{
  "id": 9348323,
  "title": "The Split Up cast reveal how representation on TV has changed since The Kumars at No. 42",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/the-split-up-cast-reveal-how-representation-on-tv-has-changed-since",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-23T14:07:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/streaming/bbc-iplayer/the-split-up-cast-reveals-how-representation-on-tv-has-changed-since-the-kumars-at-no-42-if-youre-enjoying-this-you-wont-be-thinking-about-it"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "All six episodes of The Split Up are now available on BBC iPlayer and, in its own right, the series feels distinct from the original The Split. Both shows revolve around families dealing with divorce law, yet the dynamics of their families are portrayed differently. The new spin-off focuses on the Kishan family business, with Aria (Ritu Arya) set to take over leadership from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). However, Aria's mother's death six months prior causes Dhruv to pause his decision. Alongside a workplace love triangle, complicated sibling relationships, and a high-profile divorce trial always present, the show promises to be an engaging watch. However, there's concern that viewers might become so focused on the show's excellent South Asian representation that it detracts from the actual story. Based on initial press and public reactions, it seems that fans have been distracted by the representation angle, with The Daily Mirror reporting a drop in viewership and the YouTube trailer comment section filled with racist content. When asked how they felt about the show's representation being the primary focus, the cast's responses were surprisingly insightful. Arya emphasized that the series goes beyond representation, highlighting the universal human experiences that everyone can relate to. Bhaskar, a long-time star and co-creator of the British Indian comedy chat show The Kumars at No. 42, shared that he understands representation well due to his experience with the 2001 show. Although The Kumars at No. 42 also centered around a British Asian family, it resonated with viewers because it was fundamentally about family dynamics, a theme that transcends cultural boundaries. Bhaskar believes that when people watch The Split Up, they will see themselves reflected in the family dynamics rather than focusing on the show's South Asian representation. Ultimately, Bhaskar insists that The Split Up is a compelling drama that should not be overlooked, regardless of its representation.",
  "summary": "The Split Up is out now in full on BBC iPlayer — but, if you're thinking about representation, you're asking the wrong question.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}