Advanced Television

5 reveals new scripted series

July 21, 2025

UK commercial PSB 5 has announced a raft of new series and returning commissions as it continues to add to its ever-growing drama portfolio. From gripping thrillers and sun-soaked whodunnits to sweeping historical sagas, the channel says it continues to deliver compelling British drama for its viewers.

Commenting on the bolstered slate, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell said: “We’re incredibly proud to unveil this new slate of scripted commissions, which showcases the breadth and ambition of 5’s storytelling. From brand new thrillers and character-driven mysteries to the much-anticipated return of audience favourites, we’re continuing to build a rich and distinctive drama offering. These titles reflect our commitment to delivering compelling, accessible British drama that resonates with viewers across the UK. We look forward to announcing further titles in the coming months.”

The first of the six-strong brand new commissions is Number One Fan (4×60’), from Clapperboard; a suspenseful thriller set in the world of daytime TV.

The series was greenlit by Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell.

The second addition to the slate is Missed Call (5×60’), a five-part thriller from French production company Pernel Media; the creators of 5 drama The Au Pair.

The series was ordered by Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell, and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5.

The next offering is The Family Secret (4 x60’) a gripping, psychological drama that asks that asks: what if your past isn’t what you think it is?

The series is produced by Lonesome Pine, in association with Sphere Abacus who will distribute the series internationally. Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5 greenlit the series.

The next addition is Imposter (4×60’) starring Kym Marsh and Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne. Produced by Fremantle Australia for 5. The series was ordered by Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5. Fremantle is handling global sales.

5 is adapting detective mystery Cooper and Fry (4×120’) from the best-selling novels by Stephen Booth.

The series is produced by Clapperboard in association with and distributed by STUDIO TF1, and was ordered by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5.

Finally, a co-production from Blackbox Multimedia and Clapperboard is Death In Benidorm w/t (6×60’).

The series was greenlit by Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5 with ZDF Studios on board as international distributor for the title.

5 has also announced the rags to riches family saga The Hardacres (6×60’) will return for a second outing. From Playground, the award-winning production company behind the internationally acclaimed hit series All Creatures Great and Small; in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions. Banijay Rights handles international sales for the series.

Continuing the anthology series started in 2022 with Sheridan Smith and most recently Kara Tointon in 2024, 5 has also revealed The Teacher will return for a third instalment.

The series is also produced by Clapperboard in association with and distributed by STUDIO TF1. Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell and Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5 ordered the series.

Crime drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries, created by and starring Sally Lindsay will also return for a feature-length Christmas special this year. Clapperboard (The Game, The Good Ship Murder) and Saffron Cherry Productions (The World According to Grandpa) will co-produce with Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV) on board as international distributor, holding exclusive rights worldwide except for the UK and Northern Ireland. The special was ordered by Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5.

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