Fifth Gear is on the move to yet another broadcaster.
The motoring series, which was original commissioned by Channel 5 in 2002 and subsequently moved to Discovery Channel in 2012, has been poached up by A+E Networks UK’s H2 channel, who have picked up the series with a two-year order, which will consist of six episode seasons in 2015 and 2016.
Produced by UK indie North One Television, Fifth Gear features candid car reviews, thrilling presenter challenges and unrivalled insight into all aspects of the motor industry. Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell will continue to front the series when it moves to H2 in Spring 2015. The new seasons were commissioned by Rachel Job, Channel Editor for History and H2 and will be executive produced by Neil Duncanson.
“We are excited to commission two new seasons of Fifth Gear, as part of our continued investment in UK content”, said Heather Jones, A+E Networks UK’s Vice-President of Programming. “Fifth Gear’s tone and content fit perfectly with the H2 brand and we’re looking forward to working with North One to make this popular show even better.”
In addition to airing on H2 in the UK, A+E Network UK has announced that Fifth Gear will repeat on History UK before subsequently rolling out across the broadcaster’s international channels in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. ITV4 has also acquired second window rights to the two new seasons of Fifth Gear.
“Fifth Gear is a proper car show: that’s what its audiences love about it. We’re delighted it will be re-launched with new UK partners in A+E Networks UK and ITV4, where it will be loved and promoted”, added Neil Duncanson, CEO of North One Television. “We are also pleased to be working with A+E Networks UK for the first time and our goal is to create more shows for them in the future.”
