ITV has confirmed that crime drama After the Flood will not return for a third series, despite positive reviews and a loyal fanbase. The show, which starred Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall, first aired in January 2024 and returned for a second series in January this year.
Plot and Cast
The series followed PC Joanna Marshall, who became obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the death of a man found in a lift in the aftermath of a flood. While police assumed he had become trapped during the disaster, Marshall was determined to find out what really happened.
The second series saw newly promoted detective Jo Marshall investigating a baffling murder. As tensions rose in Waterside amid the threat of moorland fires and further flooding, a body was discovered in bizarre circumstances.
Sophie Rundle starred alongside Philip Glenister as property developer Jack Radcliffe and Lorraine Ashbourne as Jo's mother, Molly.
Critical Reception and Cancellation
When first released, the show received four out of five stars from The Guardian, while The Independent awarded it three out of five stars. Despite this, TV Zone reported that the show would not be returning.
An ITV spokesperson told the outlet: “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.”
Impact and Other Axed Shows
The cancellation follows significant budget cuts announced by ITV last year, which reduced daytime shows like Loose Women and Lorraine to part-year schedules. After the Flood is the latest in a series of axed programmes this year.
Celebrity Big Brother, despite a successful 2025 series, will be “rested” for 2026, though it is expected to return in 2027. The documentary series 7 Up, which had aired since 1964, concluded in 2026 after 62 years, and police sitcom Piglets was also cancelled after two series.
After The Flood is available to stream on ITVX.
