The BBC has confirmed that The Split Up, the legal drama spin-off from Nicola Walker's The Split, will return for a second series. The announcement comes after the six-part series, set in Manchester, concluded last week.
A New Family of Divorce Lawyers
Unlike the original series, which followed the Defoe family, The Split Up centres on the Kishans, a British-Asian family of divorce lawyers, and the heartbreaks of their personal and professional lives. The BBC had earlier teased the series would feature "the high-stakes world of Manchester's divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme".
Kishan Law is described as "a British-Asian high net worth family law firm in Manchester, noted for its clientele and its reputation. They are the 'go to firm' for Manchester's elite who come to them for their excellence, integrity, and discretion." The synopsis adds that "the future and legacy of Kishan Law hangs in the balance when a family secret from the past comes to light, throwing their professional and personal lives into turmoil."
Creator and Producers React
The BBC confirmed that new episodes would bring "more loves, losses, secrets and lies for the Kishan family to unravel". Creator Ursula Rani Sarma said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the response to The Split Up. It means so much to see audiences embrace a family whose story reflects the diversity of our world. I'm thrilled to be bringing the Kishan family back for a second series, and my heartfelt thanks go to the BBC, Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone and my incredible team, as well as everyone who tuned in and supported us. We can't wait to show you what happens next!"
The Split producer Abi Morgan said: "I am delighted that The Split Up has found its audience and home at the BBC and look forward to what is next for Kishan Law under Ursula Rani Sarma and her brilliant creative team." Executive producer Jane Featherstone added: "Family and relationships are endlessly fascinating, and it's been wonderful to see audiences fall for the Kishans in all their complexity. For me, and my fellow EP, Bryony Arnold, working with Abi Morgan and Ursula Rani Sarma has been such a joy, and our remarkable cast have brought these characters to life with real humour and heart. We're incredibly proud of the whole team and thrilled to be working with the BBC on a second series - there's plenty of unfinished business at Kishan Law."
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "We're thrilled that The Split Up will return for a second series. Viewers have taken the Kishan family straight to their hearts and we'd like to thank Ursula Rani Sarma, Abi Morgan and the whole creative team for building a series packed full of warmth, wit, emotional truth and humanity. It's a pleasure to continue our creative partnership with SISTER Pictures and Little Chick, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead."
Fan Demand and Future Hopes
The confirmation follows an outpouring of praise from fans, with one person writing: "Just finished #TheSplitUp. Phenomenal television, beautifully written and the cast were absolutely fantastic. It deserves all the love that its 'parent' show got and I'm sad that it's not been as recognised." Another said: "Loved it, look forward to season two!" while someone else wrote: "I think it's fantastic. Great seeing Sanjeev Bhaskar in another drama, and I loved the siblings. And wow so much happened. Can't wait for more."
Another viewer said: "I've watched the whole series. Brilliant but left with a few cliff hangers!" and one wrote: "Totally loved this. Binged the whole lot today. We need a season 2!!" Yet another echoed: "Hooked line and sinker - great watch!" while someone else said: "Just binge watched the whole lot! Addictive and loved it!"
Creator Ursula Rani Sarma previously addressed the show's future, telling Radio Times: "I think ideally, the dream is to have a minimum of three [seasons] like The Split had. It feels like a really wonderful length to really explore a proper journey in these characters' lives." She went on: "I mean, Abi [Morgan] did the wonderful special which took the family to a different location and a different duration, I thought that was wonderful, too. So, I would say, the dreaming phase can be endless and could take us many places. But personally, I would love a chance to really let these characters breathe for a minimum three series. That would be wonderful for me."
The Split Up is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
