ITV has confirmed it is axing its crime drama After the Flood after two series, despite rave reviews from viewers and critics. The show, starring Sophie Rundle, will not return for a third season.
After the Flood impressed critics when it first aired in January 2024 and again when a second series arrived in January this year. However, the broadcaster has announced that no further episodes will be produced.
Plot and cast
The drama featured Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall, who became fixated on uncovering what befell a man discovered deceased in a lift following a flood. The constabulary presumed he got trapped during the catastrophic deluge, but the PC remained determined to uncover the truth, according to the Express.
The second series saw newly promoted Detective Jo Marshall pursuing a perplexing murder case. As tensions bubble in Waterside amidst the escalating threat of moorland blazes and the resulting danger of additional flooding, a corpse is found under extraordinary circumstances.
Sophie Rundle appeared alongside Philip Glenister, who assumed the part of property developer Jack Radcliffe, and Lorraine Ashbourne, who portrayed Jo's mother, Molly.
Critical reception
When the first series aired in 2024, it scored four out of five stars from The Guardian. Meanwhile, The Independent bestowed the series with a solid three out of five stars.
However, TV Zone revealed After the Flood will not be making a comeback. An ITV spokesperson told the publication: "We're very proud of After The Flood and what the drama achieved across two series."
"Commissioning decisions involve many factors and while there are no plans for a third series, we're very grateful to everyone who supported the drama. We'd like to extend our thanks to Mick Ford, Azhur Saleem, the actors and the team at Quay Street Productions for producing two brilliant series."
Budget cuts and other cancellations
ITV sparked outrage among fans when it revealed some enormous budget cuts last year. Some daytime favourites that have dominated the channel's schedule like Loose Women and Lorraine have now had their episode count slashed in half.
As a result of the cuts, After the Flood becomes the most recent casualty in a litany of cancelled programmes this year. It was previously confirmed that despite a hugely successful 2025 series, Celebrity Big Brother will be "rested" for 2026 — though it is expected to return for 2027.
After The Flood is available to stream on ITVX.
