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:

A uniquely immersive setting: the Welsh coast in storm-mode isn’t your typical urban crime scene.

A protagonist with deep personal investment: Jackie isn’t just a detective; she’s personally wounded.

A blend of internal and external conflict: the storm outside mirrors the storm inside.

Strong character ensemble and a serious lead.

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”: