When it comes to detective dramas, Channel 5 has proved itself to be pretty good at them and The Game is a case in point. The twisty cat-and-mouse series is the ultimate game of psychological chess as police detective Huw Miller (Jason Watkins) attempts to crack the unsolved case of a serial killer – and much to our relief, the award-worthy series is returning (imminently!) for a brilliant second instalment. With a surprise character twist, no less.
You see, the series 1 finale episode saw the arrest of the serial killer in question - Patrick (Robson Green) - and many fans assumed he’d be locked up for good. Not quite, however. Both Huw Miller and Robson Green will be back for series 2 – meaning this cat-and-mouse chase isn’t over yet. According to Rachel Gesua, Senior Executive Producer for Clapperboard, the plan is to take the series “to the next level" – which means we’re in for quite a ride.
While we patiently wait for The Game series 2 to arrive on our screens, here's everything you need to know about the detective drama, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.
What is The Game about?
The four-part drama first premiered in May 2025 and introduces us to Huw Miller (Jason Watkins), a police detective who’s haunted by the unsolved case of a stalker-serial killer who wreaked havoc in his town, as well as the new neighbour, Patrick Harbottle (Robson Green) who he believes is him. While Huw is attempting to settle into retirement, he can't get the case off his mind and so he begins his hunt for the Ripton Stalker.
The question is: has Huw finally got his man in the form of his neighbour – or is his obsession with the case clouding his judgement? If you haven’t yet watched the series, this is your cue to look away now, as series 1 concluded with a serious showdown between Patrick and Huw in which Patrick stabbed Huw in the chest – at the very moment that police burst in.
What will happen in The Game series 2?
The second series will pick up a year after the first, and see the return of former detective Huw, who did in fact survive the stabbing. Huw believes he’s finally escaped the psychological grip of serial killer, Patrick (Robson Green), given that he’s now firmly behind bars.
What to read next
So, what else should he do than retreat with his wife Alice (Sunetra Sarker) to an isolated house by the sea and rebuild a quiet life, away from the violence that nearly left him dead? Nothing is quite that simple in The Game, however, and Huw quickly realises that peace is merely an illusion.
While many fans expected Huw to be facing a new threat, it seems Patrick is very much present in the new series and it sounds as though he won’t be behind bars after all. Star Jason Watkins says of his return: “I cannot wait to get started on The Game S2. 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 added: “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. 5 audiences are in for another brilliant ride.”
Who's in the cast of The Game series 2?
The cast of The Game series 2 includes:
- Jason Watkins (W1A)
- Robson Green (Grantchester)
- Sunetra Sarker (Ackley Bridge)
- Indy Lewis (Industry, King and Conqueror)
- Amber James (Vera, Grace)
- Sonny Ashbourne Serkis (Masters of the Air)
- Tanya Franks (Broadchurch)
- Dominic Rowan (The Crown, Catastrophe)
- Amanda Bright (Buccaneers)
- Richard Pepple (The Hack)
- Carl Rice (Brassic)
- Connor Calland (Adolescence, Stay Close)
Is there a trailer for The Game series 2?
Yes, Channel 5 has released a teaser - and it's a good one! You can watch it below.
Is The Game any good?
Yes – it’s a brilliantly twisty series that, pardon the cliché, really does keep you guessing till the end. Robson Green and Jason Watkins are fantastic in the lead roles, with several fans commenting on the fact that they deserve awards for their performances. If you’re looking for a genuinely engaging series that will keep you on your toes, The Game is well worth a watch.
How can I watch The Game series 2?
The Game series 2 will premiere on Tuesday 1st September at 9pm on Channel 5.
What other great detective dramas can I watch now?
For a series that gives Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie a run for their money, we’d highly recommend Queens of Mystery. The series, which has already proved a big hit across the pond, is set in the quaint English village of Wildemarsh and follows Detective Sergeant Matilda Stone and her three crime-writing aunts. The aunts in question - Cat (Julie Graham), Beth (Sarah Woodward), and Jane (Siobhan Redmond) don’t just write about crime, however, they also help their niece solve it. You can watch Queens of Mystery now on U. For more great detective dramas you can watch now check out our pick of the very best ones here.
