Channel 4 Commissions Deadwater Fell

Channel 4 has commissioned a new 4 x 60’ drama from Kudos by Daisy Coulam (Humans, Grantchester), Deadwater Fell, which follows the story of two families in the aftermath of an unthinkable crime. When a seemingly perfect and happy family is murdered by someone they know and trust, cracks appear on the surface of a supposedly idyllic community.

The series examines the ripple effect of the crime on each person who knew and loved the family. From the best friends of the victims, to their parents, and the children who have to go to school the next day.

Deadwater Fell is also a dissection of two marriages. Best friends Jess and Kate were closer than sisters, they worked together at the local school and went on holiday together. But when Kate and her three children are found murdered, and her husband Tom is suspected of the crime, Jess’ world is upended in her search for answers. She is desperate to understand what caused this tragedy, and what secrets lie at the root of this horrific act. Meanwhile, her own already-fragile relationship with her husband Steve is driven to the brink of collapse amid the chaos.

Beneath the shadow of this murder, once strong relationships become fractured, respect gives way to recriminations, and friendship is replaced by suspicion. The community is now irrevocably associated with death, while those that are left behind desperately try to make sense of a tragedy that simply makes no sense at all.

Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, says: "I'm so proud that Deadwater Fell is my first commission at C4. Daisy's writing is warm and full of heart, while boldly tackling epic themes of extreme violence with psychological acuity. She is turning the norms of family drama on its head, with a story that’s deeply shocking yet always relatable."