BBC unveils Doctor Who spin-off ‘The War Between the Land and the Sea’ exploring humanity’s relationship with the ocean

BBC Studios has announced a new Doctor Who spin-off titled ‘The War Between the Land and the Sea’, which follows Barclay (played by Russell Tovey), a man unexpectedly chosen to represent humanity when the Sea Devils—a classic Doctor Who species first seen over fifty years ago—rise from the depths. The five-part series, set within the Doctor Who universe but designed to stand alone, explores environmental themes such as humanity’s treatment of the ocean and pollution. In one striking scene, the Sea Devils weaponize oceanic plastic waste to retaliate against human destruction. The production features notable actors including Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt, the Sea Devils’ leader. Mbatha-Raw, who previously appeared in Doctor Who during the David Tennant era, returns under heavy prosthetics, adding to the show’s immersive visuals. According to Tovey, the sets and effects rival large-scale cinematic productions, reflecting BBC Studios’ collaboration with Disney+. The series is co-written and produced by Russell T Davies, who also revived Doctor Who in 2005 and currently oversees its modern era. Davies emphasized that, beyond the action and spectacle, the heart of the story lies in its emotional and ecological message. The first two episodes will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on December 7, with international release via Disney+ in early 2026. The show also marks the Whoniverse’s next chapter following the recent regeneration twist involving Ncuti Gatwa and Billie Piper.