Sky Original drama Under Salt Marsh hits 1.8 million viewers in its first seven days

The six-part crime drama, created by Claire Oakley and produced by Little Door Productions, has become Sky's strongest original drama launch since The Day of the JackalThursday 12 February 2026

Sky Original drama Under Salt Marsh hits 1.8 million viewers in its first seven days

Sky Original drama Under Salt Marsh, produced by Little Door and created, written and directed by Claire Oakley, has made an immediate impact since launching on Sky and streaming service NOW on 30 January. Starring Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, the series quickly found its audience, with the first episode drawing 1.8 million viewers in its first seven days, making it Sky's strongest original drama launch since The Day of the Jackal.

Momentum has continued to build following the release of episode three, as word of mouth grows and more viewers engage with the series' unfolding mystery, atmospheric setting and character-driven storytelling.

Critical response has matched audience enthusiasm. The Guardian hailed the series as perfect winter telly , while British Vogue said Under Salt Marsh could be the best British crime drama in years . The Irish News went further, calling it the best thing on TV right now .

Meghan Lyvers, Executive Director of Original Scripted, Sky UK and Ireland, said: "We are delighted by the overwhelming response to UNDER SALT MARSH. From the series' highly character driven storytelling, atmospheric setting, and outstanding lead performances by Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, viewers have been captivated from the very first episode. The reaction is a testament to creator, lead writer and director Claire Oakley's vision, talent and dedication as well as our terrific ensemble cast, partners at Little Door Productions and the wonderful team they have assembled in making this show."

Claire Oakley, Creator, Lead Writer and Director and Executive Producer, said; I'm thrilled that the series, which I hoped would resonate as a story of community in the face of adversity, has reached so many people.

Elwen Rowlands, Executive Producer and CEO, Little Door Productions, said; "It's incredibly rewarding to see audiences so captivated by the story, the characters, and the unique world we've created in Morfa Halen. It has been a labour of love and were delighted it's clearly resonated with them"

Other recent successes for Sky Originals include The Day of the Jackal, which, in addition to becoming the biggest Sky Original to date, has earned BAFTA, Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe nominations. Last year, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth captivated audiences, with Colin Firth delivering a gripping performance and the first episode drawing a 28-day audience of 2.4 million. Fans also welcomed the return of Mr Bigstuff for its second series, which became the strongest launch for a returning Sky Original half-hour comedy in over four years. And after seven series, Sky said farewell to Brassic, with its fan enjoyment score ranking as the highest comedy score of 2025 across all broadcasters and platforms.

New episodes of Under Salt Marsh are released weekly, Fridays on Sky and streaming service NOW

Synopsis

Under Salt Marsh opens as a once-in-a-generation storm rolls in from the sea. Former detective turned teacher Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly) makes a shocking discovery that reopens the wounds of a three-year-old cold case which cost her both her career and her family's trust. Forced to reunite with her estranged police partner Eric Bull (Rafe Spall), Jackie is drawn back into an investigation that will shake Morfa Halen to its core.

Series Credits

Under Salt Marsh is created by Claire Oakley. The series is written by Claire Oakley, Jonathan Harbottle (Episodes 3 & 5) and Nikita Lalwani (Episode 4). The lead director is Claire Oakley, with Mary Nighy directing Episodes 3 and 4. Under Salt Marsh is produced by Little Door Productions in association with Sky Studios. The production received support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The producers are Scott Bassett and Emma Duffy. Executive Producers are Elwen Rowlands for Little Door Productions, Claire Oakley, Kelly Reilly, and Megan Spanjian for Sky

Contact: lucy.scott@sky.uk

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