CHANNEL 5 LAUNCHES BRAINTEASING PRIMETIME SHOW WITH PUZZLING (w/t)

Channel 5 has commissioned a brand new primetime quiz show dedicated to testing contestants’ problem-solving genius in Puzzling (w/t), a 13 x 60’ series produced by 12 Yard Productions and Wheelhouse.

Broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley seeks to challenge Britain’s brightest minds as they do battle to be hailed Britain’s ultimate puzzler. At the start of each episode, six super smart strangers are split into two teams of three.  The two teams try to accrue the most points through their powers of puzzling deduction.

Every area of our player’s mind will be tested across five puzzling rounds – In Other Words (language), Pressure Points (calculation), Rule Breakers (lateral thinking), Picture This (visual intelligence) and Memory Bank (memory).

Then, in a dramatic plot twist, the winning team turn on each other to be named the ‘Best of the Best’ and earn a place in the series Grand Final where the ultimate puzzler will be crowned.   

Lucy Worsley said: "I’m delighted to be taking on the role of puzzle-mistress in this brand-new quiz show. I’ve spent most of my career finding answers to historical questions so getting to ask the questions is going to be an exciting new adventure for me, I can’t wait to get puzzling!"

Daniel Pearl , Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 and Paramount+ said: “Britain is a nation of puzzlers and bringing the best puzzling minds together with some challenging, play-along-at-home brain teasers in this brand new format will be fantastic fun.  With Lucy and her incredible knowledge at the helm, Puzzling is in great hands.”

Michael Mannes, Managing Director of 12 Yard Productions added: “We are thrilled to be making this super smart puzzling format for Channel 5. Contestants will have to show a real breadth of knowledge to succeed and be crowned champion. And with Lucy putting on her puzzle-mistress cap, it  feels like the perfect fit in completing our very own puzzle.”

Glenn Hugill, Chief Content Officer of Wheelhouse Entertainment and President of Wheelhouse’s UK division said: “Nothing beats the satisfaction of cracking a truly fiendish puzzle, and in this show, we get tough with all parts of the brain to see how smart you REALLY are. Best of all, Lucy is razor sharp and unmissable in her role. In fact, I’m willing to bet she’ll go down in history as your favourite new quiz host!”

Puzzling (w/t)  is a 13 x 60’ series co-commissioned by Channel 5 Commissioning Editors Daniel Pearl and Claire Zolkwer. It will be Produced by 12 Yard Productions, an ITV Studios owned Indie, and Wheelhouse (UK division), Directed by Geri Dowd and Executive Produced by Paul McGettigan and Glenn Hugill.  ITV Studios will handle international distribution.

ENDS

For further enquiries please contact:

 Susan Wilks | susan.wilks@paramount.com I  07855 501 791 

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Notes to Editors  

About Channel 5

Channel 5 is a public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been part of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) since its acquisition in September 2014.   

Channel 5 and its digital brands – 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, 5ACTION and the on-demand service My5 – offer a diverse range of issue-led documentaries & popular factual celebrating the British countryside and drawing talent to the channel, accessible history, premium drama and critically-acclaimed children’s, news and current affairs programming. Through its agenda-driving commissions, Channel 5 leads on societal issues from inequality to homelessness and mental health, aiming to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the nation.    

In 2018, Channel 5 won its first BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald. The following year, Raped: My Story won best Single Documentary at RTS. In 2020, it won crowned Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards and by the RTS. In addition that year, it secured its first ever Grierson award win in the ‘Best Single Documentary – Domestic’ category with Suicidal: In Our Own Words. In 2021, it won best factual entertainment at the Broadcast Awards for Springtime on the Farm. It also won best drama at Voice of the Listener & Viewer for All Creatures Great and Small the same year.  

About Paramount Global

Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, its portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, Paramount Global provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions.  

About 12 Yard Productions

12 Yard Productions, an ITV Studios owned indie, is one of the UK’s most successful entertainment format creators.  Shows include the newly commissioned PopMaster music trivia quiz for More4, the much loved long-running Eggheads on Channel 5, and innovative comedy panel show I’ll Get This for BBC Two. Other programmes produced are The Cabins for ITV2, reality series Coach Trip, and spin-off Ghost Trip, for E4, the inventive Comedians Giving Lectures for Dave, and ITV’s international hit Big Star's Little Star. 12 Yard also co-produces Catchpoint and Unbeatable for BBC One. The company has offices in London and Glasgow. 

About Wheelhouse (UK) 

Wheelhouse’s UK division was launched in 2023, marking the first international creative and production initiative from Brent Montgomery and Jimmy Kimmel’s multi-vertical media, marketing and investment platform, Wheelhouse. Headquartered in London and run by lauded television executive and producer Glenn Hugill, Wheelhouse’s UK team is focused on creating premium content and innovative formats, while forging unique, strategic partnerships that drive opportunities and deliver across all modern platforms