The Bay is back on ITV after two years, with fans praising the Lancashire crime drama despite the mixed reviews.
Returning for its fifth season last night, the Morecambe-set crime drama follows family liaison officer DS Jenn Townsend (Marsha Thomason) as she's tasked with investigating the murder of a 23-year-old woman, Hannah Dawson.
Townsend, DS Karen Hobson (Erin Shanagher) and new addition to the Morecambe MIU team, DC Lou McClaren (Olwen May), uncover fraught friendships and a history of self-harm in Hannah's past.
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Meanwhile, Townsend is struggling with grief in her personal life, as she's recently suffered the loss of her father.
While The Bay has been branded "ITV's worst police drama" in a review on inews.co.uk, fans are excited about the new case. Ahead of tonight's episode 2, many have taken to social media to celebrate the crime series.
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"been waiting months for the new series. Love this show," one person shared on Twitter/X.
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"So glad #TheBay has returned!" was another post, while another fan congratulated DI Tony Manning star Daniel Ryan, writing: "Brilliant first episode, hooked already, excited for tomorrow and most importantly, so good to see you and the gang back on the telly."
Several people have admitted binging the series on ITVX, while others are enjoying it as it airs on TV. Fans of the show who prefer waiting for episodes to air are being treated to three episodes a week for a total of six episodes.
"And we're off!! Excellent start!" one fan noted. "It'll be flaming well over before we know with 3 eps each over 2 weeks."
The Bay season 5 airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
