Unspun with Matt Forde to run twice weekly during the election as UKTV announce a two series deal
UKTV, Britain’s biggest multichannel broadcaster, today announced it has commissioned a quick-turnaround, twice- weekly series of political comedy show Unspun with Matt Forde in the run-up to the general election for Dave, with a further fourth series also commissioned. Recorded the same day as transmission, Unspun will be ‘making politics great again’ with up-to-the minute analysis of the political landscape during these tumultuous times and an in-depth discussion with one of Britain’s leading political figures that will sit at the heart of each episode.
Produced by Avalon Television, Unspun with Matt Forde’s second series landed a series of high profile guests including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Harriet Harman MP, former deputy leader of the Labour party. The third series will air on Wednesdays and Sundays starting Wednesday 17th May.
Matt Forde said,
I’m delighted to be returning with Unspun during the election campaign. I for one welcome Theresa May’s drive to keep satirists and political comedians in work. It seems to be the only issue which unites her and Jeremy Corbyn.
Hilary Rosen, deputy director of commissioning, said,
Dave is putting Unspun at the heart of its schedule and blazing a trail in the satirical space. Matt Forde is the best in the business – there’s no one else out there who is as funny and knowledgeable about the state of British politics. This will be required viewing in the run up to June 8th. Who better to help us make sense of the forthcoming election campaign?
Steve North, Dave general manager, said,
We’re putting our weight behind Unspun because we feel there’s a real need for contemporary and topical programming that unpicks politics and helps our viewers to understand where we are now. We are significantly increasing our coverage of politics in the run-up to the election and it’s important that it’s as fresh and up-to-date as it can be given the pace at which politics is playing out, particularly on social media.
Jon Thoday, Avalon managing director, said,
It is great for a British broadcaster to be backing a political comedy series in this way, and we are excited to be working with UKTV once again.
Series three and four of Unspun with Matt Forde are ordered by Richard Watsham and Steve North. Executive producers are deputy director of commissioning Hilary Rosen for UKTV, and Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner for Avalon Television. The news follows announcements that this month Dave is also showing live tennis and Live Mixed Martial Arts for the first time, as well as commissioning a raft of new scripted comedies including Porters and the second-series of Zapped, plus a BAFTA nomination for its hit show Taskmaster.
What the Press has said about Unspun with Matt Forde:
A political show for people who find political shows boring… (Forde) is a funny and sensible guy – The Times
Both funny and intellectually literate … Forde consistently demonstrates he has his finger on the pulse – Mail on Sunday
Up to the minute, witty and, yes, funny, Forde has the knack of dealing with a serious subject and getting some excellent gags – Sunday Express (UKTV)
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