War Between the Land and the Sea: New Doctor Who Spin-Off Makes Waves on BBC

Introduction: A New Chapter in the Whoniverse

The War Between the Land and the Sea, a British science fiction television miniseries created by Russell T Davies for BBC One and Disney+, has premiered as part of the Doctor Who franchise, featuring UNIT in their attempt to prevent a global war caused by the return of the Sea Devils, now called ‘Homo Aqua’. This latest addition to the Whoniverse represents a significant moment for fans, as it premiered on BBC One on 7 December 2025, and is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in 2026. The five-episode miniseries marks the final collaboration between the BBC and Disney, making it a highly anticipated event for science fiction enthusiasts worldwide.

The Story Behind the Conflict

An ancient aquatic species known as the Sea Devils emerges from the oceans, introducing themselves to their land-dwelling neighbors and kicking off an international crisis in the process. The Sea Devils wake up and see the state of the oceans, with humanity having wrecked the place, and it is war. The alien experts at UNIT subsequently play a pivotal role in negotiations, as a lowly agent named Barclay reluctantly enters talks with Sea Devil counterpart Salt.

Cast and Production

Starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave and Colin McFarlane, the series features compelling performances that have drawn praise from multiple outlets. The five-part series was written by Davies and Pete McTighe, with Davies writing the premiere and finale episodes, McTighe writing the second and third episodes, and the two co-writing episode four together. The series was filmed from August to December 2024.

Critical Reception and Cultural Significance

The critical reception of the opening two episodes was summarised as ‘mixed’, with various perspectives emerging from reviewers. Several outlets praised the performance of returning actress Jemma Redgrave, including Radio Times, SciFi Pulse and The London Standard. The series tackles contemporary environmental themes while delivering classic Doctor Who action, offering viewers a more mature take on the beloved franchise. For fans and newcomers alike, this spin-off represents an ambitious expansion of the Doctor Who universe, exploring complex themes of coexistence and environmental responsibility through the lens of science fiction storytelling.