BBC Legal Drama The Split Up Renewed for Second Series

The BBC’s critically acclaimed legal drama The Split Up is set to return for a second series, following a successful first run that introduced audiences to the complex personal and professional lives of the Kishan family.

Created by Ursula Rani Sarma (Delicious), based on The Split, created by multiple award-winning Abi Morgan (Eric), the drama will once again be produced by SISTER Pictures in association with Morgan’s Little Chick.

Set and filmed in and around Manchester, the first series centred on Kishan Law, a prestigious British-Asian high-net-worth family law firm serving some of the city’s most influential clients. Known for its excellence, integrity and discretion, the firm became the backdrop for a story exploring the complicated intersections of love, family and the law.

As the Kishans navigated professional disputes and personal upheavals, the series examined the relationships that shape our lives and the divisions that can emerge between those closest to us. The upcoming six-part second series will see the family face further challenges, with fresh secrets, betrayals, heartbreak and revelations set to unfold in Manchester’s legal world.

The first series featured an ensemble cast including Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy), Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten), Aysha Kala (Virdee), Arian Nik (Film Club), Danny Ashok (Dinosaur), Dimitri Leonidas (Those About To Die), Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical), Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus) and Tom Forbes (Queenie). Guest appearances from Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds), Jane Horrocks (Bloods) and Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) added further star power to the series.

Ursula Rani Sarma welcomed the news of the renewal, saying: “I’m absolutely delighted with the response to The Split Up. It means so much to see audiences embrace a family whose story reflects the diversity of our world. I’m thrilled to be bringing the Kishan family back for a second series, and my heartfelt thanks go to the BBC, Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone and my incredible team, as well as everyone who tuned in and supported us. We can’t wait to show you what happens next!”

Abi Morgan also expressed her enthusiasm for the drama’s continued journey at the BBC, saying: “I am delighted that The Split Up has found its audience and home at the BBC and look forward to what is next for Kishan Law under Ursula Rani Sarma and her brilliant creative team.”

Jane Featherstone, speaking about the series’ reception and the team behind it, said: “Family and relationships are endlessly fascinating, and it’s been wonderful to see audiences fall for the Kishans in all their complexity. For me, and my fellow EP, Bryony Arnold, working with Abi Morgan and Ursula Rani Sarma has been such a joy, and our remarkable cast have brought these characters to life with real humour and heart. We’re incredibly proud of the whole team and thrilled to be working with the BBC on a second series – there’s plenty of unfinished business at Kishan Law.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, highlighted the response from viewers and the broadcaster’s ongoing creative partnership with the production companies. She said: “We’re thrilled that The Split Up will return for a second series. Viewers have taken the Kishan family straight to their hearts and we’d like to thank Ursula Rani Sarma, Abi Morgan and the whole creative team for building a series packed full of warmth, wit, emotional truth and humanity. It’s a pleasure to continue our creative partnership with SISTER Pictures and Little Chick, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead.”

The second series will comprise six 60-minute episodes and has been commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. With the Kishan family returning to the centre of the story, the new episodes promise further explorations of the emotional complexities, family tensions and legal battles that have established The Split Up as a compelling addition to the BBC’s drama slate.

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