5 launches brand new vodcast series
5 has announced the launch of two brand-new vodcast series, marking the channel’s first move into this format. Produced by Spirit Studios, both series will be distributed across all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and 5’s streaming service and linear TV output, as the broadcaster continues to broaden how audiences access its content.
Catching Up with the Royals, hosted by Reverend Richard Coles alongside Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews, looks beyond the spectacle of royal life to uncover what’s really happening behind the headlines surrounding the world’s most famous family, the Windsors.
Each week, Richard and Emily share their perspectives on the latest royal gossip, from headline-making moments to quieter developments unfolding behind palace doors. Drawing on Emily’s years of experience travelling with King Charles, Prince William, and Harry and Meghan, combined with Richard’s deep interest in royal history and personal relationships, the series promises insights and behind-the-scenes detail rarely heard elsewhere. The hosts will also explore pivotal moments from royal history, examining everything from notorious scandals to lesser-known traditions, and considering how the past continues to shape the monarchy today.
Catching Up with the Royals launches on Thursday 29th January across podcast platforms and YouTube, and will air on 5 from Saturday 31st January at 1.55pm.
A Night In with Sally Lindsay is a nostalgic vodcast chat show that sees Sally joined by a celebrity guest each week to revisit the television moments that have influenced their lives. From childhood favourites and genre fixations to programmes that inspired their careers, the series celebrates the shows that left a lasting impression.
Through laughter, reflection, and the occasional moment of embarrassment over guilty pleasures, Sally draws out the personal stories behind the screen. Guests share how particular programmes sparked ambition, provided comfort during difficult times, became family rituals, or soundtracked major milestones. Blending the familiarity of classic television with curiosity about what today’s stars are watching now, the series offers a warm, uplifting and relatable tribute to the impact of TV. A launch date will be announced in due course.
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.”
Matt Campion, Creative Director of Spirit Studios commented:
“We’re thrilled to be producing two new weekly shows for 5 designed to live seamlessly across podcasting, YouTube, streaming and television. It feels like a real shift in 2026 towards truly 360-degree content, and it’s exciting for Spirit to be at the forefront of creating shows audiences can listen to, watch on their phones, or enjoy in their living rooms. Working with talent like Sally Lindsay on a joyful celebration of TV nostalgia, and with Richard Coles and Emily Andrews on Catching Up with the Royals, is incredibly special – these are warm, witty, brilliantly entertaining shows, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover them."