Calling all thriller fans! The Ex-Wife, a dark and twisty psychological series that originally debuted on Paramount+ in 2022, is currently captivating a whole new audience following the release of its second season on Channel 5.

Based on the bestselling novel by Jess Ryder, the first season introduces us to Tasha (Céline Buckens), a woman enjoying an idyllic life with her devoted husband, Tom (Tom Mison), and their newborn baby. However, domestic bliss is quickly overshadowed by Tasha’s mounting concern regarding her husband’s uncomfortably close relationship with his ex-wife, Jen.

© Channel 5
Céline Buckens and Tom Mison star in The Ex-Wife

With the second season recently landing on Channel 5, viewers have wasted no time getting stuck into the mystery. If you are looking for your next addictive, fast-paced binge-watch, here is everything you need to know about the gripping drama.

What happens in season two?

The second season picks up three years after the events of season one. We find Tasha in Cyprus, rebuilding her life with her daughter Emily, having fled their home following a dramatic car crash caused by her husband Jack.

WATCH: The trailer for The Ex-Wife season two

Meanwhile, Tasha’s best friend Sam is cut off from her and Jack’s ex-wife Jen is engaged to a new man, Connor.

The synopsis continues: “Their lives are turned upside down by Jack’s sudden release from prison. Still believing Emily’s death to be his fault, Jack has survived his car crash and appears to be a changed man, grieving the death of his daughter and searching for redemption from Jen.

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Jordan Stephens plays Sam

“With the shadow of the past haunting the characters, attempts at moving on only bring Jack closer to discovering his daughter is still alive and reveal the dark secret they have all kept from him. As a tangled web of lies threatens to unravel, who can each of them really trust, can anyone truly change, and how far will a parent go to protect their child?”

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Janet Montgomery starred in season one

Notably, season two introduces a major casting change: Merlin star Katie McGrath steps into the role of Jen, replacing Janet Montgomery from season one.

What have viewers and TV critics said about the show?

The series has been branded by viewers as “frighteningly brilliant” and “gripping”.

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “This series is a masterpiece,” while another added: “Just finished #TheExWife on Paramount. Excellent psychological thriller, was very impressed – well worth a watch!”

© MARQ RILEY
Katie McGrath played Jen in season two

Meanwhile, the series received mixed reviews from TV critics. The Times characterised the series as a “shlocky escapist drama” in its three-star review, while The Telegraph handed out two stars, describing the show as “tense and sinister if also glacial, passionless and somehow ickily moreish”.

The Ex-Wife is available to stream on Channel 5 and Paramount Plus.