ITV has confirmed what will replace After the Flood following the conclusion of its second series, bringing the latest chapter of the drama to a close while signalling a new “epic” production for viewers.
The network’s confirmation comes as season 2 reaches its finale, ending weeks of speculation about whether the flood-centred thriller would return again. While ITV has not announced a third series, it has moved swiftly to promote a high-profile replacement in the same scheduling slot.
The development marks the end of another instalment for one of ITV’s recent crime dramas, which built on the success of its debut run and expanded its narrative scope in series 2.
How season 2 concluded
The second series of After the Flood continued to follow police officer Jo Marshall, played by Sophie Rundle, as she investigated the lingering consequences of a deadly flood in the fictional northern town at the centre of the story.
Season 2 deepened the show’s focus on institutional accountability, personal responsibility and the social fault lines exposed by extreme weather. The finale tied together multiple strands, bringing clarity to long-running questions while maintaining the morally ambiguous tone that defined the series.
Viewers responded strongly online, with many praising the performances and the tension sustained throughout the second run. Others questioned whether the narrative left space for further continuation, particularly given the emotional resolution reached in the closing episode.
ITV confirms a new ‘epic’ drama
As series 2 came to an end, ITV confirmed that the time slot would be filled by a new large-scale drama described by the broadcaster as “epic”. Although full plot details remain under wraps, ITV’s language suggests a production with significant scale and ambition, positioned to maintain momentum in its primetime drama schedule.
The decision to move ahead with a replacement rather than immediately recommission After the Flood reflects ITV’s current commissioning strategy, which balances returning dramas with fresh flagship series designed to capture wide audiences.
Industry observers note that broadcasters increasingly rotate high-impact limited series rather than committing automatically to long multi-season arcs, particularly where narrative closure has been reached.
The performance of After the Flood
Since its debut, After the Flood has been positioned as a character-driven crime thriller rooted in contemporary social themes. Set against the backdrop of environmental crisis, it combined investigative drama with commentary on governance, trust and community resilience.
The series attracted solid overnight ratings and strong catch-up figures on ITVX. Critics highlighted its atmospheric setting and Rundle’s central performance, while also noting its topical framing around extreme weather events and infrastructure strain.
Season 2 sought to broaden the scale of its storytelling, exploring not only the immediate aftermath of disaster but the systemic failures and political tensions that follow. That thematic expansion allowed the show to move beyond a single incident and into wider territory.
What happens next?
At present, ITV has not confirmed whether After the Flood will return for a third series. The announcement of a new replacement drama suggests that, for now, the story has reached a natural pause.
However, in the current commissioning environment, the absence of immediate renewal does not necessarily signal permanent closure. Many dramas are reassessed following performance reviews, streaming data and audience engagement metrics.
For viewers, the focus now shifts to ITV’s forthcoming replacement, billed as ambitious and cinematic, which the broadcaster clearly hopes will retain the audience built during After the Flood’s run.
ITV’s broader drama strategy
The transition from After the Flood season 2 to a new “epic” series reflects ITV’s ongoing push to compete in a crowded UK drama landscape. With streaming platforms investing heavily in premium scripted content, terrestrial broadcasters face pressure to deliver distinctive, event-style programming.
Recent ITV commissions have leaned into high-concept thrillers and character-led dramas with clear marketing hooks. After the Flood fit that model by combining crime investigation with environmental urgency, a blend that resonated with contemporary audiences.
The confirmed replacement indicates ITV’s intent to maintain that primetime tone: dramatic, socially grounded and scale-driven.
