2018 was a record breaking year for Channel 5 when it comes to their ratings performance amongst ABC1 viewers. All told, upmarket viewers were responsible comprise 44% of Channel 5's audience on average throughout the year - the highest annual percentage in the channel’s history. 
Channel 5 has released the trailer for Sophie Petzal’s thriller series ‘Blood’ starring Adrian Dunbar, which is set to premiere on Monday November 19th at 9pm. Psychological crime thriller Blood will receive its UK premiere on Channel 5 on Monday November 19th at 9pm with a double-bill, it has been announced. The remaining four episodes will air on weekdays in the 9pm time-slot, with the finale set for Friday November 23rd. 
Channel 5 is moving forward with their push into scripted drama. Fresh off of ordering four-part drama Cold Call and acquiring the Adrian Dunbar fronted Blood, the VIMN backed broadcaster has green-lit Clink, 15 Days and a new feature-length murder mystery. The drama push was a big factor in the recent decision to cancel Big Brother, which has freed up a significant amount of cash from the programming budget for said push. 
Channel 5 is adding a new drama series to their line-up. The VIMN backed broadcaster has acquired Blood, a psychological crime thriller from Riviera scribe Sophie Petzal which is being headlined by Line Of Duty's Adrian Dunbar, in a pre-sale deal with All3Media International. Additionally, Virgin Media has licensed the SVOD rights and will make the series available as a box-set following Channel 5's linear window. 
Channel 5 has handed out a two season renewal to their Gaby Roslin and Fiona Phillips shopping series Shop Smart Save Money. A total of sixteen episodes have been commissioned, which will be evenly split over seasons two and three. The bumper renewal comes after the first season, consisting of three episodes, aired on Channel 5 back in June. The show's second season is set to air later this year, while season three will follow in 2019. Fresh off of winning Channel of the Year at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Channel 5 has ordered a new four-part documentary series, titled Drug Wars, from Vice Studios. "Vice Studios has a unique storytelling voice which appeals to younger audiences", said Channel 5's Factual Commissioning Editor Guy Davies. "With cutting edge journalism and unrivalled access we are really pleased to be working with them once again.”