Filming is officially underway on the hotly anticipated spin-off of the BBC's much-loved legal drama, The Split. The upcoming series, titled The Split Up, is set in the "charged world" of Manchester's high-net-worth divorce circuit and follows the powerhouse British-South Asian family firm, Kishan Law, which is the go-to firm for the city's elite. The six-parter stars Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten).
As a huge fan of The Split, I am counting down the days until the new spin-off – and have high expectations. The original series, which starred Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, was a huge hit during its three-season run. Not only was the series set against the compelling backdrop of high-end divorce law, but the relatable and messy lives of the endearing Defore sisters made for gripping and emotional viewing. With Abi Morgan executive producing the show and Ursula Rani Sarma (Smother, Delicious) as lead writer, I'm hopeful that the spin-off will be just as successful as the original.
© John RogersWhat is The Split Up about?
The upcoming legal drama follows Kishan Law, a successful family firm based in Manchester, which is a favourite of the city's elite. The story centres on Aria Kishan, the fast-rising star of Kishan Law, who is poised to step into her dad Dhruv's shoes as head of the firm. However, the death of her mother casts a new light over these plans as Dhruv begins to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on the responsibility single-handedly.
© Chelsea GehrThe synopsis continues: "Aria's relationship is placed under scrutiny too with the wedding to her long-term partner Neal on the horizon, but with their personal and professional so entwined it's unclear if they can withstand any more pressure - a problem further compounded when a former secret flame arrives in Manchester unexpectedly. Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love – and ask herself: who should you live your life for?"
Who stars in The Split Up?
Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (Unforgotten) lead the cast as Aria Kishan and Dhruv. They're joined by 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). The series also features a list of standout guest stars, including Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds) and Jane Horrocks (Bloods).
© BBC / Magical SocietyWhat have the creative team said about the show?
Writer Ursula Rani Sarma said it's a "dream come true to place a contemporary British South Asian family centre stage". "Diversity deepens our understanding, enriches our stories, and reflects the true fabric of our society. It's thrilling to watch our amazing cast led by Ritu and Sanjeev bring the Kishan family to life. I can't wait for audiences to meet them and to witness the drama as it unfolds," Ursula said.
Meanwhile, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said the new series will "keep viewers hooked", and executive producer Jane Featherstone, the co-founder of production company Sister, added that the show "captures the messy, complicated realities of love, family and ambition".
A release date for The Split Up has yet to be announced.
Five more legal dramas to watch while you wait...
1/5
© ITVSheridan Smith portrays Ann Ming in this moving drama
I Fought the Law – ITVX
Sheridan Smith stars as Ann Ming in this legal drama based on a true story. Ann fought for 17 years to overturn the double jeopardy law after her daughter was tragically murdered in 1989. The series received widespread praise, particularly for its sensitive handling of the real-life case. Bravely, Ann took part in several preparatory interviews with Sheridan, offering a rare level of involvement from the victim’s family. The show currently holds a 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes so it's definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
2/5
© ITVDavid Tennant stars in this press-frenzy legal drama
The Hack – ITVX
In another legal drama inspired by true events, David Tennant (Rivals) plays Nick Davies, the journalist who exposed phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch's News of the World. Set between 2002 and 2012, the series also touches on the 1987 unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, who had links to the paper. The seven-part series premiered on ITV on 25 September, with one reviewer on X calling it ''punchy and gripping''.
3/5
Anatomy of a Scandal is a nice bingeable six episodes...
Anatomy of a Scandal – Netflix
Sienna Miller stars as Sophie Whitehouse, the wife of British Home Secretary James Whitehouse, whose affair with a younger aide, Olivia, is exposed in a scandal that rocks Westminster. The situation escalates when Olivia accuses James of rape, turning the couple’s world upside down. The six-episode drama was not renewed for a second season, but reviews remain largely positive, with one viewer on X describing it as a ''masterpiece'' that they ''binged in one sitting''.
4/5
© LARA SOLANKI/NETFLIXThis legal show has an great Rotten Tomatoes score...
The Lincoln Lawyer – Netflix
Lawyer Mickey Haller navigates the Los Angeles justice system while running his legal practice from the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. The series currently has three seasons, with a fourth confirmed. Plus, it holds an impressive 90 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
5/5
© Disney General Entertainment ConViola Davis is the shining star in this series
How to Get Away with Murder – Channel 4
Viola Davis (The Help) plays Annalise Keating, a defence attorney and law professor at a prestigious university in Philadelphia who becomes entangled in a complex murder plot with five of her students. The series received widespread acclaim for it's strong acting, and Viola made history as the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
