If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, you know Kelly Reilly – the fierce, unforgettable Beth Dutton who stole every scene. Now, she’s set to embark on a brand-new challenge: a six-part crime thriller titled Under Salt Marsh. And let me tell you – everything we know so far suggests it’s going to be riveting. With a haunting setting, a chilling cold case, and a storm literally brewing, this one is shaping up to be unmissable.
Let’s unpack why this series has serious potential, walk through what makes it stand out, and explore why Kelly Reilly’s next career chapter might just top the last.
1. Who Is Kelly Reilly and Why Her Next Move Matters
Kelly Reilly has already made a huge mark — from her stellar portrayal of Beth Dutton in Yellowstone to her earlier work in British TV and film. She brings emotional intensity, raw power, and a presence that demands attention. So when she signals she’s ready for something new, we pay attention.
In Under Salt Marsh, she takes on the role of Jackie Ellis, a former detective-turned-teacher. That pivot already hints at layered character work: a woman haunted by her past, drawn back into darkness, and forced to fight internal and external storms.
2. The Premise: A Storm, A Cold Case, A Community in Crisis
Here’s what sets this drama apart. The story centers in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, a tight-knit community nestled between mountains and sea. A massive storm looms. Jackie Ellis stumbles across the body of her eight-year-old pupil. That discovery? It shatters the past and reopens a three-year-old cold case that cost her career, her family’s trust, and her peace. Skygroup+3Skygroup+3HELLO!+3
In short: the weather is menacing, the crime is personal, and the emotional stakes? High.
3. Why the Setting Elevates the Drama
It’s rare that the place in a crime drama feels like another character – but Morfa Halen might be exactly that. The sea, the storm, the remote Welsh landscape: all of these elements amplify the tension. One moment the wind’s howling, the next a secret is uncovered. The environment mirrors the turmoil of the characters. That’s the kind of atmospheric storytelling that pulls you in.
4. Co-Star Power: Rafe Spall and the Supporting Cast
Kelly won’t be doing this alone. She’s joined by Rafe Spall, who plays Detective Eric Bull – Jackie’s estranged former partner brought back into the investigation. Skygroup+1
On top of that, there’s a strong ensemble: actors like Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang, and others add depth and talent to the community of suspects, allies and secrets. A cast like this means we’re looking at more than a standard thriller — we’re looking at a character-rich event.
5. The Creators Behind the Scenes Make a Difference
The series is created and directed by Claire Oakley (known for the film Make Up) and produced by Little Door Productions in association with Sky Studios. Pressparty+1
Knowing who’s steering the ship matters. Oakley brings a flair for mood and character; Sky gives the backing for high production value; Kelly Reilly gives the lead with gravitas. The ingredients are stacked for something special.
6. Why This Series Can Stand Out in the Crowded Crime Genre
We’ve seen crime dramas by the dozen. So why might this one rise above the pack? Here are a few reasons:
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A uniquely immersive setting: the Welsh coast in storm-mode isn’t your typical urban crime scene.
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A protagonist with deep personal investment: Jackie isn’t just a detective; she’s personally wounded.
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A blend of internal and external conflict: the storm outside mirrors the storm inside.
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Strong character ensemble and a serious lead.
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Limited series format (six parts) means tight storytelling, less filler.
That combination gives it the chance to feel both cinematic and binge-worthy.
7. How Kelly Reilly’s Character Pushes Her Boundaries
Comparing Jackie Ellis to Reilly’s previous roles is fascinating. Beth Dutton? Ruthless, fierce, unflinching. Jackie? Fragile, haunted, compellingly human. This is Reilly pulling from both strength and vulnerability — a shift that offers her a new range and gives the audience new terrain to explore.
8. Filming Locations Add Realistic Texture
Production began in Wales, with locations including Barmouth, Fairbourne, Anglesey and South Wales. Wikipedia+1
Actual stormy coastlines, real environments — that kind of authenticity translates on screen. It means the drama won’t just feel tough; it is tough.
9. The Release Timeline and What to Expect
Under Salt Marsh is slated to premiere on Sky and the streaming service NOW in 2026. Skygroup+1
That gives audiences time to build anticipation, but also means we’re currently in that exciting pre-launch phase: teasers, stills, speculation. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled.
10. What This Means for Fans of Yellowstone
If you loved Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, you’ll find reasons to tune in here: her trademark intensity, emotional layers, and presence are still there. But you’ll also see her in a completely new context. So for fans, this is both familiar and fresh — it’s the best of both worlds.
11. The Storm as Metaphor: Why It Matters
In Under Salt Marsh, the gathering storm is more than a dramatic backdrop — it stands for the brewing secrets, the suppressed trauma, the danger of half-truths, and the unstoppable power of nature. It’s a metaphor you’ll feel in your bones. And that kind of writing elevates a thriller into something deeper.
12. Themes to Watch: Secrets, Redemption, Community
This series isn’t just a whodunnit. It explores how a community deals with grief, betrayal, and truth. Jackie’s return to her past reflects a search for redemption. The coastal town reflects isolation and interconnectedness. Those themes make this more than entertainment — they make it relatable.
13. How to Prepare for the Binge
Here’s your unofficial “pre-watch checklist”:
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Brush up on Kelly Reilly’s previous work so you catch her evolution.
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Look into other coastal crime dramas (think Broadchurch) to appreciate the tone.
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Keep an eye out for stills and teasers—early visuals hint at mood and style.
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Prepare for emotional weight: bring tissues.
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Clear your weekend: six episodes? You might want to watch them back-to-back.
14. The Conversation It’s Already Sparking
The industry talk is already strong: phrases like “rivals Broadchurch” and “must-watch event” are floating around. The News Scroll
That means early buzz is high—and you’ll want to join the conversation. When a show gets talked about before it drops, you know it has something special.
15. Final Thoughts: Why You Should Bookmark This Series
At the end of the day, what makes Under Salt Marsh special? It has the right lead (Kelly Reilly), the right story (haunted detective, coastal secrets), the right format (tight six-part), and the right backing (strong writers, production). Whether you’re a crime genre fan, a Reilly fan, or simply love a show with atmosphere and depth — this one should be on your radar.
Conclusion
Kelly Reilly’s leap into Under Salt Marsh is exactly the kind of high-stakes, character-driven move that makes TV exciting again. Throw in storms, secrets, a small town with big shadows, and a detective who knows too much — and you’ve got a recipe for addictive viewing. Mark the countdown for 2026, because when this drops, it might just be the crime drama everyone’s talking about.
FAQs
1. When will Under Salt Marsh premiere?
It is scheduled to premiere on Sky and the streaming service NOW in 2026.
2. What is Kelly Reilly’s role in the series?
She plays Jackie Ellis, a former detective turned teacher who becomes embroiled in reopening a cold case after discovering her student’s body.
3. Who co-stars alongside Kelly Reilly?
Rafe Spall stars as Detective Eric Bull, Jackie’s estranged former partner. The supporting cast includes Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang, Harry Lawtey, and others.
4. What makes this crime drama different from others?
The setting (a storm-threatened Welsh coastal town), the strong female lead grappling with personal and professional fallouts, and the six-part limited format give it a distinct tone and focus.
5. Why should Yellowstone fans watch this even though it’s different?
Because Kelly Reilly brings the same intensity and depth you loved in Yellowstone — but here she’s navigating new terrain, showing a different side of her talent, which makes it both familiar and fresh.
