ITV Confirms Thrilling Replacement for Concluding 'After the Flood' Series
ITV has officially confirmed that the second season of its acclaimed drama After the Flood will draw to a close on Monday, February 2, 2026, with a new and highly anticipated thriller set to take over its coveted prime-time slot. The network has described the upcoming replacement series as nothing short of 'epic', generating significant buzz among viewers and critics alike.
The Finale of a Climate-Focused Drama
After the Flood, which thoughtfully explores the pressing issues of climate change and their profound impact on ordinary communities, has captivated audiences since its debut in January 2024. The series centres on detective Jo Marshall, portrayed by the talented Sophie, known for her roles in Gentleman Jack and Peaky Blinders, alongside the residents of the fictional town of Waterside.
The second season introduced fresh faces to the ensemble, including Jill Halfpenny, Alun Armstrong, Matthew McNulty, and Ian Puleston-Davies, who joined returning favourites such as Lorraine Ashbourne, Nicholas Gleaves, Philip Glenister, and Matt Stokoe. The plot followed the newly promoted detective Jo Marshall as she tackled a complex and puzzling murder case, maintaining the show's grip on its audience throughout its weekly airings on Sunday and Monday evenings.
Introducing 'Betrayal': A High-Stakes MI5 Thriller
As After the Flood concludes, ITV bosses have revealed that the thrilling new series Betrayal will premiere on Sunday, February 8, taking over the prime Sunday night slot. This gripping four-part drama promises to delve deep into themes of trust, truth, and the heavy price of secrecy within the contemporary intelligence community.
Set against the high-stakes backdrop of MI5, Betrayal examines the delicate and complex nature of human connections, where loyalty and betrayal are constantly at odds. The series features an impressive cast led by Shaun Evans, recognisable from his roles in Until I Kill You, Endeavour, and Vigil, alongside Romola Garai, known for The Years and The Hour, and Zahra Ahmadi from Beyond Paradise.
Plot and Creative Team Behind 'Betrayal'
Penned by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter David Eldridge and helmed by BAFTA and Emmy-nominated director Julian Jarrold, Betrayal follows the story of John Hughes, portrayed by Shaun Evans. Hughes is a mid-career MI5 officer navigating a rapidly evolving intelligence landscape while struggling to keep his personal life intact.
The synopsis reveals that acting on a hunch, John meets a British-Iranian man with links to the Stockport gangland who claims to have intelligence about an imminent plot on UK soil. When the encounter takes an unexpected turn, John finds himself under internal investigation, facing scrutiny from his superiors, including Simone Grant, played by Nikki Amuka-Bird.
Meanwhile, his partner Claire, portrayed by Romola Garai, grapples with the secrecy that defines his world. John's efforts to save his marriage are complicated by his inability to let the case go, leading him to form an unlikely alliance with Mehreen Askari-Evans, an intelligence operative tasked with taking over his duties, played by Zahra Ahmadi.
As John becomes increasingly convinced of the involvement of a hardline faction of the Iranian regime, he also starts to worry that there are enemies closer to home. The central question remains: can he identify the target and avert the attack before it is too late?
Audience Anticipation and Broadcast Details
Expressing their anticipation on social media, one thrilled fan exclaimed: 'This looks epic!!!!' while another chimed in with: 'ITV doing another thrilling drama? Seated.' This enthusiasm underscores the high expectations for Betrayal as it steps into the prime-time spotlight.
Betrayal will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, February 8, with the second instalment airing on Monday, February 9, at 9pm. While the cast of After the Flood remain optimistic about a potential third series, for now, viewers can look forward to this new chapter in ITV's drama lineup, promising suspense, intrigue, and top-tier storytelling.
