Channel 5 has announced plans to revive the iconic BBC drama series 'Play for Today', which originally aired from 1970 to 1984. The new iteration will feature contemporary one-off dramas from emerging and established writers, aiming to capture the spirit of the original anthology series.
The revival is part of Channel 5's strategy to invest in original British drama, with a focus on socially relevant stories. The network has commissioned a slate of six new plays, each running 90 minutes, to be broadcast in 2026.
Executive producer Sarah Brown said the series will 'reflect the diversity and complexity of modern Britain', echoing the original show's reputation for tackling controversial and thought-provoking subjects. The first play, titled 'The Estate', will explore themes of community and gentrification in a London housing estate.
Channel 5's controller of drama, Jane Muir, stated: 'Play for Today was a landmark in British television, and we are honoured to bring it back for a new generation. These plays will be bold, distinctive, and unmissable.'
The original series launched the careers of writers like Dennis Potter and Alan Bennett, and the new version aims to discover fresh talent. Submissions for scripts will open later this year.
