RICH TIMES, POOR TIMES: ROB RINDER AND RUTH GOODMAN TO FRONT NEW 5 SERIES

5 announce the commission of an exciting new three-part series, Rich Times, Poor Times, from Lion Television and GroupM Motion Entertainment, featuring the dynamic pairing of BAFTA-winning broadcaster, barrister and author Rob Rinder and social Historian Ruth Goodman.

In Rich Times, Poor Times (3x90’), Rob and Ruth will travel back in time immersing themselves in some of the most turbulent events in history, exploring them through the contrasting eyes of the rich and poor.

From the Great Plague to the Great Fire of London to the Blitz, the duo will delve into the past, uncovering hidden stories of survival, resilience, and adaptation across history’s most seismic events. They will visit iconic historical sites and uncover what it was really like to live through these times, as they breathe life into these fascinating moments that have shaped our world.

On filming the series, Rob Rinder says: “It’s a delight to be working with Ruth to bring history to life in this new series. We’ll be delving into events that have shaped our world today and discover how figures of the past, from rich to poor, adapted in the face of survival.”

 Ruth Goodman continues: “The rich and poor often live very different lives, the stories that they tell us can be inspirational, fascinating, and hugely human. I am having the most profound and deeply moving time exploring the lives of those who lived through some of history’s most iconic moments and having Rob with me through it all has been a joy.”

On commissioning this series, Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, 5, comments: “Lion TV have made several successful history formats for 5 in the last few years and I’m delighted to be teaming up with them again, this time bringing Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman to the channel, in an exciting new history format.”

Sarah Sarkhel, Executive Producer, Lion TV, adds: “This new returnable format showcases Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman’s fantastic ability to bring social history to life. At a time when issues around wealth and inequality continue to resonate this format feels relatable, relevant and incredibly modern. We are delighted to be working with Rob for the first time, and building on our longstanding relationship with Ruth from Victorian Farm onwards.”

Melanie Darlaston, Head of Factual (UK) and Executive Producer for GroupM Motion Entertainment, said: “We’re very excited to be working with Lion and 5 on what will be an innovative look at the human experience during such seismic events - it will be really fascinating to discover whether a silver spoon can really make a difference to your chances of survival!”

Rich Times, Poor Times is currently filming and set to air on 5 later in the year.