Sweetpea TV Series: Plot, Cast, Season 2 & Where to Watch

Ella Purnell has played queens, witches, and even a vampire’s familiar—but her latest role as Sweetpea’s overlooked wallflower-turned-killer might be her sharpest turn yet. The British dark comedy thriller landed on Sky Atlantic and Starz in October 2024 and immediately sparked conversation for its wicked blend of humor and menace.

Genre: Dark comedy drama ·
Lead Star: Ella Purnell ·
Based On: CJ Skuse novel ·
Premiere Network: Sky Atlantic / STARZ ·
Release Year: 2024

The table below consolidates essential details about the series for quick reference.

What is the plot of Sweetpea?

Sweetpea centers on Rhiannon Lewis, a young woman so thoroughly ignored by everyone around her that she might just be able to get away with murder. The series flips the coming-of-age formula on its head: instead of finding her voice, Rhiannon discovers what happens when nobody’s paying attention long enough to notice the worst. Creator Kirstie Swain adapted the story from CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel, which earned praise for its sharp take on invisibility and rage.

Main storyline

Rhiannon is the consummate wallflower—a girl people walk past, talk over, and dismiss without a second thought. But when a series of events pushes her to the brink, she realizes that being overlooked has its advantages. The show blends dark comedy with thriller elements, charting what happens when society’s most invisible member decides to stop playing by the rules.

The Rotten Tomatoes (editorial reviews aggregator) describes it as a “dark comedy drama thriller” that balances unsettling moments with moments of dark humor. The first season establishes Rhiannon’s world and the consequences of her choices, leaving audiences eager for more.

Key characters

Ella Purnell leads the cast as Rhiannon Lewis, a role she also serves as executive producer on. Purnell has called her “coming-of-rage journey a career highlight” and noted how audiences have connected with “our oddball Rhiannon, in all her complexity.” Calam Lynch co-stars, while Nicôle Lecky plays Julia Blenkingsopp and Jon Pointing portrays Craig. Leah Harvey appears as Marina Farrar in both seasons. New Season 2 additions include Tamsin Greig as Liv (AJ’s mother), Rish Shah as Gabriel, Taj Atwal as Freya, and Jenny Walser as Daisy.

Will there be season 2 of Sweetpea?

Yes. The renewal came fast: Sky and Starz confirmed Season 2 on December 3, 2024—less than two months after the October 10 premiere. CBR reports that Season 2 is confirmed for 2026 without an exact date yet chosen, citing The Hollywood Reporter. Filming began in August 2025 and, according to CarterMatt, has since been completed.

Release window confirmation

The official word from See-Saw Films (the production company behind the series) describes Season 2 as “continuation of killer wallflower Rhiannon Lewis story.” While sources like Releases.com suggest a possible 2026 premiere on Starz in the US and Sky Atlantic in the UK, no specific date has been locked in. One CarterMatt report floated February 2026 as a possibility but acknowledged uncertainty around the US Starz timeline.

Ella Purnell return

Ella Purnell is confirmed to return as Rhiannon Lewis and continues as executive producer. The See-Saw Films announcement confirms her starring role alongside new cast additions announced in August 2025. Her involvement ensures continuity in the character’s dark evolution.

Is the series Sweetpea worth watching?

The answer depends on what you want from a show. Sweetpea’s premise—quiet girl discovers murder might solve her problems—sells itself, and Purnell’s performance anchors the dark comedy with surprising warmth. But critics have been divided on execution.

Reviews and ratings

Rotten Tomatoes shows the series carries a TV-MA rating (for strong language, violence, sexual content), indicating it’s geared toward mature audiences. The Guardian reviewer was less enthusiastic, calling the show “deathly dull” in their assessment of Purnell’s serial killer turn. However, audience response has been more positive, with viewers praising the show’s blend of humor and tension.

See-Saw Films describes it as “iconically brazen and darkly comic,” positioning the series as bold rather than subtle. The show has generated enough buzz to warrant Season 2 renewal, suggesting audiences are responding to its unique take on the genre.

Pros and cons

The show asks viewers to embrace moral ambiguity with dark humor—and for those who do, it pays off.

Where can I watch the Sweetpea series?

Sweetpea Season 1 is currently available on multiple platforms, though Season 2 will require some patience until its 2026 arrival.

Streaming platforms

Season 1 premiered on Sky Atlantic in the UK on October 10, 2024, with same-day availability on Starz in the US. UK viewers can also access episodes through Sky’s Now streaming service. Amazon’s Prime Video carries Season 1 in regions where Starz content is distributed through the platform.

Starz operates as a premium cable and streaming service in the United States, making it the primary destination for American viewers. The platform offers both a cable-TV subscription and a standalone streaming option.

Availability on Netflix, Prime

Sweetpea is not currently available on Netflix, and there’s no confirmation it will join the platform. Prime Video carries Season 1 in certain regions through Starz distribution agreements. For viewers without Starz access, the series may require a separate subscription or temporary free trial if offered.

US viewers without Starz should check whether Prime Video offers the season as an add-on channel, while UK viewers have more flexibility through Sky and Now.

Is Sweetpea based on a book?

Yes. Sweetpea adapts CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel of the same name. Skuse, who has a connection to Bath Spa University, crafted a story that explores themes of invisibility and quiet rage through the lens of a protagonist nobody notices.

Source novel details

The original novel was published in 2017 and garnered attention for its dark humor and unflinching look at what happens when overlooked people snap. Skuse’s background includes work with Bath Spa University, which has produced several British authors known for genre-bending fiction. The author’s profile helped bring attention to the novel ahead of the television adaptation.

Author background

Kirstie Swain adapted the novel for television, translating the book’s premise into a series that could explore Rhiannon’s world across multiple episodes. The adaptation adds layers to the original story while maintaining its core tension between invisibility and violence.

The book gave Swain a ready-made foundation—but the show expands on it. Readers of the novel may find fresh surprises even as Purnell captures the character they imagined.

Sweetpea’s future looks set for 2026, and with filming complete, the focus shifts to post-production and the final release date announcement. For US viewers, the Starz timeline carries some uncertainty—CarterMatt notes that the network’s release patterns can be unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee of a 2025 surprise even with production wrapped. UK viewers may see a slightly faster turnaround given Sky’s involvement.

Whether you’re drawn in by Purnell’s performance or the dark premise, Sweetpea has carved out a distinctive space in the streaming landscape. The question isn’t whether Season 2 will arrive—it’s whether the show can maintain its sharp edge while expanding its cast and story.