Channel 4 Returns to 'The Undeclared War'

It took most U.K. broadcast networks a little longer than was probably good for them to hop aboard the streaming service bandwagon, but since the end of 2022 and the launch of ITVX, the primary networks have all started focusing on making series for broadcast designed to boost streaming viewership numbers. Channel 4 has probably suffered more than most, despite being one of the earliest adopters of the move to streaming. (Like HBO, it just reconfigured its existing on-demand service in 2016.) Between threats of being sold off by the Tories and being mired in third place behind the iPlayer Player& ITVX, the network has struggled to stay afloat.

But it's a new day since Labour took the reigns in July 2024. While most of the focus has been on the BBC's upcoming charter renewal, Channel 4's Drama director, Ollie Madden (who is also in charge of Film4), announced he was aiming to double Channel 4’s commissions to achieve having new series premiering year-round; considered a key pillar in the network’s move to becoming streaming-first.  While most of the 2025 series Madden announced are new works (which we will run down in another post), one title did get a second season re-up as part of the network's expanded offerings: 2022's British spy series The Undeclared War, which streamed its first season on Peacock in the states.

Like most of its British thrillers, The Undeclared War was mostly overlooked on Peacock when it debuted. However, unlike The Capture, this wasn't about a show being lost in the shuffle as it transferred across the pond. The Undeclared War's first season merely did ok in the U.K. as well, which might explain some of the casting changes heading into Season 2.