The War Between The Land and the Sea release schedule | Radio Times

Due to its double-episode release schedule and its small episode count overall, we are now most of the way through new Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, despite it having started airing only two weeks ago.

There is now just one episode left to air, with the finale sure to be dramatic for new character Barclay and Salt, played by Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, as well as the returning UNIT characters played by the likes of Jemma Redgrave and Ruth Madeley.

The synopsis for the finale says: "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?"

The series has seen a battle begin between humanity and the Sea Devils (or, as they are now known, Homo Aqua), with the latter species furious about what we as humans have done to the planet's waters.

But just when will the season finale debut? Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for The War Between the Land and the Sea.

When will The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 5 air on BBC One?

Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. She is a humanoid fish-like creature who is wading through a body of water. — Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

The War Between the Land and the Sea kicked off with two episodes airing back-to-back, and stuck with that the release structure for its third and fourth episodes.

They aired exactly one week later, with the fifth and final episode arriving a week after that. This means episode 5, titled The End of the War, will air on Sunday 21st December 2025 at 8:05pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

How many episodes will there be of The War Between the Land and the Sea?

Francesca Corney as Sergeant Hana Chakri, Russell Tovey as Barclay and Colin McFarlane as General Pierce in The War Between the Land and the Sea. They are walking through a big set of doors together, with a number of UNIT soldiers in black uniforms stood around them. — Francesca Corney as Sergeant Hana Chakri, Russell Tovey as Barclay and Colin McFarlane as General Pierce in The War Between the Land and the Sea. BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

There will be five episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea in total.

This makes the series shorter than most Whoniverse shows, although it does have the same number of episodes of the acclaimed third season of Torchwood, Children of Earth.

That isn't the only connection The War Between the Land and the Sea has with Children of Earth – the series also sees the return of Colin McFarlane as Austin Pierce, a character he previously played in that season of Torchwood alone.

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The War Between the Land and the Sea release schedule

Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between The Land And The Sea, talking to one another. He is holding a phone, she is a humanoid, fish-like creature. — Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between The Land And The Sea. BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

New episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea air on Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

You can find the full release schedule for The War Between the Land and the Sea below.

The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 1 – Sunday 7th December 2025, 8:30pm (out now)
The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 2 – Sunday 7th December 2025, 9:15pm (out now)
The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 3 – Sunday 14th December 2025, 8:30pm (out now)
The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 4 – Sunday 14th December 2025, 9:20pm (out now)
The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 5 – Sunday 21st December 2025, 8:05pm

The War Between the Land and the Sea will continue on Sunday 21st December. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.