BBC’s ‘The Split Up’ sees second‑gen Indian family fight courtroom war

The long‑running BBC legal drama *The Split* has been rebooted for the north of England, retitled *The Split Up*. The new version follows a family of second‑generation British Indians living in Manchester, and it marks the network’s expansion into Media City.

With a fresh cast and a stronger focus on cultural traditions, the show seeks to update its story for a new audience.

## Background & Context

*The Split* first appeared on BBC One in 2018, quickly carving out a niche among viewers who enjoy courtroom intrigue coupled with domestic drama. Over four seasons, the series centred on three siblings—Aria, Dev and Maya—who work at a prestigious law firm and juggle high‑profile divorce cases with their own romantic entanglements.

The original show was noted for its blend of legal procedural elements and family dynamics. It attracted a dedicated audience that followed the siblings’ personal journeys alongside the cases they handled.

In 2023, the BBC announced its strategic shift to Media City, recognising the growing cultural and economic importance of Manchester.

This move created an ideal backdrop for *The Split Up*, allowing the drama to tap into the city’s vibrant South Asian community while retaining the familiar legal framework that made its predecessor popular.

### New Setting, New Story

While the core premise remains—siblings juggling complex personal lives alongside high‑stakes divorce cases—the new series places the family at the heart of Manchester’s bustling legal district. The show now grounds each episode in a sense of place that viewers can recognise and feel attached to.

The reworked narrative gives greater weight to the family’s Indian heritage. Dhruv Kishan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) is portrayed as a seasoned lawyer who arrived in Britain “with just one change of clothes and £5 in my pocket,” a line that resonates with many immigrant stories.

Aria’s mother, who passed away six months before the first episode, is remembered through a shrine in the family home, providing a visual reminder of her presence and allowing the show to explore themes of grief and cultural continuity.

## Expanded Cast

- **Sanjeev Bhaskar** as Dhruv Kishan (patriarch, legal veteran)

The series also features Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks as Alex and Tash, a podcasting duo who offer legal commentary for a younger audience.

## What People Are Saying

Fans have noted the show’s emphasis on cultural detail, with many commenting on the authentic representation of second‑generation Indian families. Discussions on social media highlight how the series balances familiar legal drama with fresh cultural perspectives.

## Audience Reception

While specific viewership numbers have not been released, early feedback suggests that the regional shift has sparked interest among viewers who appreciate a modern take on family drama infused with cultural nuance.

## What Happens Next

No official announcement has been made regarding the show’s renewal or future episodes. Viewers currently have no information on how many seasons the reboot will run or whether additional spin‑offs will follow.

However, industry insiders speculate that a successful run could lead to a broader initiative: producing more regionally‑anchored dramas featuring diverse communities across the UK.

The series remains available for audiences interested in a contemporary family drama set against Manchester’s evolving media landscape.

Whether *The Split Up* will become a staple of BBC’s North‑of‑England strategy remains to be seen, but its first season has already sparked conversation and offered a fresh, culturally rich narrative that resonates beyond the courtroom.