The Media Show: How to Make a Hit TV Show episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 1, 2026 · 22 MIN

The Media Show: How to Make a Hit TV Show

from The Explanation · host BBC World Service

Have you ever wondered how reality TV gets made? Why some shows become instant classics, while others vanish without trace? In this special edition of The Media Show, four of the UK’s top creatives in unscripted television reveal their secrets. From The Traitors to Pointless, Hunted to Gogglebox, they discuss what makes a hit format, how casting decisions are made, how streamers and influencers are changing the landscape, and where the next big hit might come from. With Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Lambert; Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes, Shine Television; Tamara Gilder, Joint MD, Remarkable Entertainment; Art Sejdiu, Head of Commissioning Development, Channel Four.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Dan Hardoon Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 1, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

The Media Show: How to Make a Hit TV Show

0:00 22:58

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Explanation?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

When was this The Explanation episode published?

This episode was published on January 1, 2026.

Can I download this The Explanation episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!