The Guardian has announced the launch of The Close Up, a new culture show from Guardian Studios hosted by journalist Carys Afoko and senior culture writer Lanre Bakare. The show will launch in November as an always-on series, with new episodes released twice a week in video and audio formats on the Guardian’s website and platforms including YouTube and Spotify.
Hosts and format
Carys and Lanre will be joined by industry experts and celebrity guests to unpick the week’s biggest cultural questions. The show will offer behind-the-scenes looks at topics ranging from the Booker Prize to reality TV, the Met Gala drama to SNL sketches, Oscars campaigns to art world drama, via top stories, new releases and culture swaps.
The Close Up is the first release from Guardian Studios, announced earlier this year as the Guardian’s new creative hub for video-first, personality-led journalism. Guardian Studios is a key part of the Guardian’s multi-year transformation programme, bringing its journalism to life through compelling new visual formats, reaching new audiences and fostering on-screen talent.
What the hosts say
Carys Afoko, host of The Close Up, said: “Culture shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. The Close Up will take a serious look at culture without taking ourselves too seriously. I’m thrilled to be making the show with Lanre and the brilliant Guardian Studios team.”
Lanre Bakare, host of The Close Up, said: “I’m so excited to start this new chapter at Guardian Studios. I’ve covered culture at the Guardian for 15 years spanning print, digital and podcasts. The Close Up is the perfect next step in the Guardian’s culture coverage at a time when audiences are looking for new ways to learn about the world. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been cooking up.”
Guardian Studios leadership
Leah Green, head of Guardian Studios, said: “I’m incredibly excited to introduce The Close Up to the world. The show will bring audiences closer to the cultural stories shaping our lives, combining the thoughtful analysis, curiosity and expertise they expect from the Guardian, from a hosting duo with bags of chemistry and charisma. I’m thrilled that this is the first show from Guardian Studios – the hosts’ chemistry and vibe combined with what we believe is a truly exciting show format is exactly what cultural conversations need right now.”
