The show, based on the hit Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded, is written by Nick Walker and stars Nicola Walker as the titular character. It is being produced by Black Camel Pictures for Alibi channel and All3Media International. Philip John (The Good Karma Hospital, Downton Abbey) and Fiona Walton (London Kills, Waterloo Road) directed the series.

Annika follows the sharp, witty and enigmatic DI Annika Stranded (Walker), as she heads up a new specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) that is tasked with investigating the unexplained, brutal, and seemingly unfathomable murders that wash up in the waterways of Scotland. Throughout the series, Annika makes the audience her confidante by breaking the fourth wall and sharing her wry observations on the case and her life, as she manages her brilliant yet unconventional team, and her equally brilliant yet complex teenage daughter.