Fans of tense, twist-filled drama have every reason to be excited. ITV has dropped an exclusive first look at Cold Water, a six-part thriller from the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed series Black Doves. With an ensemble cast led by The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln and Broadchurch’s Eve Myles, this upcoming series promises to take viewers on an unpredictable, emotionally charged journey through suspense, secrets, and hidden desires.
Set against the hauntingly picturesque backdrop of a fictional Scottish village called Coldwater, the series centers on John (Andrew Lincoln), a middle-aged man trapped in the quiet despair of domestic life. John is a stay-at-home father who secretly despises the routine of his daily existence, feeling both stifled and unfulfilled. While outwardly devoted to his family, inwardly, John harbors a quiet rage — a tension that soon threatens to unravel everything he holds dear.
According to the official synopsis, John’s life takes a dramatic turn when he fails to intervene during a violent confrontation at a local playground. This pivotal moment sparks an identity crisis, prompting him to uproot his family from London to the seemingly idyllic village of Coldwater. His move is an attempt to escape the pressures of his former life and seek a sense of renewal, but it soon becomes clear that a picturesque location does not guarantee peace.
Upon settling in Coldwater, John encounters his enigmatic neighbor, Tommy (Ewen Bremner), a charismatic and confident man who embodies community and faith. Married to the local vicar Rebecca (Eve Myles), Tommy is a respected figure in the village and the self-appointed leader of its all-male book group. While John is intrigued and somewhat captivated by Tommy’s presence, his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) reacts with suspicion. A former chef hoping to launch a new venture in Coldwater, Fiona sees the relocation as a chance to rebuild both her career and her marriage. Yet, as John grows closer to Tommy, Fiona’s doubts intensify — she senses that her neighbor may be hiding far darker secrets than the cheerful façade he presents.
The series is crafted by SISTER, the production company behind Black Doves, Eric, This Is Going to Hurt, and Chernobyl, with direction split between Lee Haven Jones (episodes 1–3) and Andrew Cumming (episodes 4–6). Lee Haven Jones, known for his work on Passenger, Ruth, and Doctor Who, brings a masterful sense of suspense and psychological depth to the opening episodes, setting a tone of unease that permeates the series. Andrew Cumming, acclaimed for Shetland, Payback, and Cold Feet, takes the reins for the latter half, weaving tension and dramatic twists into the story’s climax.
Andrew Lincoln’s casting marks a highly anticipated return to British television. Fans remember him fondly as the lovesick Mark in Love Actually and as the formidable Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead. His portrayal of John promises to be a stark departure from his previous roles — a nuanced, multi-layered performance exploring the internal struggles of a man both ordinary and increasingly dangerous.
Joining Lincoln, Ewen Bremner delivers a performance that is equal parts charming and unsettling. Bremner’s portrayal of Tommy walks a fine line between community pillar and sinister manipulator, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions. Indira Varma, as Fiona, brings a fierce intelligence and emotional depth to her role, portraying a woman determined to reclaim her life and safeguard her family. Eve Myles’ Rebecca adds another layer of complexity, embodying moral authority and community connection while remaining an integral part of the series’ escalating tension.
At its core, Cold Water examines the fragility of domestic life and the subtle yet powerful dynamics that can disrupt even the most ordinary relationships. John’s journey is one of self-discovery — but it is discovery shadowed by manipulation, secrecy, and the creeping threat of violence. As his suppressed anger surfaces, John finds himself drawn into Tommy’s orbit, encountering a new form of power and danger that challenges his morality and threatens the stability of his family.
Critics and insiders are already hailing Cold Water as a potential standout of the 2025 television season. Nicky Morris, Acting TV Editor at HELLO!, remarked: “Cold Water marks Andrew Lincoln’s return to British TV screens after over a decade. I’ve been a huge fan of the actor since first seeing him as lovesick Mark in Love Actually and as confident leader Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead. I can’t wait to see him take on a very different role in this upcoming thriller.”
In addition to its compelling narrative and high-profile cast, the series promises striking cinematography that highlights the stark beauty of rural Scotland. The village of Coldwater, with its serene landscapes and isolated setting, becomes a character in its own right — a picturesque façade masking secrets, lies, and emotional turmoil. Every frame is designed to keep viewers on edge, reflecting the tension simmering beneath the surface of seemingly tranquil domestic life.
ITV has confirmed that Cold Water will premiere across ITV1, ITVX, STV, and the STV Player this autumn, positioning it as a major highlight of the upcoming TV schedule. Fans of psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and character-driven drama will likely find themselves binge-watching the series, eager to unravel the mysteries of Coldwater alongside John and his increasingly complicated neighbors.
In recent years, audiences have gravitated toward intricate, high-stakes thrillers that explore moral ambiguity, psychological complexity, and hidden darkness in everyday life. Cold Water fits this trend perfectly, offering a story that is at once intimate and epic, where personal crises intersect with external danger, and every interaction carries the weight of potential disaster.
The anticipation surrounding the series is heightened by its pedigree. SISTER’s track record of producing thought-provoking, high-quality drama raises expectations for Cold Water. From the gripping storytelling of Chernobyl to the emotionally nuanced drama of This Is Going to Hurt, viewers can expect a series that is meticulously crafted, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning.
As the autumn premiere approaches, speculation about plot twists, character motivations, and the dark secrets lurking in Coldwater is already rife. How will John navigate the tension between loyalty, curiosity, and morality? Can Fiona protect her family while pursuing her own ambitions? And what truly lies behind Tommy’s charming exterior?
One thing is certain: Cold Water is shaping up to be a must-watch thriller. With its combination of star power, gripping narrative, and atmospheric setting, the series promises to deliver suspense, drama, and shocking revelations in equal measure. Audiences can expect every episode to peel back another layer of mystery, leading to an intense, unforgettable conclusion.
In short, ITV’s Cold Water is more than a thriller — it is a study of human behavior, relationships, and the dangerous allure of secrets. For fans of drama, suspense, and powerful performances, this six-part series is set to dominate screens and spark conversation well beyond its final episode.
Prepare to enter the world of Coldwater, where the idyllic Scottish countryside hides darkness, desire, and deception — and where the line between neighborly charm and deadly threat is frighteningly thin.
