Kelly Reilly may have said goodbye to Yellowstone, but she's not slowing down. Her latest project, the gripping mystery thriller Under Salt Marsh, has officially been renewed for a second season, and fans are in for a major shift in setting and story.
The show, created by Claire Oakley, became an instant hit for Sky, with its premiere drawing 1.8 million viewers in its first week—outperforming even the network's own Day of the Jackal. Now, Under Salt Marsh is set to continue its success, with Season 2 taking a bold new direction.
A Dark Premise That Captivated Audiences
Season 1 introduced us to Jackie Ellis (Reilly), a schoolteacher who discovers that one of her students has drowned. This tragedy reopens old wounds: three years earlier, Jackie was a detective until her niece's disappearance cost her job and family trust. When her former partner Eric Bull (Rafe Spall) returns to investigate, Jackie uncovers a web of lies linking the present to her painful past.
The show's atmospheric, slow-burn storytelling earned it a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Reilly's layered performance. It's no surprise that the actress, who also serves as an executive producer, continues to shine in complex roles.
Season 2: A New Case in Scotland
Sky officially renewed Under Salt Marsh on August 26, with filming slated to begin next year. This time, the story leaves the fictional Welsh village of Morfa Halen behind. Instead, Eric Bull will be drawn to a remote Scottish mining village that is "sinking under the weight of its own secrets." A new murder investigation will also bring him closer to the truth about his own past.
Creator Claire Oakley expressed her excitement about taking the series to another part of the U.K., promising another mystery filled with buried secrets. The move to Scotland opens up fresh narrative possibilities while maintaining the show's signature tension.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Alongside Reilly and Spall, the series features a talented ensemble including Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses), Harry Lawtey (Industry), Brian Gleeson, and Maggie Yang. Reilly's portrayal of Jackie has been described as embodying the wildness of the setting—free-spirited, compassionate, and determined.
The show's success is a testament to Sky's growing reputation for high-quality thrillers, which also benefits Peacock's streaming library. For fans of the genre, Under Salt Marsh joins the ranks of the best-plotted thrillers ever made, and its renewal is a win for mystery lovers.
Meanwhile, Reilly's Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch, has already been renewed for a second season after drawing 12.9 million viewers globally in its first week. With both projects thriving, Reilly proves she's one of the most versatile actresses working today.
As Under Salt Marsh prepares for its U.S. premiere on Peacock, the anticipation is building. Season 2 promises to deliver another compelling mystery, and fans can't wait to see where the story goes next.
