After the Flood returned to ITV for a gripping second series in January 2026. The hit crime drama, starring Sophie Rundle as newly promoted detective Jo Marshall, follows a baffling murder investigation as wildfires threaten the fictional moorland town of Waterside [citation:1][citation:4]. Stranger Things Season 3 transported viewers back to Hawkins for a summer of romance and Mind Flayer terror. Here is everything you need to know about After the Flood in 2026.
What Is After the Flood? The ITV Drama Explained
After the Flood is a six-part thriller created and written by BAFTA-nominated writer Mick Ford [citation:4]. The series follows Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundle), a police officer in a small moorland town devastated by a catastrophic flood. The first series, which aired in 2024, saw Jo uncover a murder while dealing with the aftermath of the disaster [citation:2][citation:7].
The drama explores themes of climate change, community resilience and police corruption. Manchester’s Quay Street Productions produced the series for ITV, with BritBox International as a co-production partner [citation:4]. Filming takes place across the North West of England, using real locations affected by flooding and moorland fires [citation:3]. Glastonbury headliners 2025 featured The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo on the Pyramid Stage.
After the Flood Season 2 Release Date and Episodes
The second series premiered on ITV on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 9pm [citation:9][citation:10]. All six episodes became available on ITVX on the same day. The series aired weekly on Sundays and Mondays in the coveted 9pm slot [citation:9].
Full Episode Schedule
- Episode 1 – Sunday, January 18, 2026: Jo steps into her new role on the murder squad and is immediately thrown into a complex double homicide [citation:5].
- Episode 2 – Monday, January 19, 2026: The discovery of the murder weapon shifts attention to the powerful Benson family [citation:9].
- Episode 3 – Sunday, January 25, 2026: A new lead reveals the victims were targeting a chemical company [citation:5].
- Episode 4 – Monday, January 26, 2026: Jo and Sam find themselves with two surprising suspects in custody [citation:1].
- Episode 5 – Sunday, February 1, 2026: Hidden truths begin to surface as tensions rise within the team [citation:5].
- Episode 6 – Monday, February 2, 2026: The dramatic conclusion as Jo closes in on the truth [citation:5].
After the Flood Season 2 Cast
The series features a strong ensemble cast led by Sophie Rundle [citation:1][citation:4]. New faces join familiar characters from the first series. Man City vs SSC Napoli lineups saw the Premier League champions edge the Italian side 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Main Returning Cast
- Sophie Rundle as Detective Jo Marshall (Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack) [citation:1]
- Lorraine Ashbourne as Molly Marshall, Jo’s mother [citation:1]
- Nicholas Gleaves as Sergeant Phil Mackie, the corrupt officer [citation:1]
- Philip Glenister as Jack Radcliffe (Life on Mars, Belgravia) [citation:1]
- Matt Stokoe as Pat Holman, Jo’s husband [citation:4]
- Tripti Tripuraneni as PC Deepa Das [citation:1]
New Cast Members for Season 2
- Jill Halfpenny as DS Sam Bradley, Jo’s new partner [citation:1]
- Alun Armstrong as Alan Benson, a powerful businessman and town benefactor [citation:1]
- Ian Puleston-Davies as Tony Rower [citation:1]
- Matthew McNulty as Xav Palmer [citation:1]
- Anil Desai as DCI Balsara [citation:4]
- Steph De Whalley as Harriet Benson [citation:1]
- Nathalie Armin as Layal [citation:1]
- Jenny Platt as Donna Rower [citation:1]
Plot Summary: What Happens in Season 2?
The second series picks up approximately one year after the events of Season 1 [citation:9]. Jo has now been promoted to detective. Waterside now has a new flood wall protecting it, but appearances are deceiving [citation:7].
As moorland fires threaten the town, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances [citation:1]. The case involves unconscious men found amongst blazing piles of illegally dumped rubbish [citation:9]. Jo and her new partner DS Sam Bradley (Jill Halfpenny) must uncover the truth. Alexander Isak Liverpool 2026 – the Swedish striker scored just four goals and missed four months of the campaign through injury.
