Under the Salt Marsh: New Sky Limited Crime Series

Introduction: Why under the salt marsh matters

Under the salt marsh is the title viewers are searching for as Sky introduces a new limited British crime thriller that explores community, nature and a shocking local crime. The series, created and written by Claire Oakley, arrives at a time of steady audience appetite for character-driven, cinematic television; it positions itself as a tightly wound drama about a small Welsh town under pressure from both the sea and its past.

Main body: Cast, setting and release details

Under the salt marsh is billed as a Sky Original limited series set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, a tight-knit community perched between mountains and a fast-encroaching sea. The plot is catalysed by the death of Cefin, which summons Jackie’s former partner, Detective Eric Bull, back to Morfa Halen to lead an investigation into a crime that fractures the community.

The series is created, written and executive produced by Claire Oakley. Lead roles are played by Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall. In October 2024 a fuller cast list was confirmed: Rafe Spall, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang and Harry Lawtey in principal roles, with supporting appearances from Dinita Gohil, Brian Gleeson, Kimberley Nixon, Mark Stanley, Dino Fetscher, Lizzie Annis, Rhodri Meilir and Julian Lewis Jones.

Sky describes the drama as intimate and cinematic, taking audiences into the heart of a community bound by nature and fractured by an unthinkable crime. The first two episodes of Under the salt marsh premiered exclusively on Sky Atlantic on Friday 30 January, with the series available on Sky and the streaming service NOW from 30 January 2026.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook for viewers

Under the salt marsh arrives as a focused, limited drama that aims to combine strong performances with a sense of place. With a cast that includes established names such as Kelly Reilly, Rafe Spall and Jonathan Pryce, and with Claire Oakley at the helm, the series is likely to appeal to audiences who favour atmospheric, character-led crime stories. Availability on Sky Atlantic and NOW from 30 January 2026 makes it accessible to UK viewers seeking new entries in the British crime-thriller catalogue.

For viewers and critics, the series’ emphasis on community and environment — and the question of how past failures shape present investigations — will be central to its reception and discussion.