Doctor Who Spin-Off Makes Waves With UK Debut
The War Between Land and Sea, a Doctor Who spin-off, has launched on BBC One to impressive UK ratings, but Disney Plus viewers will be left waiting a bit longer for its release.
The much-anticipated Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between Land and Sea, has finally landed on BBC One, drawing in a sizeable audience for its premiere. The first episode, which aired on 7 December, attracted nearly 3 million viewers across the UK. Not a bad effort, especially considering it was up against the finale of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! on the other side of the world. The follow-up episode also pulled in over 2 million punters, making both instalments more popular than the first two seasons of the main series—if you don’t count the recent Christmas special, ‘Joy to the World’.
While fans in the UK have already had a taste, those keen to catch the show on Disney Plus will have to hang tight, as there’s still no word on when it’ll drop for international audiences. The strong local ratings suggest it’s worth the wait, though, with the spin-off already making a splash among sci-fi enthusiasts.
New Faces and Familiar Talent
The series is the brainchild of Russell T Davies, who’s brought together a fresh cast for this new chapter. At the centre is Barclay Pierre-Dupont, played by Russell Tovey, a regular collaborator of Davies. Barclay, a low-ranking officer, unexpectedly finds himself leading the delicate negotiations between UNIT and a newly discovered species, the Homo aqua. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for her role in Loki, steps in as Salt, the ambassador for the Homo aqua—also called the Sea Devils. The supporting cast features Jemma Redgrave, Colin McFarlane, Alexander Devrient, and Ruth Madeley, rounding out a strong ensemble.
In a recent interview, Tovey shared his thoughts on the character:
‘I hope that many, many people can see themselves in him and then feel inspired to do something – that they see that every man can be the most important man. Barclay is someone who gets chosen because of kindness, because of showing empathy. He's thrust into this terrifying place, out of his depth, but when he's there, he doesn't choose anger or violence. He's calm and peaceful and shows respect to this lifeform that people are othering. It's such a beautiful message that what he's seen and celebrated for are his sensitivities, for being soft and kind – especially as a man.’
What Sets This Spin-Off Apart
The War Between Land and Sea stands out for its focus on empathy and understanding, rather than the usual action-packed confrontations. The story follows Barclay as he navigates the tricky waters between humans and the Homo aqua, highlighting the importance of compassion and respect in the face of the unknown. The show’s message, as Tovey points out, is about recognising the value in being gentle and considerate, even when the world expects toughness.
With its strong debut and a cast that brings both new energy and familiar faces, the series is already being talked about as a standout in the sci-fi genre. While international viewers are still waiting for their chance to tune in, the buzz from the UK premiere is only building anticipation.
Looking Ahead
As fans await further news on the international release, there’s plenty of excitement around what’s next for the Doctor Who universe. For those after more top-notch science fiction, there’s no shortage of recommendations, with Doctor Who itself still holding a spot among the all-time greats.