Richard Armitage returns to ITV tonight in Winter, a brand-new crime drama that sees him playing a brilliant but unconventional forensic pathologist alongside Annabel Scholey as DI Lauren Bell. The six-part series premieres on Wednesday, 30 September at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, with all six episodes also available to stream on ITVX from launch day. That means viewers who prefer to binge their crime dramas can watch the entire series without waiting for the remaining television broadcasts. 

Set in Bristol, the drama follows Dr Ethan Winter as he helps the police investigate a series of complicated murder cases. However, Winter has an unsolved murder of his own to investigate, and his determination to find the killer threatens to cause serious problems for both him and his colleagues.

When Is Winter on ITV? Full Episode Schedule and ITVX Release

Winter premieres on Wednesday, 30 September at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, with new episodes scheduled to air weekly on Wednesday evenings. The six-part series is expected to follow this broadcast schedule:

Episode 1 – Wednesday, 30 September, 9pm
Episode 2 – Wednesday, 7 October, 9pm
Episode 3 – Wednesday, 14 October (expected)
Episode 4 – Wednesday, 21 October (expected)
Episode 5 – Wednesday, 28 October (expected)
Episode 6 – Wednesday, 4 November (expected)

The first two broadcast dates are confirmed, with the remaining dates based on the weekly schedule and subject to change. However, viewers who don’t want to wait six weeks are in luck. All six episodes of Winter are being released together on ITVX on Wednesday, 30 September.

What Is Winter About?

The new crime drama follows Dr Ethan Winter, a gifted forensic pathologist whose ability to uncover evidence from the bodies he examines makes him an invaluable asset to the police. His unconventional methods frequently put him at odds with DI Lauren Bell, a detective who has a very different approach to solving crimes. Together with DS Ellis Daldry, they investigate a new murder in each episode. However, Winter is still haunted by the death of his fiancée, Simone, and is determined to find out who killed her. His personal investigation continues throughout the series, placing further strain on his relationship with Bell as the two work together on increasingly difficult cases.

Winter: Episode Guide and Synopses

Episode 1: A frozen body is discovered in Bristol, bringing forensic pathologist Dr Ethan Winter and DI Lauren Bell together to investigate a disturbing murder. Meanwhile, Winter is dealing with a secret of his own.

Episode 2: Winter investigates the discovery of a faceless body at a demolition site in Bristol. The investigation uncovers hidden identities and a devastating betrayal as he continues searching for Simone’s killer.

Episode 3: A brutal double murder presents another difficult case for Winter, Bell and Daldry. At the same time, Winter’s determination to uncover the truth about Simone’s death leads him to take increasingly dangerous risks.

Episode 4: The discovery of human remains sends the team into another disturbing investigation, while Bell’s growing suspicions about Antony have devastating consequences.

Episode 5: Winter’s cinema date takes a horrifying turn when a blood-covered stranger appears, leaving him racing to save a stabbing victim. Meanwhile, Bell is forced to confront the truth about her marriage.

Episode 6: A car crash in the woods leads Winter to uncover a much darker crime involving a young woman’s past. Meanwhile, a major breakthrough in the Triangle case brings Winter and Bell closer to a shocking discovery.

Who Is in the Winter Cast?

Richard Armitage (Fool Me Once, Red Eye, Missing You) leads the cast as Dr Ethan Winter, alongside Annabel Scholey (Rivals, The Split) as DI Lauren Bell and Jamie Kenna (House of the Dragon) as DS Ellis Daldry.

The supporting cast includes Carlotta Banat, Josh Barrow, Adwoa Akoto, Jay Taylor, Rishi Rian, Deirdre Mullins, Ellis Elijah and Evie Coles. 

Is Winter Based on Another TV Series?

Yes. Winter is based on the French television crime drama Balthazar, which follows an unconventional forensic pathologist who works alongside a police detective to solve complicated murder cases. The British adaptation has been developed by David Allison and Mark Greig, with filming taking place in Bristol and Belgium. 

For CultureCues, we’re always excited to get stuck into a new British crime drama, especially one starring Richard Armitage. We’re looking forward to seeing him alongside Annabel Scholey and how their characters’ different approaches to solving murders play out. The decision to release all six episodes at once is also very welcome for those of us who struggle to resist watching just one more episode.

All six episodes of Winter are available on ITVX from 30 September.

More From CultureCues

Adultery First Look: Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai Lead New ITV Drama

Nocturne on Apple TV: Stephen Graham Stars as Serial Killer in New Drama

Black Doves Season 2 Trailer, Release Date and First-Look Images Revealed