season 2: Everything You Need to Know About the ITV Return

The wait is finally over. While the first series submerged the fictional town of Waterside in a devastating deluge, After the Flood season 2 has returned to our screens with a terrifying new threat: fire.

It has been a long two-year hiatus for fans of the hit ITV mystery. When we last saw PC Jo Marshall, she was wading through murky floodwaters and even murkier police corruption. Now, the stakes have shifted. The water has receded, but the heat is rising.

Premiering on Sunday, 18 January 2026, the second series jumps forward 12 months. It trades the torrential rain for scorched earth, bringing Sophie Rundle back to the lead role in a case that feels arguably more dangerous than the first.

If you are looking for the confirmed release schedule, a breakdown of the new cast members, or a guide to the real-life filming locations in Glossop and Greater Manchester, you are in the right place. Here is your ultimate guide to the return of ITV’s premier climate-crime thriller.

After the Flood Season 2 Release Date & How to Watch

For UK viewers, the release strategy for season 2 follows the modern “box set” model we have come to expect from major ITV dramas like Trigger Point and Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

After the Flood season 2 officially premiered on ITV1 at 9:00 PM on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

However, if you prefer to binge-watch rather than wait for weekly appointments, you are in luck. As confirmed by the  ITVX Official Listing, the entire six-part series dropped as a box set on ITVX immediately after the first episode aired.

Confirmed Broadcast Schedule (ITV1)

If you prefer watching live on Sunday nights, here is the linear schedule:

My Pro-Tip for Viewers: Avoid social media spoilers if you are watching weekly on ITV1. Since the full series is already on ITVX, key plot twists regarding the “Red X” mystery are already circulating on Twitter/X.

The Series 2 Plot: From Devastating Floods to Moorland Fires

Writer Mick Ford has cleverly flipped the script for the second outing. The narrative hook of the first series was the physical oppression of water. In After the Flood season 2, the threat is elemental in a different way.

The story picks up 12 months after the events of the series 1 finale. The town of Waterside is still recovering from the floods, but a dry summer has created tinderbox conditions on the surrounding moors.

The New Case

Jo Marshall has been promoted to Detective Constable (DC). She is no longer the rogue PC hiding evidence; she is now officially part of the investigative team. However, her promotion brings new friction.

The central mystery begins when a wildfire rips through the moorlands overlooking the town. Once the smoke clears and the flames are extinguished, a body is discovered in the ashes. But as with all things in Waterside, the elements are just a cover for murder. The body was not killed by the fire, it was placed there to be destroyed by it.

According to the official synopsis from Quay Street Productions, the investigation drags Jo into a conflict involving eco-activists, local property developers trying to rebuild the flood-hit town, and a “Red X” criminal network operating in the shadows.

Character Evolution

The most compelling shift this season is Jo’s personal life. Her baby, Evie, is now a year old. Jo is balancing the demands of a high-pressure murder investigation with new motherhood, a theme Sophie Rundle portrays with gritty realism.

Furthermore, the dynamic with her husband, Pat, has shifted. After the secrets revealed in season 1, trust is a scarce resource in the Marshall household.

After the Flood Series 2 Cast: Who’s New and Returning?

A crime drama is only as strong as its ensemble. While Sophie Rundle anchors the show, the arrival of seasoned British acting talent adds significant weight to the new season.

Returning Favourites

• Sophie Rundle as DC Jo Marshall: The Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack star returns as the tenacious detective. Her performance this season feels more grounded; she plays Jo with a hardened edge that wasn’t there in the first series.
• Philip Glenister as Jack Radcliffe: The property developer and local power-player remains a central figure. Glenister continues to walk that fine line between charming local hero and potential villain.
• Lorraine Ashbourne as Molly Marshall: Jo’s mother remains the emotional heart of the show, providing the local gossip and grounding Jo when the case gets too dark.
• Matt Stokoe as Pat Holman: Jo’s on-screen husband (and Rundle’s real-life partner) returns. Their chemistry remains palpable, especially as their characters navigate the fallout of the previous year’s lies.

New Faces in Waterside

The second series introduces heavy hitters that will be familiar to fans of UK television.

• Jill Halfpenny as DS Sam Bradley:

  Perhaps the most exciting addition is Jill Halfpenny (The Long Shadow, The Drowning). She joins the team as a no-nonsense Detective Sergeant.

  • Character Insight: DS Bradley is brought in to oversee the wildfire murder case. Unlike Jo’s previous superiors, Bradley plays strictly by the book, creating immediate tension with Jo’s instinctive, rule-bending style.

• Alun Armstrong as Alan Benson:
• The veteran actor (New Tricks, Sherwood) plays a local landowner with deep ties to the moorlands. His character becomes a prime suspect as the investigation into the fire reveals historic land disputes.
• Matthew McNulty as Xav Palmer:
• McNulty takes on the role of an environmental consultant working on the town’s regeneration. Is he a helpful expert, or does he know more about the fire’s origin than he is letting on?

Filming Locations: Where Was After the Flood Series 2 Filmed?

One of the standout characters of the show is the town of Waterside itself. While the town is fictional, the locations are very real and situated in the north of England.

If you are local to the North West, you likely spotted the production crews throughout mid-2025. Here is a breakdown of the key shooting spots.

1. Glossop, Derbyshire (The Real Waterside)

Just like in season 1, the Derbyshire market town of Glossop serves as the primary double for Waterside.

• The Police Station: The exterior shots of the police station were once again filmed at the former NatWest bank building on High Street West.
• The Town Square: Many of the “town hall” meetings regarding the fire safety protocols were filmed in the municipal buildings near Norfolk Square.

2. Rochdale & Oldham Moorlands

To capture the menacing beauty of the wildfires, the production moved out of the valley and onto the moors.

• Wardle & Littleborough: According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, crews were spotted filming controlled smoke sequences near Watergrove Reservoir. This area provides the bleak, expansive backdrop needed for the fire investigation scenes.
• Tandle Hill: Some of the wooded search sequences were filmed around Tandle Hill Country Park, offering the dense tree cover required for the pursuit scenes in episode 3.

On Location: A Fan’s Guide:

having visited Glossop recently, it is surprisingly easy to walk the “Waterside” beat. If you stand on the bridge over the Glossop Brook near the town centre, you get the exact view used in the opening credits. It is a must-visit for die-hard fans of the show.

3. Manchester City Centre

While the show feels rural, many interior shots (police station offices, interview rooms) were filmed on purpose-built sets at Space Studios Manchester in West Gorton, as well as various office blocks in the city centre doubling as administrative buildings.

Ending Explained: What Happens to the Waterside Corruption? (Spoilers)

Warning: This section discusses themes and plot points relevant to the season finale. Proceed with caution.

The core of After the Flood season 2 isn’t just about who started the fire; it is about who allowed it to burn.

Without giving away the final twist, the ending of season 2 circles back to the corruption hinted at in season 1. The “Red X” graffiti seen throughout the episodes is revealed to be a marker for a toxic waste dumping scheme, a crime hidden by the floods of yesteryear and exposed by the fires of today.

The finale draws a sharp parallel to real-world issues. As noted in a review by The Guardian, the show successfully transitions from a “disaster movie” format to a “state-of-the-nation” thriller. The villains aren’t just murderers; they are opportunists exploiting climate change for profit.

Jo Marshall’s journey concludes with a bittersweet victory. The killer is caught, but the institutional rot within the regional police force, personified by the lingering influence of Phil Mackie’s old network, remains partially intact. This open-ended conclusion clearly sets the stage for a potential third series.

Will There Be an After the Flood Season 3?

As of January 2026, ITV has not officially greenlit After the Flood season 3.

However, the outlook is positive. The debut ratings for season 2 have been strong, with the premiere drawing millions of viewers on ITV1. Given that Quay Street Productions (founded by Nicola Shindler) has a track record of multi-series hits like Happy Valley and Traces, a third renewal seems highly likely.

If commissioned, we could expect Season 3 to air in early 2028, following the established two-year production cycle.

Why This Show Matters Right Now

After the Flood season 2 cements its place as a pioneer in the “climate-crime” genre. It creates a palpable sense of anxiety that resonates with British viewers who have experienced increasingly erratic weather patterns.

By grounding a murder mystery in the reality of floods and wildfires, ITV has created a procedural that feels urgent. It is not just about finding a killer; it is about surviving the environment we have created.

Whether you are tuning in for Sophie Rundle’s powerhouse performance, the scenic Derbyshire landscapes, or the twisting mystery, this series is essential viewing for 2026.

FAQs

Is After the Flood season 2 out yet?

Yes, the series premiered on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

How many episodes are in After the Flood series 2?

There are 6 episodes in total, each running approximately 45-50 minutes.

Where can I watch After the Flood season 2?

You can watch it weekly on ITV1 or stream the full box set on ITVX right now.

Who is the new detective in After the Flood?

Jill Halfpenny joins the cast as DS Sam Bradley, Jo Marshall’s new superior.

Is Waterside a real place?

No, Waterside is a fictional town. The series is primarily filmed in Glossop, Derbyshire, and around Greater Manchester.

What happened to the baby in After the Flood?

Jo’s baby, Evie, is now a toddler (approx. 12 months old) in the new season.

Who wrote After the Flood?

The series is written by BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Mick Ford, known for The Stranger and Stay Close.

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