Is Coldwater based on a true story? Details explored 

Coldwater is a 2025 British psychological thriller TV series that aired on ITV. During the first episode, viewers may wonder whether the series is based on real events. The series follows John, who relocates from London to a remote Scottish village after a traumatic experience.

Even though the series presents realistic events and psychological tension, it is entirely fictional. The characters and plot were created for dramatic narration, not based on any actual occurrence or living person. The show is set in the fictional village of Coldwater and portrays a true-to-life depiction of Scottish rural life with gripping storylines.

The series draws inspiration from real human experiences and social relationships but does not depict actual crimes, historical events, or specific individuals. The producers utilized common societal issues and personal experiences to create a realistic and engaging story without taking direct inspiration from real events.

Plot and setting of Coldwater

The show centers on John, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who moves his family to the Scottish village after a traumatic event in London. John's neighbors include Tommy, played by Ewen Bremner, and Rebecca, played by Indira Varma.

In his new environment, John encounters unsettling situations that blur the lines between perception and reality. The series focuses on psychological tension, relationships, and the uncovering of secrets among the locals. The fictional village of Coldwater is depicted realistically using filming locations across Scotland, including Dunlop in East Ayrshire, Glen Fruin, and Loch Lomond.

These locations help create an immersive world that matches the suspenseful and dramatic tone of the narrative.

Inspiration behind the series

Although Coldwater's narrative is not based on real life, it was influenced by creator David Ireland's personal experiences. During the 2020 pandemic, Ireland experienced insomnia and explored themes of identity, human psychology, and solitude, which shaped the tone and psychological complexity of the series.

The events, characters, and plotlines remain entirely imaginative. The show centers on universal themes such as trauma, trust, and human relationships, making it relatable for viewers. These elements lend a sense of reality to the series but do not suggest it is based on real events.

Reception and impact

Coldwater has received praise for its performances, particularly Andrew Lincoln’s, and for maintaining suspense and psychological tension. Audiences and critics alike have noted the realism of dialogue and character behavior, which may create the impression that the series is based on real events.

That realism, however, is a product of intentional production design and writing—not factual origin. The series has also sparked discussions on themes including individual trauma, ethics, and the complexity of human relationships. These debates focus on the fictional narrative rather than real cases, further reinforcing the show’s fictional nature.

In short, Coldwater is a fictional ITV thriller whose production does not draw directly from real-life experiences. The series incorporates realistic scenarios and psychological suspense, but the events, plot developments, and characters are products of imagination.

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Fans of the series can enjoy its depth and suspense without assuming it depicts real events or real people.

Also read: Where was Coldwater filmed? Shooting locations of the ITV thriller revisited

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