Broadcaster ITV has officially premiered its brand-new six-part forensic crime drama series, Winter, launching on Wednesday, September 30, at 9 p.m. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bristol, the series pairs an eccentric, unorthodox forensic scientist with a meticulous detective to solve a series of complex and baffling homicides. Adapted from the highly successful French television series Balthazar-which ran for five seasons between 2018 and 2023-the drama blends standalone murder investigations with an overarching, deeply personal narrative thread.
- Plot and Premise: What is Winter About?
- Cast and Characters
- Production and Behind-the-Scenes Details
- Broadcast and Streaming Schedule
- Frequently Asked Questions About Winter
- When does Winter premiere on ITV?
- How many episodes are in the series?
- What is Winter based on?
- Where was Winter filmed?
- Where can international viewers watch Winter?
Plot and Premise: What is Winter About?
The series introduces Dr. Ethan Winter, played by Richard Armitage, who stands as one of the most gifted pathologists of his generation. Possessing an extraordinary analytical mind and impeccable deductive reasoning, Winter sees what others routinely miss. He uses the human body as a map to reveal the secrets left behind by the deceased. His unique methods rely on a sharp intellect, rule-breaking tendencies, and an almost spiritual connection to the victims he examines.
Winter partners with DI Lauren Bell, portrayed by Annabel Scholey, a meticulous and no-nonsense detective who matches his professional drive. Together, they form a formidable team, though their tempestuous working relationship provides plenty of narrative friction. While each hour-long episode features a self-contained crime story, a darker personal mystery underpins the entire six-part series. Viewers learn that Winter is haunted by the unsolved murder of someone close to him from a decade ago. When a recent suicide arrives in the lab bearing a chilling clue that echoes that past tragedy, Winter initiates a secret, unofficial investigation to bring the true culprit to justice.
Cast and Characters
The series features a stellar ensemble cast led by well-known television actors:
- Richard Armitage as Dr. Ethan Winter, the brilliant yet self-destructive forensic pathologist. Armitage is widely recognized for his roles in multiple Harlan Coben thrillers, Robin Hood as Guy of Gisborne, and Spooks as Lucas North.
- Annabel Scholey as DI Lauren Bell, the driven and methodical detective. Scholey’s previous credits include The Split, Rivals, and The Couple Next Door.
- Jamie Kenna as DS Ellis Daldry, rounding out the core investigative team.
The broader supporting cast includes Ben Castle-Gibb, Carlotta Banat, Jay Taylor, Georgie Fellows, Adwoa Akoto, Bob Cryer, Layla Simmons, Josh Barrow, Rishi Rian, Julian De Backer, Laura Bayston, Joan Iyiola, William Owen, Matt Emery, Marianne Oldham, Roze Elisa, Sophie Dix, Ellis Elijah, Dennis Overeem, Caroline Donnelly, and Lucy Brownhill.
Production and Behind-the-Scenes Details
Winter was adapted for television by writers David Allison (The Couple Next Door) and Mark Greig (Ashes to Ashes). Eagle Eye Drama helms the production, maintaining a collaborative creative environment that mirrors their previous international projects. Drama Commissioner Callum Dziedzic praised the scripts for masterfully blending science, mystery, and deep emotion.
Although the series is set in Bristol, principal photography took place across Bristol and Belgium in early February 2026. A formal table read for the cast took place in London on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Broadcast and Streaming Schedule
Winter officially debuts on ITV1 on Wednesday, September 30, at 9 p.m. The complete series drops as a boxset on ITVX and STV Player on the exact same day. Weekly broadcasts will continue on ITV and STV, while international audiences-including viewers in the United States-can watch the series through Masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter
When does Winter premiere on ITV?
Winter premieres on Wednesday, September 30, at 9 p.m. on ITV1, with all episodes simultaneously dropping as a boxset on ITVX.
How many episodes are in the series?
The first season of Winter consists of six one-hour episodes, combining standalone murder cases with an overarching serial mystery.
What is Winter based on?
The drama is adapted from the hit French crime-thriller series Balthazar, which aired on television from 2018 to 2023.
Where was Winter filmed?
While the story is set in Bristol, principal filming locations included both Bristol and Belgium.
Where can international viewers watch Winter?
Viewers in the United States can watch the series via Masterpiece, while UK audiences can stream it on ITVX.
