The Game on C5: Series 2 of brilliantly bonkers thriller confirmed with 'Patrick back pulling strings with a vengeance'
It isn't over until Patrick says it's over!
The Game will be returning for a series 2 on Channel 5, pitting evil murderer Patrick Harbottle against retired cop Huw Miller once again – and here are all the details.
In a rather surprising announcement, the channel has revealed that the cat and mouse thriller will return despite the ambiguous series 1 ending. The brilliantly bonkers first series aired in May 2025, with plenty of loose ends left dangling for a series 2.
However, it is rare for a Channel 5 thriller to get another series. Not because there’s no demand for one, but usually because they are self-contained nuggets of deliciously daft drama. See The Feud, The Au Pair, and The Rumour for reference.
But The Game had a new trick up its sleeve. Not only did it bring together Robson Green and Jason Watkins, it also left viewers wanting more. In the series 1 finale, Patrick had been arrested, and Huw was left for dead…
Here’s everything we know about The Game series 2 so far, including plot, cast, and start date.
Is there a series 2 of The Game on Channel 5?
Channel 5 has commissioned a series 2 of hit thriller The Game with Jason Watkins and Robson Green. Even better, we can reveal that shooting has already begun (as of February 20).
The series 1 finale left fans with plenty of unanswered questions. Although it looked like serial killer Patrick was going to be locked up at last, hero Huw’s fate looked less clear cut. He was left bleeding out on the floor after being stabbed by his arch-rival.
Series 1 introduced us to retired detective Huw who found himself drawn back into an unsolved case – one that had continued to haunt him.
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Years ago, he had failed to solve the case of The Ripton Stalker. And when charming new neighbour, Patrick, uttered the chilling sign off used by the Stalker to taunt Huw – “catch you later” – Huw became convinced his neighbour and The Ripton Stalker were one and the same.
Long story short, he was. What followed was a gripping psychological battle with everything on the line.
Talking about the return of the series, Paul Testar – Commissioning Editor of Drama at Channel 5 – commented: “The Game was one of Channel 5’s top preforming dramas of 2025. And we are delighted to […] bring a second series of this dark thriller to our screens with our brilliant leads Jason Watkins and Robson Green returning.”
What is the plot of The Game series 2?
Series 2 of The Game on Channel 5 will be set a year after series one. Viewers will discover that former detective Huw survived the brutal stabbing delivered by his nemesis Patrick. He now believes he has finally escaped the psychological grip of serial killer Patrick who is ‘safely’ behind bars…
The synopsis tells us: “Retreating with his wife Alice to an isolated house by the sea, Huw is determined to rebuild a quiet life, far from the violence that nearly destroyed them. But peace, he soon realises, is an illusion.”
Toby Frow and Tom Grieves are both set to return as director and writer respectively. Rachel Gesua, Senior Executive Producer for Clapperboard, said: “I’m thrilled to be getting the team behind The Game back together. The performances of Robson Green and Jason Watkins elevated the show to something unmissable, and I can’t wait to take this to the next level.”
When is the start date?
Cast and crew have just started filming The Game series 2, so we’ll have to wait a while as they create their magic.
However, Channel 5 has confirmed that the new episodes are due to air on Channel 5 later this year.
Who is in the cast of The Game on Channel 5?
Jason Watkins and Robson Green are confirmed to return in The Game sequel. Well, it would have been pretty rubbish without them!
BAFTA-winning Jason Watkins will reprise his role as retired detective Huw Miller. Of course, Jason is famous for his roles in Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, and W1A. On returning, he said: “I cannot wait to get started on The Game series 2. Huw has been through the mill and there’s no let-up this series. I’’m excited to get my teeth into what’s ahead for him.”
Robson Green will be back as sinister Patrick Harbottle. The TV veteran is known for Grantchester, Soldier Soldier, Touching Evil, Wire in the Blood, and Strike Back. Robson said: “Stepping back into the world of The Game for series 2 is an exciting challenge. Just when you thought it was over, Patrick is back pulling strings with a vengeance. Channel 5 audiences are in for another brilliant ride.”
Casualty’s Sunetra Sarker will return as Huw’s loyal wife Alice, opposite Industry’s Indy Lewis as daughter Margot Miller. Also back is Grace’s Amber James as DS Jenny Atkins.
New in the cast are:
- The White Queen’s Sonny Ashbourne Serkis.
- EastEnders’ Tanya Franks.
- The Crown’s Dominic Rowan.
- In From the Cold’s Amanda Bright
- COBRA’s Richard Pepple
- Trollied’s Carl Rice.
- Hollyoaks’ Connor Calland.
The Game reviews
The Game got mixed reviews, with some readers calling out the plot holes. However, it was largely well received.
The Radio Times said: “Tom Grieves has given us a psychological thriller that isn’t so much a whodunnit as a will-they-ever-catch-him. While Green and Watkins as the cat and mouse playing this deadly game have been terrific.”
The Daily Mirror added: “With a stellar cast and pacy plot, this is a deliciously dark psychological drama.”
“Down to earth and genial, Watkins brings a compelling everyman quality to this new role that makes you root for Miller and offers a sense of familiarity,” said The Daily Telegraph. They also added: “An enjoyably sinister turn from Robson Green.”
Daily Mail said: “Watkins excels at playing the beleaguered everyman.”
The i Paper said: “Jason Watkins is one of Britain’s most prolific character actors. In the past decade, he has appeared in everything from Des to Inside No 9 to The Crown. But of all his talents, portraying an ordinary bloke unravelling has to be top of the list.”
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The Inheritance
The Inheritance is arguably THE best thriller to air on Channel 5 ever. After dozens of promising but not quite perfect dramas over the past decade, C5 finally nailed it with this four-part series.
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The Teacher
Sheridan Smith-thriller The Teacher explores consent. The four-parter follows a teacher who is accused of a sexual encounter with a pupil. Of course, her whole life is turned upside down with the accusation. If only she'd been sober enough to remember what had actually happened…
The synopsis reads: "With no memory of the night in question, Jenna's only hope of redemption lies in uncovering the truth about a dark event in her past that returns to haunt her."
The first series was so successful that a second and third series, with different casts, were also commissioned.
Read more: The Game on Channel 5: Filming locations revealed, and it’s not where you think!
