The brand-new four-part factual format series, Trading Places (w/t), has been commissioned and announced by 5. Get the details here.
5 has today announced a brand-new four-part series, Trading Places, produced by Orchard Studios. This enthralling and provocative ‘fish-out-of-water’ format follows groups of three young people per episode. Each group steps out of their everyday lives and dives headfirst into an immersive, week-long, 24/7 adventure within one of four extraordinary and revealing worlds. These worlds have clear expectations of behavior and exacting standards. Additionally, they have a way of life radically different from their own. In a world where a generation is only a click away from anything they want, Trading Places asks: Is there something deeper and more significant to life that they might be missing out on?
EPISODES ONE AND TWO
In the first episode, three image-obsessed, brand-loving shopaholics step back in time to a 1960s-inspired, off-grid hippy commune that rejects all forms of consumerism and puts the planet first. With no phones and no social media, can they find a way to coexist? Moreover, will a society that places community before possessions show these conspicuous consumers that it isn’t all about bling?
Then, in episode two, a group of 18-year-olds who have turned their backs on education find themselves immersed in the disciplined environment of one of Britain’s most elite and traditional private boarding schools, which prides itself on delivering results. Will a lifelong allergy to lessons be tempered in a regime that rewards ambition and self-respect, balanced with strong discipline?
EPISODES THREE AND FOUR
Episode three finds a group of larger-than-life party animals taking their Holy Orders as they swap £800 boozy nights out for the calm of an ancient religious brotherhood, dedicated to simplicity, service, and devotion to the Lord. The results, which include ten-pin bowling for 80-year-old Friars on a Friday night out, are anything but predictable.
In episode four, three pampered young Brits, used to lives of comfort, face a real challenge as they become cowboys and cowgirls on a Wild West ranch. Here, they must roll up their sleeves, show grit, and work together selflessly to survive.
GUY DAVIES
Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning at 5, said:
“Trading Places plunges our contributors into these alien, opposite worlds, and it’s great to see how transformative this experience can be. Like our other top-rated and warm-hearted formats such as Rich House Poor House, we hope the viewers love it too.”
CLARE MOTTERSHEAD
Clare Mottershead, Head of Factual and Formats for Orchard Studios, added:
“We all wonder what it would be like to have a totally different life, and the young people in this series couldn’t have leapt further out of their comfort zones. The results are both challenging and eye-opening for everyone involved, with plenty of tears, laughter and genuine surprises along the way.”
Trading Places will be coming soon to 5.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
