C5 set to axe 20 shows in schedules shake-up

Channel 5 is axing around 20 series in a major revamp of a schedule after concluding that it has “lots a bit of our spark”.

Speaking on Broadcast’s Behind the Scenes podcast, director of programmes Ben Frow said he is looking beyond crime and medical shows, and celebrity travelogues – and does not want to add to the glut of property shows.

Gameshows, male-skewing shows and a returning midweek drama are in his sights, plus new ideas in factual and factual entertainment, with 9pm a particular focus.

“it’s boring to recommission the same old shows,” Frow said.

“If we’re not excited and inspired, why should we expect our viewers to feel differently? If we want to remain a popular destination and grow our audience share, we have to work really hard to get those viewer’s attentions. Complacency is a terrible thing.”

Paramount deputy director of programmes Seb Cardwell added: “There’s no denying that terrestrial TV is struggling. We looked at the schedule and felt we had lost a bit of our spark and need to freshen up our returnables slate.”

In deciding which of C5’s current slate he wants to keep, Frow said success will be judged on ratings and whether a show plays across C5’s digital channels or helps to grow on-demand service My5.

The plans come as long-running Australian soap Neighbours comes to an end after C5 pulled its funding from the co-production.

Former ITV entertainment show The X Factor has also been mooted for a revival on C5.