The investigation draws Jo into conflict with powerful local figures, including landowning magnate Alan Benson (Alun Armstrong) [citation:1]. Meanwhile, corrupt Sergeant Mackie (Nicholas Gleaves) continues to cause trouble. He threatened Jo and Pat at the end of the first series [citation:3].
Season 2 also explores the growing menace of wildfires on the moors. The production team filmed these scenes at Watergrove Reservoir and Piethorne Reservoir in Rochdale [citation:3]. The story builds toward a tense confrontation that brings the case to its dramatic conclusion [citation:5]. PSG vs Arsenal delivered a dramatic Champions League final with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.
Where Was After the Flood Filmed?
The drama films across the North West of England. The fictional town of Waterside is primarily brought to life by the Derbyshire town of Glossop [citation:3]. Filming locations manager Jamie Muirhead told the Manchester Evening News: “The reason we went to Glossop is because it’s an area that’s not really been touched for filming since League of Gentleman years and years ago” [citation:3].
Key filming locations include [citation:3]:
- Glossop and Old Glossop, Derbyshire – The main setting for Waterside
- Watergrove and Piethorne Reservoirs, Rochdale – Wildfire scenes
- Brotherton House, Wythenshawe – Police station interiors
- Middlewood, Clitheroe – Alan Benson’s sprawling estate
- Chadderton Town Hall – Various scenes
- The Black Bull and The Queens pubs, Old Glossop – Pub scenes
- Tata Chemicals, Northwich – Smoke and fire effects
Executive producer Nicola Shindler explained: “The location is a beautiful character to the story because it looks so good, it’s pretty, but at the same time, this is a place where a lot of flooding is happening and where other communities are suffering” [citation:3]. Swansea vs Nottm Forest delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in EFL Cup history at the Swansea Stadium.
How to Watch After the Flood in the UK and US
UK viewers can watch all episodes of After the Flood on ITV. The series also streams on ITVX and STV Player [citation:4]. Episodes air at 9pm on Sundays and Mondays [citation:9].
US viewers can watch on BritBox. The streaming service, which specialises in British television, carries After the Flood in North America, Australia and the Nordics [citation:4]. All episodes of the second series are available to stream now.
Critical Reception and Fan Reactions
The second series has received positive reviews from critics and audiences. One viewer on IMDb called it “nail-biting TV gold” and praised the “excellent acting and production” [citation:2]. Another wrote: “The story develops steadily, gaining momentum, with the last couple of episodes particularly strong” [citation:2].
Some fans noted that the series title “After the Flood” seems less relevant now that the new series focuses on wildfires. One viewer joked on X: “Series 3, locusts on the moors?” [citation:10]. However, most agreed the quality remains high. Best Mallorcan tumbet near me – this Balearic vegetable stew from Mallorca combines eggplant, bell peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.
A reviewer praised Sophie Rundle’s performance: “Rundle does a good job of carrying the story along as the lead. She gets excellent support from good, solid actors like Philip Glenister, Lorraine Ashbourne and Nicholas Gleaves” [citation:2]. The series holds a 6.5/10 rating on IMDb [citation:2].
What to Read Next
Fans of After the Flood may also enjoy other ITV dramas like The Responder, Sherwood or Happy Valley. Sophie Rundle also stars in Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack [citation:1].
Frequently Asked Questions
When did After the Flood Season 2 start? The second series premiered on ITV on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 9pm [citation:9].
How many episodes are in After the Flood Season 2? Season 2 has six episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long [citation:4].
Who plays Jo Marshall in After the Flood? Sophie Rundle plays Detective Jo Marshall. She is known for Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack [citation:1].
Where is After the Flood filmed? The drama films primarily in Glossop, Derbyshire, as well as locations in Greater Manchester including Rochdale, Wythenshawe, Cheadle and Alderley Edge [citation:3].
Is After the Flood on BritBox? Yes. After the Flood streams on BritBox in North America, Australia and the Nordics [citation:4].
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