ITV drama Red Eye is being replaced by another one of its best dramas shortly after the series two finale aired
Just a few weeks into 2026, and we’ve already been treated to a host of gripping new and returning TV dramas, with more on the horizon.
The year kicked off with a bang as BBC’s The Night Manager made a triumphant return after nearly ten years, while ITV welcomed back the second series of Red Eye. The popular drama, featuring Martin Compston for the first time, wrapped up its latest run on Monday, January 12.
Fans of the high-octane series will be thrilled to learn that a third instalment is in development, promising to delve further into the lives of central characters Hana, Jess, and Delaney. However, viewers are eager to discover what will fill the void left by Red Eye, which has been occupying both the Sunday night primetime slot and Monday evenings.
Fear not, as one beloved show is making way for another. Sophie Rundle’s After the Flood is set to return for its second series. The Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack actress reprises her role as detective Jo Marshall, reports the Mirror.
The upcoming series comprises six episodes, scheduled to air weekly on both Sunday and Monday nights at 9pm. Joining Sophie once again are Lorraine Ashbourne as Molly Marshall, Nicholas Gleaves as Sergeant Phil Mackie, Philip Glenister as Jack Radcliffe, and Matt Stokoe as Jo’s husband, Pat Holman.
New faces joining the cast for the second season include Sherwood’s Alun Armstrong, who steps into the role of Alan Benson, and Jill Halfpenny from The Long Shadow, who will portray DS Sam Bradley.
A synopsis for the new series states: “The second series of After the Flood finds newly promoted detective Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundle) on the trail of a baffling new murder investigation.
“As tensions simmer in Waterside amid the rising threat of moorland fires and the subsequent risk of further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances. Jo’s race to stop the killer brings her into direct conflict with powerful and influential forces within the town, ultimately drawing her into an investigation that becomes deeply personal. One that will require her to operate in secret if she is to have any hope of rooting out the corruption that has blighted the town’s police force – and her own family – for decades.”
Discussing what audiences can anticipate this series, Sophie, who portrays Jo, commented: “This series starts with a body that is found on the moors. Jo, rather than trying to get into the investigation, is now leading it.
“What unfolds is this spider web of conspiracy and lies, we bring new characters in, and it all has that climate activist undertone. Something is going on within the community that she needs to unpick, and all is not as it seems.”
Regarding how series two develops from the first season, which broadcast in 2024, Sophie elaborated: “This series is more of that procedural mystery drama audiences love. It invites the guessing game, intertwined with climate conversations, familial and romantic dynamics and how a community thrives or doesn’t.
“We dig deeper into the other character stories and how they hurt and love each other, and the damage done to themselves and the environment. We have new characters too, like Alun Armstrong and Jill Halfpenny.
“Jill plays Jo’s new boss, Sam, a brilliant detective, slightly rebellious, and aspirational, so there’s a lot more to explore in the next series.”
After the Flood series two is coming soon to ITV and STV on Sunday, January 18, with streaming available on ITVX, STV Player. Catch up on series one on ITVX and STV Player now.
