5 in the UK pivots towards vodcast trend by greenlighting two new series

Catching Up with the Royals is presented by the Reverend Richard Coles and Emily Andrews

Paramount-owned 5 in the UK is embracing the trend for visual podcast formats with the launch of two new vodcast series, to be produced by Spirit Studios.

Catching Up with the Royals (20×60′) and A Night in with Sally Lindsay (working title, 20×60′) will be available on both 5’s linear networks and streaming platform, as well as all podcast outlets and YouTube.

Catching Up with the Royals is hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles and Royal correspondent Emily Andrews.

It delves into the pomp and pageantry of Royal life, revealing what’s really going on behind the headlines of the Windsor family. It streams from January 29 and will be aired on 5 from January 31.

A Night in with Sally Lindsay is described as a nostalgic chat show in which the former Coronation Street actress is joined by celebrity guests who look at the TV moments that have shaped their lives, from childhood favourites and genre obsessions to the shows that inspired their careers.

It comes as the vodcast space, first written about by C21 in early 2024 and recently explored further here, continues to boom.

Netflix recently teamed up with Gary Lineker and his podcast studio Goalhanger to bring his The Rest Is Football vodcast to the streaming service in time for this summer’s FIFA World Cup as part of its growing offer designed to challenge YouTube’s dominance in the space.

Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer and head of scripted, Paramount UK, said: “We’re excited to step into the world of vodcasts, which offers a huge opportunity for 5. It’s a natural next step as we continue to give audiences greater choice in how and when they engage with our content.

“Our viewers have a real appetite for factual storytelling, and these new podcast series open up fresh ways to experience the stories we tell best.

“We’ve focused on two subjects we know resonate strongly with our audience and matched them with the perfect hosts, Reverend Richard Coles, Emily Andrews and Sally Lindsay. Spirit Studios are ideal partners for this project, bringing outstanding expertise, creativity and ideas.”