WAR is a 2026 English-language legal drama series created by George Kay, the creator of Lupin and Hijack. The series is produced as a collaboration between HBO and Sky, with the first season focusing on two powerful rival London law firms caught in a high-profile divorce case.

The series stars Dominic West as technology billionaire Morgan Henderson and Sienna Miller as his movie-star wife Carla Duval. Their divorce becomes the center of a major legal battle between the rival firms Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne.

WAR premieres on October 1, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max in the United States. The first season contains eight episodes, with a new episode released weekly.

Quick Facts

Title	WAR
Year	2026
Type	Drama Series
Genre	Legal Drama
Language	English
Original Language	British English
Country	United Kingdom / United States
Creator	George Kay
Director	Ben Taylor
Season 1	8 episodes
Premiere	October 1, 2026
U.S. Platform	HBO Max
U.S. Network	HBO
UK Platform	Sky / NOW
Main Stars	Dominic West, Sienna Miller, Archie Renaux
Production Companies	New Pictures, Observatory Pictures
Status	Returning Series

What Is WAR About?

WAR takes viewers into London's elite legal world, where two prestigious law firms compete for control of a highly publicized divorce case.

The rival firms are Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne.

The case involves technology billionaire Morgan Henderson and internationally famous actress Carla Duval. What begins as a celebrity divorce develops into a much larger professional and personal battle involving lawyers, reputations, money, ambition and competing strategies.

At the same time, ambitious young lawyer Jonathan "Johnny" Warren, played by Archie Renaux, finds himself entering a world where winning cases can have major consequences for both clients and the lawyers representing them.

Story

The first season revolves around the divorce of Morgan Henderson and Carla Duval.

Morgan is a powerful technology entrepreneur, while Carla is a successful international film star. Their separation becomes a headline-making legal dispute. The two sides are represented by rival London firms:

• Cathcarts & Sons
• Taylor & Byrne

The lawyers on both sides have their own ambitions and professional rivalries. As the case develops, personal relationships become increasingly connected with the legal battle. The series combines courtroom drama with workplace relationships, celebrity culture and the financial stakes surrounding a high-profile divorce.

Cast

Dominic West as Morgan Henderson

Dominic West plays Morgan Henderson, a wealthy technology entrepreneur at the center of the divorce case. West is known for roles in productions including The Wire, The Crown and The Affair. In WAR, Morgan's divorce from Carla becomes a major legal confrontation involving some of London's most powerful lawyers.

Sienna Miller as Carla Duval

Sienna Miller plays Carla Duval, an internationally recognized movie star and Morgan Henderson's wife. Carla's divorce becomes one of the most closely watched legal cases in the series. Miller has previously appeared in films and television productions including Anatomy of a Scandal and American Sniper.

Archie Renaux as Jonathan "Johnny" Warren

Archie Renaux plays Jonathan "Johnny" Warren, an ambitious young lawyer who becomes involved in the high-profile legal battle. Johnny's position gives viewers an entry point into the competitive world of the two rival firms. Rather than already being one of the most established lawyers in London, he is still building his professional reputation while navigating a case involving powerful clients and experienced attorneys.

Main Cast Gallery

Additional cast: Miles Jupp (David Schill), Kartanya Maynard (Suzie Levitnik), Alexandra Mardell (Cleo Highland), Dylan Edwards (Tony Murphy), Mark Quartley (Fred Templeman), Steve Furst (Bernard Kane), Aran Murphy (Gabriel Duval).

Creator & Directors

WAR was created by George Kay, who is also known for creating Lupin and Hijack. Kay serves as creator, writer and executive producer. The executive-producer team also includes Willow Grylls, Matt Sandford, Susan Breen, Ben Taylor, Andrea Dewsbury and Megan Spanjian.

Ben Taylor serves as the lead director for the series. The production also lists China Moo-Young among the directors associated with the series.

Release Date

WAR premieres on October 1, 2026, in the United States. The first episode debuts on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes are scheduled to arrive weekly on Thursdays.

In the United Kingdom, the series launches on October 2, 2026, on Sky and NOW.

Where to Watch

WAR Season 1 Episodes

Season 1 contains eight episodes. HBO Max has confirmed that the episodes will be released weekly rather than all at once.

