Channel 5's drama strand Play for Today returns this week with a second series featuring six original films. The opening production, titled Wild, stars Daniel Mays, Joel Fry and Amit Shah.
Revival continues on Channel 5
Play for Today originally debuted on the BBC during the 1970s and 80s, featuring standalone dramatic productions. Channel 5 revived the format in 2025, and the programme has now returned for its second run.
The latest series will feature six original films continuing the strand's dedication to supporting emerging talent across all production roles. The programme creates opportunities for debut writers, directors and crew members, helping to unlock pathways for those traditionally underrepresented within the television sector.
Channel 5's commitment to new talent
Channel 5 stated: "Building on the success of series one, the strand has supported broadcast debuts, career progression and hands on training for new entrants. Through authentic stories and fresh creative voices, Play for Today is helping to nurture the next generation of television talent while broadening representation on screen."
Wild: a survival dramedy in the Scottish Highlands
The opening play in the second series is entitled Wild and will feature Line of Duty's Daniel Mays, Game of Thrones star Joel Fry, and Happy Valley's Amit Shah, reports Wales Online. The survival dramedy unfolds against the stunning yet harsh backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
A synopsis for Wild reads: "Lou (Mays), Dev (Shah), and Alistair (Fry), three old friends clinging to their annual wild camping tradition, begin with banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging, but soon unravel into a battle of egos, secrets, and survival when they get lost, food runs short, and friendships fracture."
"At once funny, poignant, and unsettling, Wild explores the line between adventure and recklessness, and how toxic masculinity has become a huge part of the epidemic decline in men's mental health."
Cast and creators on the drama
Discussing what attracted him to Wild, Amit said: "I'm a huge admirer of both my fellow actors, Danny Mays and Joel Fry, and I thought the script was funny, engaging and quite poignant. Hour-long standalone dramas are tough to write, but when they're done well they really allow you to invest in the characters."
"Our writer Lewis Wren has done an amazing job – the storytelling is great. I like to read scripts in which where characters go on a journey and they're not just functional. I want them to develop over the duration of the story because that's what audiences find engaging, it's what they connect with."
"That's what is so special about this story – you get to watch these three friends going through changes in their lives, just as the audience will have done. It's interesting to play characters who experience these gear shifts."
When questioned whether appearing in a standalone drama such as Wild proves enjoyable, Daniel Mays responded: "Yes, it's always such a great opportunity to nail a character, tell a fantastic story and just leave it at that. You can take risks and take a punt on things, that's really what Play for Today stands for, because when you've got a single drama like this with a first time director and writer, you have much more creative freedom. It felt like we had carte blanche to do what we wanted with the piece, which was incredibly freeing as an actor."
"Wild reminded me of filming an episode of Inside No. 9, which is firmly rooted in Play for Today, it's those audacious one-off pieces. Saying that, I heard rumours of moving the story of Wild on or revisiting the characters. They're such a great trio, I'd love to see them again."
Play for Today makes its comeback on Channel 5 this Friday, 25 September, at 9pm with its opening standalone production, Wild. Following episodes will broadcast weekly on Fridays, each featuring fresh performers and narratives.
