Under Salt Marsh: The Complete Series Now Available for Weekend Binge-Watching
The highly praised television drama Under Salt Marsh has concluded its six-week broadcast run, making all episodes available for download this weekend. This presents an ideal opportunity for fans of intense thrillers to immerse themselves in the complete story in one sitting.
A Welsh Mystery Drawing Comparisons to Television Greats
Since its premiere in January, Under Salt Marsh has garnered exceptional reviews, though some argue it hasn't received the widespread attention it merits, possibly due to its exclusive airing on Sky Atlantic rather than mainstream channels like BBC or ITV. The series has been described as a compelling fusion of Scandinavian crime drama and British whodunnits such as Broadchurch and Keeping Faith.
The narrative unfolds in the fictional Welsh coastal town of Morfa Halen, a close-knit community situated perilously between imposing mountains and a relentlessly advancing sea. The atmospheric setting becomes a character in itself, heightening the tension as a monumental storm gathers offshore.
A Chilling Discovery Unravels a Community
The plot is set in motion when former detective turned schoolteacher Jackie Ellis, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, makes a harrowing discovery: the body of her nine-year-old pupil, Cefin, apparently drowned. This tragic event sends shockwaves through Morfa Halen and triggers a chain reaction that threatens to tear the community apart.
More disturbingly, the incident reopens a painful, unsolved cold case from three years earlier—the disappearance of Jackie's own niece, Nessa. This past failure had devastating consequences, costing Jackie her career in the police force. The dual mysteries become deeply intertwined, forcing the town to confront buried secrets and old wounds.
Star-Studded Cast Leads the Investigation
The series features a formidable ensemble cast. Kelly Reilly delivers a powerful performance as the troubled Jackie Ellis. She is joined by Rafe Spall, who plays Detective Eric Bull, Jackie's former police partner who returns to Morfa Halen to lead the investigation into a community he feels he failed previously.
Convinced the two cases are connected, Jackie and Bull must overcome their fractured history and work together against the clock. They race to uncover the truth before the impending storm destroys crucial evidence forever. The cast is further elevated by notable appearances from Jonathan Pryce (of The Crown fame) and rising star Harry Lawtey from Industry.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Engagement
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Guardian's Lucy Mangan awarded the series four stars, praising it as "a compelling, psychologically astute thriller" that thoughtfully explores themes of isolation and suffering. BBC Radio Five Live's Must Watch segment also highlighted the show, with reviewers Scott Bryan and Hayley Campbell describing it as compelling and atmospheric.
Radio Times also gave the drama four stars, with reviewer Jon O'Brien commending the "first-class cast," immersive cinematography, and a script that creates fully realized, lived-in characters. He noted that the mystery remains tantalizingly opaque, ensuring viewers stay hooked regardless of their detective skills.
The show has already proven popular with audiences. Its debut episode attracted 1.8 million viewers in its first seven days, marking Sky's most successful original drama launch since The Day of the Jackal in late 2024. Despite this strong start, millions of Sky subscribers have yet to experience the series, making its compact six-episode format perfect for a weekend marathon.
How and Where to Watch
Under Salt Marsh premiered exclusively on Sky Atlantic on January 30th, with episodes released weekly thereafter. The full series is now completely available. This means the entire narrative arc can be accessed for download or streaming this weekend by anyone with a Sky subscription or a NOW TV membership.
For those seeking a gripping, well-acted, and beautifully shot thriller to consume over a couple of days, Under Salt Marsh represents an unmissable piece of television, finally available in its entirety for the ultimate binge-watching experience.
