The reason the BBC's The Split is ending and chances of a series 4
The Split spoilers follow.
BBC drama The Split has been gripping its audience for three series as family and work collide within the walls of a divorce-law firm.
Unfortunately, even before series three was released, creator Abi Morgan stated this batch of six episodes would be the show's last.
While this is sad news for viewers, for The Split team it actually affords them an increasing rarity in the world of television... the chance to go out on their own terms, rather than become a victim to failing viewership or outstaying their welcome. As a result, Abi and co have joined the ranks of great British dramas of ending on a high.
On the announcement all the way back in February 2021, Abi said: "It was always the plan and in fact I don't think I'm saying anything out of turn here, the BBC would have loved us to have gone on really. But I always conceived it as three.”
She later added that each series served a purpose. Series one focused on Hannah's (Nicola Walker) thoughts and feelings on splits, especially concerning her parents' divorce when her father Oscar (Anthony Head) makes a reappearance into her life.
Series two was about her own affair, with series three grappling with her own potential divorce from husband Nathan (Stephen Mangan) in the fallout.
"I always knew that I wanted to build to this because at the heart of the show is this idea that not all divorces are a failure, just some marriages are finite," the writer explained.
"I wanted to show this fantastic, robust, complex friendship, which is at the heart of Hannah and Nathan's marriage. So I really think that's what series three is about."
This was certainly achieved, with the pair grappling with their feelings for each other that weren't easy to cut and walk away from.
Even when Nathan started a new relationship, it was obvious that he hadn't entirely closed the door on the idea of reuniting with wife Hannah one day. But ultimately, it wasn't to be, with both paving the way for a new future without each other in the final episode.
Will there be a spin-off of The Split?
While The Split may be over for good, Abi Morgan definitely has plans for the characters, and seems ready for some new drama involving the rest of the cast and crew.
So it looks like a spin-off may well be on the cards and Noble Hale Defoe isn't officially over – it just will return in a new way.
She told RadioTimes.com: "Watch this space. I'm sure there'll be news about that very soon. But I really love those actors. I'm definitely hoping I get to work with them again.
"And I think we know that there's a real audience and appetite for this world."
How this spin-off (if it even happens) remains to be seen, but may focus on another of the Defoe family and their relationship complications.
The Split is available to stream in full now on BBC iPlayer.
You Might Also Like
