The Popular Reality Show Faces an Uncertain Future
Hunted, the Channel 4 reality show that first aired in 2015, has been a staple of the channel’s lineup since then. However, recent reports indicate that the network has delayed recommissioning the show, with no new series filmed in 2023. This delay comes despite the show’s popularity and the network’s previous efforts to keep it running during the pandemic. So, what led to this decision, and what does it mean for the future of Hunted?
The Impact of the Pandemic and Financial Challenges
During the pandemic, Hunted faced production challenges like many other shows. In 2020, Channel 4 made the difficult decision to delay the next series due to lockdown and travel restrictions, recognizing that contestants would be “sitting ducks” for the hunters in a near-empty city. The network carefully monitored the situation, prioritizing the safety of contestants and crew.
Financial considerations have also played a role in Channel 4’s programming decisions. In 2023, the network faced falling ad revenues, which resulted in cutbacks and the cancellation or reduction of some shows. While Hunted wasn’t directly impacted then, the financial challenges continued.
A Delayed Celebrity Edition and Awaiting Decisions
The most recent series of Hunted, which concluded in April 2024, was actually filmed in the summer of 2022 and kept on the shelf for almost two years. Additionally, a celebrity edition of the show, featuring famous contestants, was filmed in 2023 but has yet to be given an air date.
According to reports, the delay in recommissioning Hunted is partly due to this shelving of the show, causing a desync between production cycles and broadcast schedules. Channel 4 has stated that they “continue to have conversations” with the show’s producers, Shine, indicating that the future of the show is still under discussion.
Despite these challenges, Hunted has proven its adaptability. The sixth series, which aired in 2022, introduced a twist, with fugitives attempting to escape the Isle of Wight under the surveillance of a hunter helicopter. This innovative approach kept the show engaging and demonstrated the producers’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Awaiting the Verdict
With the celebrity edition still awaiting an air date, fans of Hunted are left wondering about the show’s future. The delay in recommissioning means there will be no new series filmed in 2024, leaving a gap in Channel 4’s lineup.
The network’s decision to delay recommissioning Hunted is a strategic move, likely influenced by financial considerations and the desire to ensure the show remains fresh and engaging. While this leaves the show’s future uncertain, it also allows for the possibility of a renewed and reinvigorated format in the future.
For now, viewers can catch up on past series of Hunted and its celebrity edition on streaming platforms, reliving the thrilling chases and clever escapes that have made the show a favorite.
