Code of Silence TV Series Episodes: Complete Season 1 Guide

There’s something quietly compelling about a crime drama that asks you to watch faces rather than explosions. Code of Silence, the 2025 British series on ITVX, does exactly that — its heroine is a deaf catering worker who lipreads criminals to help police unravel a gang plot.

Number of episodes: 6 · Release year: 2025 · Platform: ITVX · Main actress: Rose Ayling-Ellis · Average episode rating: 7.6/10

The table below compiles the key production and performance data for the series.

What is the plot of Code of Silence?

The series follows Alison Woods (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a deaf catering worker who is recruited by the police to lipread conversations of suspected criminals. Her unique ability becomes the linchpin of an undercover operation targeting a London gang. The show is set in present-day London and emphasises the visual, observational nature of lipreading as both a skill and a vulnerability.

Code of Silence Season 1 episode summary

• Episode 1 (24 July 2025 on BritBox): Alison is approached by detectives after she inadvertently overhears a drug deal. (Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregation site))
• Episode 2 (24 July 2025): The police operation escalates; Alison’s role expands. (Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregation site))
• Episode 3 (31 July 2025): Trust fractures between Alison and her detective handler. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))
• Episode 4 (7 August 2025): A gang member becomes suspicious of Alison. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))
• Episode 5 (14 August 2025): Betrayal and a shocking revelation. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))
• Episode 6 (21 August 2025): The season finale resolves the central case but leaves personal threads dangling. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))

Main characters in Code of Silence

Rose Ayling-Ellis leads as Alison. Kieron Moore plays detective Liam Barlow, the officer who works closest with her. Charlotte Ritchie appears as DS Ashleigh Francis, Andrew Buchan as DI James Marsh, and Nathan Armarkwei Laryea as DC Ben Lawford. (BritBox (official streaming service))

The pattern: a tight ensemble where every character either enables or threatens Alison’s fragile position. The implication: the show’s tension comes less from the crime plot than from the constant risk of being “seen” — a theme that only works because the deaf protagonist physically cannot tune out visual cues.

Will there be a season 2 of Code of Silence?

As of December 2025, ITVX has not officially announced a second season. The finale ends on a deliberately open note — Alison’s personal life is unresolved, and Liam’s betrayal leaves professional relationships shattered. That ambiguity, combined with strong ratings, makes renewal plausible but unconfirmed. (What to Watch (entertainment guide))

Code of Silence season 2 release date

If renewed, a 2026 release would be typical for a British crime drama of this scale. No official timeline has been provided.

Is Code of Silence renewed for season 2?

Not yet. ITVX typically evaluates performance after a full window of availability. The show’s IMDb rating of 7.6/10 (IMDb (crowdsourced film database)) suggests healthy audience interest.

Is the actress in Code of Silence deaf?

Yes. Rose Ayling-Ellis, who plays Alison, is profoundly deaf. She uses British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English. Ayling-Ellis gained national recognition when she won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, becoming the first deaf contestant to do so. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))

Rose Ayling-Ellis hearing status

Ayling-Ellis was born deaf and has spoken publicly about the importance of authentic representation. Her performance in Code of Silence is praised for its natural integration of BSL into the thriller format.

Deanne Bray role in Code of Silence

Deanne Bray, also a deaf actress, appears in a supporting role. Her casting continues the production’s commitment to authenticity. (Next Episode (TV tracking site))

What happens to Liam in Code of Silence?

Detective Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore) starts as Alison’s primary point of contact within the police. Their relationship builds on mutual dependence — she needs his protection, he needs her lipreading. But as the gang investigation tightens, Liam makes a decision that prioritises the operation over Alison’s safety, effectively betraying her trust. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))

Does Liam betray Alison in Code of Silence?

Yes. In the latter episodes, Liam feeds misinformation to the gang to protect the wider operation, knowingly putting Alison in physical danger. The betrayal is professional but feels personal, and the finale leaves their relationship fractured.

The pattern: Liam’s arc mirrors the show’s central tension — the police need Alison’s skill but treat her as expendable. The catch: without a second season, viewers never see whether he can earn back her trust.

Is Code of Silence worth watching?

The series holds a strong IMDb rating of 7.6/10 (IMDb (crowdsourced film database)). Critics have praised the authentic depiction of deaf characters and the innovative use of lipreading as a plot device rather than a gimmick. (Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregation site))

Code of Silence viewer ratings

Audience reviews highlight the tension between Alison’s vulnerability and her competence. Some viewers note the pacing is slower than typical crime thrillers, but the trade-off is deeper character work.

For UK viewers who want a fresh take on the genre — and who appreciate series where accessibility isn’t an afterthought — Code of Silence delivers. For those seeking fast-paced action, the measured tempo may feel like a miss.

How many episodes are in Code of Silence and where to watch?

Season 1 contains 6 episodes. In the UK, the series streams on ITVX and is also available on STV Player in Scotland. In North America, it premiered on BritBox on 24 July 2025. (BritBox (official streaming service))

Code of Silence episode list

The table below shows the North American release schedule for the six episodes.

Where to watch Code of Silence

ITVX (UK) and BritBox (North America) are the primary platforms. International distribution beyond these regions has not been announced.

Code of Silence timeline

• 2024: Series announced; production begins. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))
• 18 May 2025: UK premiere on ITV1 and STV at 9pm. (What to Watch (entertainment guide))
• 24 July 2025: First two episodes drop on BritBox North America. (BritBox (official streaming service))
• 21 August 2025: Season 1 finale. (Wikipedia (user-contributed database))

What is confirmed and what remains unclear

For UK viewers invested in Alison’s story, the lack of a renewal announcement is the defining uncertainty. For streaming platforms, the question is whether the show’s low-key marketing and niche appeal can justify a second season against bigger-budget crime fare.