The Split Up is BBC One’s glossy new drama and it starts tonight

The Split Up starts tonight at 9 on BBC One

Get ready for high-stakes heartbreak, family secrets, and high-net-worth drama. The Split Up, BBC One’s highly anticipated glossy new legal series, debuts tonight.

A brand-new spin-off born from the world of Abi Morgan’s hit franchise The Split, this fresh series transfers the charged, glamorous realm of elite divorce law from London to Manchester, introducing a new family, a new city, and a dynamic set of relationships.

Building on the Success of The Split

When The Split created by BAFTA-winning writer Abi Morgan’s first landed on BBC One, it quickly became a critically acclaimed flagship drama. Over three hit seasons, the show captivated millions of viewers as it followed the powerhouse Defoe family navigating Londons high-society divorce circuit. Known for its stylish aesthetic, emotional depth, and complex female leads, The Split generated massive iPlayer streaming figures and set a gold standard for UK relationship dramas.

Now, The Split Up expands that universe under the pen of lead writer Ursula Rani Sarma (Delicious), with Abi Morgan returning as executive producer to keep the originals signature blend of glamour and raw emotion intact.

What Is ‘The Split Up’ About?

The spin-off centers on Kishan Law, a renowned British South Asian family law firm in Manchester. Known for their discretion, integrity, and elite clientele, they are the go-to firm for the North Wests wealthiest residents.

Aria Kishan (Ritu Arya), a fast-rising legal star, is poised to take over the firm from her father, Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). However, the sudden death of her mother, Raina, six months prior forces Dhruv to re-evaluate. Questioning whether Aria should carry such a massive burden alone, Dhruv eyes Aria’s steady fiancee and colleague, Neal (Danny Ashok), to lead alongside her.

With their professional and personal lives entangled, Aria and Neal’s upcoming wedding hangs in the balance. The tension explodes when an old flame of Aria’s moves to Manchester, and a long-buried secret threatens to shatter the family legacy. Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, Aria must navigate explosive courtroom battles while wrestling with a core question: who should you live your life for?

Meet the Cast

The new series boasts an incredible ensemble of leading British talent:

• Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy, Barbie) as Aria Kishan
• Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten, Goodness Gracious Me) as Dhruv Kishan
• Aysha Kala (Criminal Record) as Maya Kishan
• Arian Nik (Passenger) as Kav Kishan
• Danny Ashok (Ramy) as Neal
• Dimitri Leonidas (Foundation) as Aria’s former flame
• Sindhu Vee (Matilda) and Mawaan Rizwan (Juice) in key supporting roles

Guest appearances throughout the series also include Sir Lenny Henry, Jane Horrocks, and Jameela Jamil.

Viewer FAQ: Episode Count & Release Schedule

• How many episodes are there?
  • The Split Up is a 6-part drama.
• What is the release schedule?
  • Episode 1 premieres tonight at 9:00pm on BBC One.
  • Episode 2 airs tomorrow night at 9:00pm, with the remaining episodes following in weekly double-bill slots.
• Where can I stream it?
  • All episodes will be available to stream as a full box set on BBC iPlayer starting tonight.

The Split Up premieres tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, going head to head with new ITV drama The Blame.

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