Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the new BBC series The War Between The Land And The Sea, a five-part sci-fi drama that brings the Sea Devils back to the Whoniverse in an epic modern-day conflict.
How to watch The War Between The Land And The Sea outside the UK on BBC iPlayer
To watch The War Between The Land And The Sea outside the UK on BBC iPlayer, install a premium VPN and connect to a UK server. Once connected, head over to BBC iPlayer, sign in with a valid TV licence, and stream the series online from anywhere.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open BBC iPlayer website, then login or sign up for a free account.
- You can now watch The War Between The Land And The Sea!
The War Between The Land And The Sea Synopsis
The War Between The Land And The Sea is a 2025 TV series that explores humanity’s fight for survival when an ancient ocean-dwelling species rises to the surface and declares war against the modern world. The story follows Barclay, an ordinary man thrust into the impossible role of serving as humanity’s ambassador after the Sea Devils reveal themselves with destructive force. As global tensions escalate, UNIT attempts to navigate political turmoil, environmental catastrophe, and the unstoppable advance of the Homo Aqua species. The narrative spans worldwide military standoffs, deep-sea confrontations, government conspiracies, and a profound examination of how the planet’s fractured relationship with its oceans becomes a catalyst for all-out war. Created by Russell T Davies, the series blends large-scale spectacle with intimate emotional stakes, highlighting how a single individual can become the unlikely centre of a battle that threatens every coastline on Earth.
When Does The War Between The Land And The Sea Premiere?
The War Between The Land And The Sea premieres in the UK on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 8:30pm on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. For international viewers, The War Between The Land And The Sea will debut on Disney+ in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia in 2026.
Where to Watch The War Between The Land And The Sea in the US
In the US, you will be able to watch The War Between The Land And The Sea on Disney+ when the full miniseries arrives in 2026. Once it becomes available, subscribers can search for the title and start streaming on any supported device.
Where to Watch The War Between The Land And The Sea in Canada
In Canada, you will be able to watch The War Between The Land And The Sea on Disney+ as part of its 2026 international release. When the series appears in the Disney+ library, subscribers can stream all episodes on demand in HD or 4K.
Where to Watch The War Between The Land And The Sea in the UK
In the UK, you can watch The War Between The Land And The Sea on BBC One during its scheduled broadcast and on BBC iPlayer. With a valid TV licence, you can open BBC iPlayer and stream every episode for free.
Where to Watch The War Between The Land And The Sea in Australia
In Australia, you will be able to watch The War Between The Land And The Sea on Disney+ when it launches on the platform in 2026. After it goes live, subscribers can open the app and stream the entire series across supported devices.
The War Between The Land And The Sea Episodes
Below is the complete episode list for the five-part miniseries.
- Episode 1 – Homo Aqua – Premiere date: December 7, 2025
Barclay’s quiet life shatters when an ancient species emerges from the deep, prompting UNIT to take control as a high-stakes summit on the Thames exposes long-buried secrets. - Episode 2 – Plastic Apocalypse – Premiere date: December 7, 2025
Salt rises from containment and thrusts Barclay into the role of humanity’s ambassador, but her devastating act of vengeance tears his family apart and intensifies the global crisis. - Episode 3 – The Deep – Premiere date: December 14, 2025
Barclay descends into the undersea world of Homo Aqua, while Kate faces political betrayal on land as Downing Street aligns with military leaders to shift the course of the war. - Episode 4 – The Witch of the Waterfall – Premiere date: December 14, 2025
London becomes a battleground as Salt and Barclay flee through chaos, UNIT collapses under catastrophic losses, and the enigmatic Severance plans move toward a deadly conclusion. - Episode 5 – The End of the War – Premiere date: December 21, 2025
With Salt missing and UNIT powerless, Barclay confronts rising oceans and hidden traitors in a desperate final attempt to end the conflict before humanity is overwhelmed.
The War Between The Land And The Sea Cast
Here’s the cast:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Russell Tovey | Barclay |
| Gugu Mbatha-Raw | Salt |
| Jemma Redgrave | Kate Lethbridge Stewart |
| Alexander Devrient | Colonel Christofer Ibrahim |
| Ruth Madeley | Shirley Bingham |
| Colin McFarlane | General Austin Pierce |
| Waseem Mirza | Undisclosed |
| Manpreet Bachu | Undisclosed |
| Waleed Hammad | Undisclosed |
Can You Watch The War Between The Land And The Sea Series Online for Free?
BBC iPlayer is the only platform where you can watch The War Between The Land And The Sea online for free, as long as you have a valid UK TV licence. Every episode becomes available on iPlayer at the time of its BBC One broadcast.
Is The War Between The Land And The Sea Suitable for All Ages?
The War Between The Land And The Sea is expected to carry a TV-14 style rating, making it suitable for teens and adults but not recommended for young children. The series includes intense sci-fi action, environmental destruction, frightening creatures, and dramatic themes that may be unsuitable for younger viewers.
Where Can I Download The War Between The Land And The Sea Full Episodes?
You can download full episodes of The War Between The Land And The Sea through BBC iPlayer for offline viewing, as long as you have a valid TV licence and use the official iPlayer app. Disney+ subscribers outside the UK can also download episodes on compatible devices once the series becomes available in 2026.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is supported on a wide range of home entertainment and mobile devices, allowing viewers to stream The War Between The Land And The Sea on the following platforms:
| Device Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, Panasonic smart TV models with the iPlayer app |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV |
| Games Consoles | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Mobile Devices | iOS phones and tablets, Android phones and tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers via web browsers |
FAQs
Who directs The War Between The Land And The Sea?
The series is directed by Dylan Holmes Williams, whose atmospheric style shapes the show’s large-scale underwater sequences and high-intensity action moments.
Who produced The War Between The Land And The Sea?
The series is executive produced by Russell T Davies and BBC Studios, delivering the Whoniverse’s signature blend of character-driven storytelling and cinematic world-building.
Do you need to watch Doctor Who before starting this series?
No. The series is designed as a standalone story set within the Whoniverse, allowing new viewers to understand the plot without watching previous Doctor Who seasons.
The War Between The Land And The Sea Trailer
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