ITV has moved swiftly to fill a prime Sunday night slot, confirming that the hit drama After the Flood will return for its second series, directly replacing the concluded fan favourite Red Eye.
A Seamless Primetime Handover
With the second series of the high-stakes drama Red Eye, starring Martin Compston, concluding on Monday, January 12, 2026, viewers were left wondering what would take its coveted Sunday and Monday 9pm slots. ITV has now provided the answer, ensuring fans of gripping television are not left wanting. The broadcaster has announced that another of its popular titles, After the Flood, will make its return to screens from Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The new series will consist of six episodes, airing weekly in that primetime Sunday slot, with a repeat on Monday evenings. This scheduling maintains ITV's stronghold on Sunday night drama, following a stellar start to the year which saw the return of BBC's The Night Manager and Red Eye's own second season.
What to Expect in Series Two
Sophie Rundle reprises her role as Detective Joanna Marshall, now newly promoted and leading a baffling murder investigation. The synopsis sets the scene in the town of Waterside, where simmering tensions, moorland fires, and the ever-present risk of flooding form the backdrop. The discovery of a body in bizarre circumstances draws Jo into a conflict with powerful local forces and a deeply personal probe into corruption that has plagued the town's police and her own family for decades.
Rundle herself teased the series, stating: "This series starts with a body that is found on the moors. Jo, rather than trying to get into the investigation, is now leading it." She promises a "spider web of conspiracy and lies" intertwined with climate themes, familial dynamics, and community strife.
Familiar Faces and New Additions
The core cast returns, including Lorraine Ashbourne as Molly Marshall, Nicholas Gleaves as Sergeant Phil Mackie, Philip Glenister as Jack Radcliffe, and Matt Stokoe as Jo's husband, Pat Holman.
They are joined by significant new cast members, adding fresh intrigue to the storyline. Alun Armstrong (Sherwood) joins as Alan Benson, while Jill Halfpenny (The Long Shadow) takes on the role of DS Sam Bradley, Jo's new boss. Rundle described Halfpenny's character as a "brilliant detective, slightly rebellious, and aspirational."
Reflecting on the series' evolution from its 2024 debut, Rundle explained: "This series is more of that procedural mystery drama audiences love. It invites the guessing game... We dig deeper into the other character stories and how they hurt and love each other."
After the Flood series two begins on ITV and STV on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9pm. All episodes will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player. The entire first series is available to catch up on now via ITVX.
