The BBC has launched a new drama series, The Split Up, which revisits familiar themes from the original legal drama The Split, but centers on an Asian family and is set in Manchester. The series follows Aria, played by Ritu Arya, who is preparing to take over the family law firm, Kishan Law, from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). Aria is engaged to Neal (Danny Ashok), and their future appears promising, until she discovers that her father has employed Luke (Dimitri Leonidas), a charismatic lawyer with whom she once shared a weekend together. Luke’s continued interest complicates Aria’s personal and professional life.
The Split Up explores family dynamics against the backdrop of modern legal and romantic challenges. Aria’s siblings also feature prominently: her sister is coping with an unfaithful husband, while her brother Kav (Arian Nik) is openly gay and accepted by their father, who is also grieving the recent loss of his wife. This layer of family tension and cultural nuance is a central element of the show.
As in The Split, each episode weaves in an external storyline that echoes the main characters’ dilemmas. The premiere introduces Tash (Lenny Henry) and Alex (Jane Horrocks), a couple known for their self-help marriage podcast who confront difficulties after Alex has an affair with a woman. Their public and private struggles raise questions about honesty, commitment, and reputation, themes that also resonate within Aria’s story.
Critics note that while The Split Up successfully introduces a fresh cultural perspective and boasts strong performances, particularly from Arya, it sometimes suffers from an abundance of plot twists and rapid-fire dialogue that can undermine the depth and realism of the characters. Some storylines and dialogue have been described as lacking natural emotional resonance. For example, the portrayal of Tash and Alex’s marital crisis and certain lines intended to be poignant have been seen as less convincing.
Visually, the series is praised for its polished production values and for capturing the vibrancy of Manchester, especially highlighted during Aria and Neal’s Hindu engagement party, which features lively music and dance. This aspect has drawn comparisons to other notable Manchester-based dramas that blend glamour and complexity.
While some observers question whether The Split Up is simply a reimagining of a known formula modestly adapted for diversity, others appreciate its attempt to tell relatable stories within an underrepresented community. Though it may not fully escape the shadow of its predecessor, the series offers a contemporary take on family, love, and professional ambition set against an evolving social backdrop.