Episode Recaps

WAR Episode 1 — Introduces the rival legal firms and the major divorce case that becomes the central conflict of the season. It also establishes Jonathan "Johnny" Warren as he enters London's competitive legal environment.

WAR Episode 2 — Continues the legal and personal fallout surrounding the Henderson-Duval divorce. As the two firms develop their strategies, the lawyers become increasingly involved in a case that extends beyond a simple separation.

WAR Episode 3 — The rivalry between Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne continues while the consequences of the divorce case begin affecting the people involved.

WAR Episode 4 — The legal battle continues as the lawyers on both sides attempt to strengthen their positions. Personal relationships and professional ambitions increasingly overlap.

WAR Episode 5 — Moves the central case forward while continuing to explore the relationships between the lawyers.

WAR Episode 6 — The conflict between the two firms continues to develop as the case approaches its later stages.

WAR Episode 7 — The penultimate episode builds toward the conclusion of the season's central legal dispute.

WAR Episode 8 — The Season 1 finale, concluding the first season's major legal storyline.

Season 2

WAR was ordered for two seasons by HBO and Sky. The second season will retain the same legal-world setting but move to a different legal battle rather than simply continuing the first season's divorce case.

Season 2 has added Marisa Tomei, Kelly Macdonald and David Harewood to its cast. Sky has also confirmed that production on the second series was underway before the first season premiered. The second season's release date has not yet been announced.

Genre, Rating & Meaning

Genre

The series is primarily a:

• Legal drama
• Drama
• Thriller
• Workplace drama

Rating

Sky lists the series with a 15 rating in the United Kingdom. The rating is associated with sexual content, profanity and adult themes. Some episodes may also contain flashing imagery. In the United States, the series is listed as TV-MA.

What Is the Meaning of WAR?

The title WAR reflects the intense competition between the two rival law firms. The series treats legal disputes almost like battles, with lawyers competing through strategy, negotiation, reputation and courtroom tactics. The first season centers on a major divorce, but the anthology structure means future seasons can explore entirely different legal conflicts.

Is WAR Based on a True Story?

No. WAR is a fictional drama series. However, its story draws on recognizable themes associated with high-profile celebrity divorces, legal disputes and media attention. The characters and central divorce case are fictional creations of George Kay and the series' writers.

Is WAR an Anthology Series?

Yes. HBO Max describes WAR as an anthology legal drama. The first season focuses on the Henderson-Duval divorce, while the second season will introduce a different legal battle involving the same broader legal world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WAR 2026 about?

WAR is a legal drama about two rival London law firms competing over a high-profile divorce case involving technology billionaire Morgan Henderson and movie star Carla Duval.

When does WAR premiere?

The series premieres October 1, 2026, on HBO Max in the United States.

How many episodes does WAR Season 1 have?

Season 1 has eight episodes, released weekly.

Who stars in WAR?

The leading cast includes Dominic West, Sienna Miller and Archie Renaux, alongside Phoebe Fox, James McArdle, Nina Sosanya and Pip Torrens.

Who created WAR?

WAR was created by George Kay, known for Lupin and Hijack.

Where can I watch WAR?

In the United States, WAR is available on HBO and HBO Max. In the UK, it is available through Sky and NOW.

Is WAR on Netflix?

No. WAR is an HBO/Sky production and is not a Netflix original.

Is WAR based on a true story?

No. The series is fictional, although it uses themes associated with real-world celebrity divorces and legal disputes.

Will WAR have Season 2?

Yes. HBO and Sky ordered two seasons, and Season 2 will focus on a different legal case.

Who plays Morgan Henderson?

Dominic West plays Morgan Henderson.

Who plays Carla Duval?

Sienna Miller plays Carla Duval.

Who plays Johnny Warren?

Archie Renaux plays Jonathan "Johnny" Warren.

Final Update

WAR is a new English-language legal drama from creator George Kay, bringing together Dominic West, Sienna Miller and Archie Renaux in a story about rival London law firms and a high-profile divorce.

The eight-episode first season premieres on October 1, 2026, on HBO Max, with episodes released weekly. The series has already received a two-season commitment from HBO and Sky, with the second season planned around a different legal battle.