The War Between the Land and the Sea Finale: Release Date and How to Watch Episode 5

The explosive Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, concludes this weekend. Fans are eager to see how the conflict between UNIT and the Homo Aqua ends. The finale promises high stakes and emotional resolutions.

According to the BBC, the series has drawn strong ratings and critical praise. Its cinematic scale marks a bold new direction for the Whoniverse.

Final Episode Airs This Sunday on BBC One

Episode 5, titled “The End of the War,” airs on Sunday, December 21, 2025. It will broadcast at 8:05 p.m. GMT on BBC One. Viewers can also stream it live on BBC iPlayer.

The episode is the last in a five-part series. The story follows UNIT officer Barclay Pierre-Dupont, played by Russell Tovey.

He races to find the missing Salt, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The fate of both land and sea hangs in the balance.

Full Series Schedule and Viewing Details

The series debuted with a double-episode premiere on December 7. A second double episode followed on December 14. This condensed schedule created a rapid, immersive viewing experience.

All prior episodes remain available on BBC iPlayer for catch-up. International audiences should check local BBC Studios partners or Disney+. The main Doctor Who series streams globally on that platform.

The cast includes familiar Whoniverse faces. Jemma Redgrave returns as UNIT chief Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. Colin McFarlane reprises his Torchwood role as General Pierce.

What the Finale Will Resolve

The official synopsis hints at a desperate climax. Barclay stands alone against rising oceans. Traitors within the ranks complicate the final battle.

The series reimagines the classic Sea Devils as Homo Aqua. This has allowed for deeper themes of ecology and coexistence. The finale is expected to address these ideas directly.

The War Between the Land and the Sea finale will deliver a thrilling conclusion to this ambitious chapter. Its success may well dictate the future of standalone Whoniverse stories for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

When is the exact release time for Episode 5?

It airs at 8:05 p.m. GMT on Sunday, December 21. The episode will be available on BBC iPlayer at the same moment it starts on BBC One.

How many episodes are in the series?

There are five episodes total. The finale is the fifth and final installment of the first season.

Can I watch it outside the United Kingdom?

International distribution is not yet fully confirmed. It is expected to follow the main Doctor Who series to Disney+ or other BBC partner platforms in the coming months.

Are any Doctor Who characters in the spin-off?

Yes. Key UNIT leadership from the modern Doctor Who era appears. This firmly plants the series within the established continuity of the Whoniverse.

Will there be a second season?

The BBC has not announced a renewal. Strong viewership figures and positive reviews make a second series a distinct possibility.