ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5 and Network 10 have announced that they will co-fund the production of a new 8-part series, The Royals Revealed. The series marks the second content partnership between the UK and Australian free-to-air networks since the completion of the ViacomCBS merger.
The Royals Revealed will be produced by UK indie Back2back Productions and will be deficit financed by Parade Media Group. The series will take viewers on a journey through all aspects of the British Monarchy, past and present. Focussed on the most influential Royal family members, the series will unpick their personal stories to explore the bigger issues at the heart of the monarchy. Examining the tension between love and duty, the changing face of the monarchy and the private side of the family, the series will bring fresh perspectives to key events and relationships. The series is set to air on both networks later this year.
“The British Monarchy is an endlessly fascinating subject, evidenced by the success we’ve had so far on Channel 5 with our other royal strands. Being able to provide a fresh angle on some of the best-known royal events and sagas is something we know will appeal to our audience,” Cherry Yeandle, Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Channel 5 commented. “The project is also enabling us to build on our relationship and synergies with Network 10 in Australia.”
Back2back’s Productions Founder/Managing Director David Notman-Watt said: “We are delighted to be partnering up with Parade Media Group on The Royals Revealed, an ambitious and timely series that will shed new light on some of the most important events in recent Royal history.”
Parade’s Chief Content Officer Mark Caulton said: “We are thrilled to be working with such terrific partners as Back2back, Channel 5, and Network 10 on this exciting new series that we know will appeal to both UK and international audiences.”
Late last year, Channel 5 and Network 10 announced With Intent, their first joint co-funded production since the ViacomCBS merger. This scripted mini-series, alongside the The Royals Revealed commission, builds on existing links between Network 10 and Channel 5, which both air Australia’s longest running and successful soap Neighbours.