Channel 4 has greenlit new seasons of both Hunted and Celebrity Hunted, the popular reality shows where people try to evade expert trackers. The shows, known for their suspenseful format, are produced by Shine TV.
Here’s the Lowdown: Series eight of Hunted will film this year. Celebrity Hunted’s sixth series recently finished. Both shows feature “fugitives” attempting to evade capture by a team of former police officers, cyber experts, and intelligence personnel.
What This Means Now: The renewal confirms the continued popularity of the Hunted format. Series seven of Hunted, which aired last year, drew 2.4 million viewers after 28 days, significantly outperforming Channel 4’s average. Celebrity Hunted also performed well, with 1.85 million viewers, and both shows are especially popular with the 16-34 demographic.
The Bigger Picture: The success of Hunted and Celebrity Hunted demonstrates the enduring appeal of real-life thrillers. The shows tap into the excitement of the chase and the psychological pressure faced by those trying to remain hidden in the modern world. The announcement confirms the ongoing investment in original formats by Channel 4, which should be welcomed.
