BEN FOGLE DISCOVERS CHINA IN DEBUT VISIT FOR NEW SERIES ON 5

BEN FOGLE IN CHINA (W/T) 

 3 x 90’ series commission from Blink Films

5 has commissioned a brand new 3 x 90’ documentary series Ben Fogle in China (w/t) from Blink Films following Ben as he travels eastwards to discover China’s rich history and learns how it has transformed into the global powerhouse it is today.  With deep and revealing access, this ambitious and thoughtful series gets to the heart of this extraordinary country.  Fiercely independent in its approach to telling all sides of the Chinese story from the inside, this series explores its pivotal place in the modern world, as well as its ancient and recent history.   

In beautifully crafted episodes, presenter Ben Fogle embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to understand China - to see its most staggering sights, go beyond the stereotypes and discover its true identity. Ben delves into an epic 3000-year tale of how China has got to where it is today - how centuries of Imperial rule gave way to Communist revolution under Chairman Mao and the breakneck economic transformation as the state capitalist China of recent years has emerged. Mixing both the experiences from the people themselves, and a tour of this magnificent region Ben takes the temperature of a country now at the very centre of humanity in the 21st century. So why and how has contemporary China become so important to all our lives?    

From rugged mountains and ancient temples, extraordinary landscapes and people, to mega-factories and glittering modern cities with technology years ahead of almost anywhere else, Ben is on a mission to get under the skin of modern China and how it’s shaping the future. And although filming had its challenges, with state minders and rules in place, the series doesn’t shy away from the attention that China attracts outside its borders.   

Ben Fogle commented: “I’ve travelled to some of the most remote corners of the world, but China is a place I’ve never explored until now. This was an incredible opportunity to go beyond the headlines and the stereotypes and discover the real China through the people that are shaping its future. I went in search of friends and came back with some incredible stories that haven’t been told before. This was a challenging series but I’m really proud of it and can’t wait to share the adventure on 5”   

Guy Davies, Consultant Editor Commissioning, 5, added "This is an eye-opening epic exploration into one of the most fascinating and fast-changing countries on Earth. With his curiosity, warmth and insight, Ben takes us beyond the headlines to uncover the people, places, and stories that have defined and continue to define the centuries old enigma which is China.” 

Dan Chambers, Executive Producer, Blink Films said: “China has to be one of the most fascinating countries on earth, so we’re delighted to be sending Ben there along with a top production team to do a deep dive on culture, history and innovation.”   

China With Ben Fogle (w/t) was commissioned by Guy Davies for 5 and produced by Blink Films in association with All3Media International.  The Executive Producers for the series are Dan Chambers and Nina Davies, with Freddie Martin serving as the Series Producer/Director, and Ruairi Dunne as Producer. All3Media International is the worldwide distribution partner.   

The series will be able to watch and stream on 5 with dates to be confirmed in due course.      

Notes to Editors 

About 5 

5 is the home of award-winning content from the UK’s third largest commercial PSB, a culmination of the creative transformation of Channel 5 over more than a decade. 5 is part of the Paramount Skydance Corporation.   

Through a mix of live TV channels and bingeable boxsets, the free-to-air service allows UK audiences to watch or stream the breadth of programming from the 5-branded portfolio, the dedicated preschool brand Milkshake!, and a wide selection from the wider Paramount family of brands, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV Entertainment Studios, Paramount+ and more.   In keeping with its PSB remit, 5 tells the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the UK, featuring well-known faces and fresh new talent. Its programme roster spans original UK drama, premium factual, true crime, science, news & current affairs and kids’ content, which continue to attract critical acclaim.   

Recent wins include ‘Channel of the Year’ at the 2025 Edinburgh TV Awards, BAFTA Television and RTS Awards for the documentary White Nanny, Black Child in 2024, along with a BAFTA nomination for Endurance Race to the Pole. Factual hit The Yorkshire Vet and the broadcaster’s series on air fryers also won RTS Yorkshire awards, while Michael Palin received the Radio Times Special Judges Award for his Channel 5 documentaries.   

About Blink Films 

Blink films is one of the UK’s leading producers of high-quality, award-winning factual television content for broadcasters and streamers worldwide, including Netflix, ABC, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, Max, Prime Video, National Geographic, History, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Our returning and limited series, features, and theatrical releases span blue-chip science and history documentaries, high-profile investigations and experiments which generate headlines around the world, talent-led popular factual formats, music and the arts, advertiser-funded content, and access-driven premium true crime stories. We are experts at successfully pulling together multiple international partners to co-produce landmark documentaries for audiences worldwide. Blink Films is a Tin Roof Media company. 

About All3Media International    

All3Media International distributes popular, award-winning TV programmes to over 1,000 broadcasters and media platforms around the world and manages FAST and AVOD channels. The company has been celebrated for producing, marketing and distributing high-quality, ground-breaking and pioneering shows to a global audience from All3Media Group producers and leading third-party producers. All3Media International has consistently topped the Broadcast and Televisual annual Indies Surveys and received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its growth – twice. Its catalogue contains over 35,000 hours of content across all genres.   

As well as one of Britain’s top-selling drama series MIDSOMER MURDERS, All3Media International’s quality scripted content includes returning favorites such as ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL and TRIGGER POINT, celebrated classics SKINS, FLEABAG and IT’S A SIN and star-studded dramas such as THE ENGLISH, THE TOURIST in addition to upcoming series THE ASSASSIN starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, TRESPASSES featuring Gillian Anderson and SECRET SERVICE led by Gemma Arterton.     

The distributor’s expansive format slate includes global phenomenon THE TRAITORS. Named K7’s format of the year in 2024, over 30 territories have commissioned local versions, over 50 territories have broadcast episodes via tape sales and All3Media International also handles ancillary rights. Other celebrated formats include RACE ACROSS THE WORLD, LINGO and CASH CAB.    Scripted formats from All3Media International’s catalogue include LIAR, the global hit thrillers commissioned in 15 territories, INFORMER, BLOOD and CHEAT as well as more lighthearted series such as QUEER AS FOLK, LAID and STEP DAVE.