Yellowstone Star Kelly Reilly Headlines Sky's New Crime Thriller Under Salt Marsh
Sky Atlantic is preparing to launch one of the most anticipated television events of 2026 with Under Salt Marsh, a moody and atmospheric crime drama starring Yellowstone sensation Kelly Reilly. This six-part series promises to deliver a compelling murder mystery wrapped in environmental tension and community secrets.
A Gripping Premise Set Against Climate Crisis
Crafted, penned and directed by Claire Oakley, the series unfolds in the fictional Welsh coastal settlement of Morfa Halen, a community facing potential evacuation due to surging sea levels and increasingly perilous storms. The environmental backdrop creates a palpable sense of urgency that permeates every aspect of the narrative.
Reilly embodies Jackie Ellis, a primary school educator whose detective career was destroyed three years earlier by the baffling disappearance of her niece, Nessa. When the body of one of her eight-year-old pupils is discovered on the edges of Morfa Halen, Jackie must confront her traumatic past while forging an uneasy partnership with her former colleague, Detective Eric Bull, portrayed by Rafe Spall.
An All-Star Cast Brings the Drama to Life
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast that blends established names with emerging talent. Alongside Reilly and Spall, viewers will recognize Jonathan Pryce as Solomon Bevan, the town's patriarch, fresh from acclaimed roles in The Crown and Slow Horses.
Additional key cast members include:
- Harry Lawtey (Industry) as local resident Dylan Rees
- Naomi Yang (Wolfe) as Jess Deng, Eric's colleague
- Dinita Gohil (Sandman, Greed)
- Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters, Phantom Thread)
- Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat, Life and Death in the Warehouse)
- Mark Stanley (Happy Valley, The Reckoning)
- Newcomer Amara Atwal as Nessa
Uncovering Dark Secrets Before the Storm Hits
The official synopsis reveals: "As a huge storm starts to form far out at sea, a teacher and former detective, Jackie Ellis, finds the body of her 8-year-old student, Cefin, who appears to have drowned. This shocking discovery stirs up the town's memories of an unresolved case from three years earlier - the disappearance of Jackie's niece, Nessa, which ruined her career."
Throughout the series, Jackie and Bull must work together to expose the residents' dark and startling secrets, determining whether the crimes are connected and identifying the culprit before the impending storm wipes away any remaining evidence. The narrative cleverly intertwines personal trauma with community dynamics, creating a multi-layered mystery that promises to keep viewers guessing.
Release Schedule and Viewing Details
The gripping new thriller arrives on Friday, 30th January, streaming exclusively via Sky Atlantic and NOW. The release strategy will see two episodes drop initially, with subsequent instalments released weekly each Friday. The highly anticipated finale is scheduled to broadcast on Friday, 27th February, providing viewers with a month of suspenseful entertainment.
With its combination of environmental urgency, complex character dynamics, and a murder mystery that resurrects painful community history, Under Salt Marsh represents a significant addition to Sky's drama portfolio and a compelling new vehicle for Kelly Reilly's considerable talents.
