ITV's acclaimed detective drama 'After the Flood' is set to make a powerful return to screens for a highly anticipated second series. The show, which cleverly weaves a gripping murder mystery with the urgent backdrop of climate change, will premiere on Sunday, 18th January 2026 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
What's New in Series Two?
The new season picks up with Sophie Rundle reprising her role as the tenacious Detective Jo Marshall, now newly promoted. She finds herself at the heart of another perplexing case in the fictional town of Waterside. As tensions rise with the threat of moorland fires and further flooding, a body is discovered under strange circumstances.
Jo's investigation pits her against influential local forces, pulling her into a deeply personal quest to uncover corruption that has plagued the town's police and her own family for decades. Writer Mick Ford emphasises the series is about "truth, choices, and consequences, both personal and environmental."
Star-Studded Cast Expands
The returning ensemble is bolstered by several exciting new faces. Lorraine Ashbourne, Nicholas Gleaves, Philip Glenister, and Matt Stokoe all reprise their roles from the first series.
They are joined by an impressive line-up of newcomers, including Jill Halfpenny as Jo's new boss, DS Sam Bradley, and Alun Armstrong as Alan Benson. Further additions to the cast are Matthew McNulty, Ian Puleston-Davies, Anil Desai, and newcomer Lola Brown.
Sophie Rundle teased that the new series digs deeper into character stories, exploring "how they hurt and love each other, and the damage done to themselves and the environment."
Filming Locations and Episode Guide
The drama, which is filmed in and around Manchester, uses the town of Glossop to represent most of Waterside, with additional scenes shot in Littleborough. The ominous moorland scenes were captured near Wardle, Rochdale.
Production for the new series also took place at Alderley Edge, Jackdaw Quarry in Capernwray, Wythenshawe, Cheadle, and Clitheroe.
Fans can look forward to six hour-long episodes, airing on Sunday and Monday nights in the prime 9pm slot. The second episode will be broadcast on Monday, 19th January. The entire first series is available to stream now on ITVX for those needing to catch up.
