The War Between the Land and the Sea

7.3
2025

When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.

Production

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Logo for BBC Studios Productions

Trailers & Videos

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NEW TRAILER

Thumbnail for video: COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Thumbnail for video: SNEAK PEEK - Behind The Scenes

SNEAK PEEK - Behind The Scenes

Seasons

5 Episodes • Premiered 2025

When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.

Still image for The War Between the Land and the Sea season 1 episode 1: Homo Aqua

1. Homo Aqua

6.9

Barclay’s ordinary life becomes a world of terror when an ancient species rises from the sea. As UNIT fights for control, the summit on the Thames reveals terrifying secrets.

Still image for The War Between the Land and the Sea season 1 episode 2: Plastic Apocalypse

2. Plastic Apocalypse

6.3

Barclay becomes humanity’s ambassador when the mysterious Salt emerges from the Tank. But his family’s life is torn apart when Salt wreaks revenge upon all mankind.

Still image for The War Between the Land and the Sea season 1 episode 3: The Deep

3. The Deep

Barclay makes a terrifying descent into the world of Homo Aqua. Back on the land, Kate stands alone as Downing Street conspires with the army to change the course of the war.

Still image for The War Between the Land and the Sea season 1 episode 4: The Witch of the Waterfall

4. The Witch of the Waterfall

Barclay and Salt go on the run in a war-torn London as UNIT reels from disaster. But when Tide threatens the land and Gunsberg advances his plans, the Severance schemes demand blood.

Still image for The War Between the Land and the Sea season 1 episode 5: The End of the War

5. The End of the War

Barclay stands alone, Salt is lost, UNIT is powerless, and the oceans rise as the war reaches its climax. While traitors conspire, can Barclay find Salt before it’s too late?

Cast

Photo of Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey

Barclay Pierre-Dupont

Photo of Jemma Redgrave

Jemma Redgrave

Kate Lethbridge-Stewart

Photo of Alexander Devrient

Alexander Devrient

Colonel Christofer Ibrahim

Photo of Ruth Madeley

Ruth Madeley

Shirley Bingham

Photo of Colin McFarlane

Colin McFarlane

General Austin Pierce

Photo of Waleed Hammad

Waleed Hammad

Colonel Tariq Hashim

Photo of Vincent Franklin

Vincent Franklin

Prime Minister Harry Shaw

Photo of Adrian Lukis

Adrian Lukis

Sir Jonathan Hynes

Photo of Ann Akinjirin

Ann Akinjirin

Barbara Pierre-Dupont

Photo of Francesca Corney

Francesca Corney

Sergeant Hana Chakri

Photo of Hannah Donaldson

Hannah Donaldson

Captain Louise Mackie

Photo of George Robinson

George Robinson

Steve Chesney

Photo of Lachele Carl

Lachele Carl

Trinity Wells

Photo of Stewart Alexander

Stewart Alexander

General Oscar Gunsberg

Photo of Barbara Probst

Barbara Probst

General Dominique Dussolier

Photo of Tim Wallers

Tim Wallers

Felix Gladstock

Reviews

M

MovieGuys

3/10

I really should have known better than to go near anything, "anything", with the BBC's name on it but I do like Russell Tovey, so I took a look and quickly regretted it.

This thing reeks not only of the usual DEI idiocy I've come to expect from UK but also a certain baseless pomposity, that the UK somehow still means something "prominent" on the world stage. Suffice to say, the hypocritical "touchy feely" identity politics, combined with a dash of UK self importance and a truly irritating soundtrack, quickly got on my nerves.

The way Tovey's character seems to spend his time being "minimised", guess no strong male role models, doesn't help either. As for the story, it harks back to 1950's/60's sci fi, about amphibous sea monsters, so even that's not terribly original. Oh but now we have evolved so they are not "sea devils" anymore but instead, hilariously, "Homo Aqua". Yeah, right. I'll try not not laugh too loudly!

Limited upside includes decent acting, cinamatography and the creature effects, are, at least interesting.

In summary, being lectured by the BBC is frankly absurd. The UK government that pays for them has, figuratively speaking, been in bed with the likes of Israel, so hardly a moral bastion, I would have thought? As for the rest, the story is okay but its so overwritten by brittle finger wagging, that it leaves little to like. A hard pass from me.

You've reached the end.