BBC has dropped the trailer and first-look images for The Split Up, a spinoff of the popular 2018 drama The Split starring Nicola Walker, according to TechRadar. The six-episode series shifts the setting to Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit, following the Kishan family law firm. The move is a deliberate content-franchise strategy: leveraging a proven brand while introducing new creative leadership.
New Creator, New Direction
Instead of returning original show creator Abi Morgan, BBC tapped Ursula Rani Sarma to create The Split Up. TechRadar noted that the spinoff uses The Split as a “springboard for new material rather than The Split Up being a continuation.” This approach allows BBC to refresh the franchise without being tied to the original narrative, a tactic often seen in media M&A and IP management to reduce risk and attract new audiences.
The new cast includes Ritu Arya as Aria Kishan, a rising star at Kishan Law, alongside Sanjeev Bhaskar as her father Dhruv, Aysha Kala as Maya, Arian Nik as Kav, and Danny Ashok as partner Neal. Guest stars include Lenny Henry, Jane Horrocks, and Jameela Jamil.
Plot and Strategic Positioning
The BBC’s synopsis, as quoted by TechRadar, explains: “The death of Aria’s mother has cast a new light over succession plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.” Personal and professional entanglements — including a wedding to Neal and the arrival of a former secret flame (Dimitri Leonidas) — create high stakes. The series explores “the splits that divide family and those we love.”
| Element | The Split (Original) | The Split Up (Spinoff) |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | Abi Morgan | Ursula Rani Sarma |
| Setting | London | Manchester |
| Main Cast | Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan | Ritu Arya, Sanjeev Bhaskar |
| Episodes | 6 per season | 6 (first season) |
| Premise | Family of divorce lawyers | High-net-worth divorce circuit, Kishan family |
| Release | 2018 | Later in 2026 (BBC & iPlayer) |
Why This Matters for Media Executives
For corporate strategists in media, The Split Up exemplifies how to extend a franchise’s lifecycle while minimizing creative stagnation. By handing creative control to a new showrunner, BBC hedges against the risk of franchise fatigue — a common challenge in TV and film portfolios. The spinoff also expands BBC’s iPlayer content slate, potentially driving subscriber retention. Though specific financial projections are not provided in the source, the investment in guest stars and a new cast suggests a material production budget. The choice to focus on Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit aligns with premium drama content that appeals to upscale demographics, a key advertising and subscription target.
The next milestone for the project is its release on BBC and BBC iPlayer later in 2026, which will provide the first audience and engagement data to evaluate the franchise’s performance.
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