The Whoniverse is expanding once again with The War Between the Land and the Sea, the first fully new Doctor Who spin-off since 2016. The BBC’s latest sci-fi epic has captured fans’ attention with its gripping premise, cinematic visuals, and compelling performances from Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Now, after four explosive episodes, the finale is almost here, promising to deliver a breathtaking conclusion to the battle between humanity and the Sea Devils — now known as Homo Aqua.
Here’s everything you need to know about The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 5, including its release date, time, total episode count, and the full schedule on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
When Will The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 5 Release?
The highly anticipated finale, titled “The End of the War,” will air on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. GMT on BBC One and stream simultaneously on BBC iPlayer.
This marks the final chapter of the five-part series, which began airing on December 7. The show’s double-episode release structure means the series reached its climax quickly — keeping audiences hooked over just three weeks.
The finale’s official synopsis teases an intense and emotional ending:
“Barclay stands alone, Salt is lost, UNIT is powerless, and the oceans rise as the war reaches its climax. While traitors conspire, can Barclay find Salt before it’s too late?”
How Many Episodes Are in The War Between the Land and the Sea?
There are five episodes in total, making the series one of the shorter entries in the Doctor Who universe. However, its compact format mirrors the acclaimed Torchwood: Children of Earth structure — both in pacing and tone.
Interestingly, the spin-off also features the return of Colin McFarlane as General Austin Pierce, a character who first appeared in Torchwood: Children of Earth, bridging past and present Whoniverse lore.
The War Between the Land and the Sea Full Release Schedule
BBC One adopted a back-to-back episode format for the first two weeks, releasing double episodes each Sunday. The finale arrives solo, closing the season on a high note.
Here’s the full confirmed release schedule:
| Episode | Title | Release Date | Time (GMT) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | — | Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 8:30 p.m. | Released |
| Episode 2 | — | Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 9:15 p.m. | Released |
| Episode 3 | — | Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 8:30 p.m. | Released |
| Episode 4 | — | Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 9:20 p.m. | Released |
| Episode 5 | The End of the War | Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 8:05 p.m. | Upcoming Finale |
All previous episodes are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
What to Expect from the Finale
Episode 5 is shaping up to be the most dramatic installment yet. The stakes have never been higher as Barclay Pierre-Dupont (Russell Tovey) faces an impossible choice, with Salt (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) missing and the fate of both species hanging in the balance.
The Sea Devils’ uprising, reimagined here as Homo Aqua, has pushed the Whoniverse into uncharted territory, exploring ecological themes alongside political intrigue. Fans can expect a visually spectacular and emotionally charged finale, complete with the classic Doctor Who-style blend of heart, heroism, and high concept sci-fi.
Where to Watch The War Between the Land and the Sea
The entire series airs exclusively on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer in the UK. International availability may vary depending on regional BBC licensing deals, but viewers outside the UK can expect it to arrive on BBC Studios’ international platforms or Disney+, which currently distributes the main Doctor Who series globally.
Key Cast and Characters
- Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont – A UNIT officer caught between duty and conscience.
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt – A mysterious humanoid from the depths, bridging the gap between two worlds.
- Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart – UNIT’s steadfast leader.
- Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham – UNIT’s brilliant scientific officer.
- Colin McFarlane as General Austin Pierce – Returning from Torchwood: Children of Earth.
- Francesca Corney as Sergeant Hana Chakri – A new UNIT recruit facing an impossible war.
FAQs
1. When does The War Between the Land and the Sea Episode 5 air?
Episode 5 airs on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
2. How many episodes are there in total?
The series consists of five episodes.
3. Where can I watch the series?
All episodes stream exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
4. Is this connected to Doctor Who?
Yes. It’s part of the Whoniverse and features returning UNIT characters from Doctor Who and Torchwood.
5. Will there be a Season 2?
The BBC has not yet confirmed a second season, but strong critical reception and audience numbers make renewal likely.
Conclusion
The War Between the Land and the Sea has quickly proven itself as one of the boldest and most cinematic additions to the Whoniverse. With its finale arriving on December 21, 2025, fans can expect an action-packed, emotional conclusion that redefines humanity’s relationship with the oceans—and with its alien neighbors.
Stay tuned for post-finale recaps, character deep dives, and Whoniverse updates right here on TrendingNewsBuzz.com — your go-to source for everything Doctor Who and beyond.
