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The series, which aired earlier this year, starred the Doc Martin and Manhunt actor in a much darker role as a father desperate to protect his teenage son, who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of county lines drug trafficking.
Despite receiving praise for Clunes’ intense and emotional performance, the show appears to have fallen short of ITV’s ratings expectations, leading the network to step away from producing further episodes.
Credit: Buffalo Pictures for ITV and ITVX
Speaking candidly last week, Clunes expressed his disappointment at the decision:
“We were keen on doing a second series but ITV aren’t, it seems. It didn’t quite pull the numbers they wanted, unfortunately.”
Out There marked a tonal shift for Clunes, known primarily for his roles in lighter drama and comedy, and was seen as a bold attempt to tackle real-life issues affecting communities across the UK. The series explored the emotional and psychological toll of modern crime on families, earning it a modest but loyal audience.
While there had been behind-the-scenes discussions about developing a follow-up series to expand the story, ITV ultimately chose not to proceed. Industry insiders suggest that in today’s ultra-competitive streaming and broadcasting landscape, audience figures remain a key factor, even for shows with strong storytelling and critical acclaim.
Fans of the show have voiced their disappointment online, praising both the cast and the hard-hitting subject matter. Many had hoped Out There would continue to shed light on the lesser-known realities of county lines drug networks and the impact on ordinary families.
Clunes, meanwhile, remains one of the UK’s most popular and versatile actors. While this particular drama may be over, he continues to be in demand for future projects, both in front of and behind the camera.
For now, Out There joins the growing list of high-profile dramas to be cut short despite positive reception, a stark reminder that even star power doesn’t always guarantee renewal in the fast-moving world of television.
