Disney+ is betting big on reality TV, announcing three major UK original commissions that promise high drama, big personalities and an unmistakably British flavour. The streamer has unveiled a new slate of unscripted originals, headlined by a modern-day revival of Blind Date, plus two intimate docuseries following the lives of iconic celebrity couples: The Rooneys and Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea.
‘Blind Date’: A British Icon Returns
The nation’s favourite dating show is back, but not quite as you remember it. Blind Date will return in a bold, reimagined format that builds on the nostalgia of the original, while introducing high-stakes twists for today’s audience. Contestants will still choose between three mystery suitors hidden behind the iconic wall, but this time they’ll go on to live together for the summer… all while fresh potential partners wait in the wings, ready to shake things up.
The 10-part series is being developed by Stellify Media (a Sony Pictures Television-backed company) and SO TV (part of ITV Studios), with Disney+ aiming to turn the format into a contemporary cultural moment.
‘The Rooneys’ (w/t): Life Beyond the Pitch
Football royalty meets family reality in The Rooneys, a fly-on-the-wall docuseries giving viewers unprecedented access to the lives of Coleen and Wayne Rooney. The ten episodes will explore everything from Coleen’s latest business ventures to Wayne’s transition into full-time parenting, offering a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of Britain’s most famous couples as they navigate the chaos of family life with four boys in tow.
Produced by Lorton Entertainment and Blast Films, and helmed by Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story director Martin Webb, this is set to be Disney+’s next must-watch for fans of celebrity documentaries.
‘Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea’ (w/t)
They first captured hearts on Made in Chelsea, now Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo are about to embark on their biggest chapter yet: parenthood. Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea follows the couple as they prepare for the arrival of their first child, juggling work, moving house, and the ever-present pressures of modern life in the spotlight.
Promising a mix of humour, honesty and heartfelt moments, the series comes from Dorothy St Pictures (makers of Wagatha and Pamela, A Love Story) in association with Jampot Productions. Jamie and Sophie will also serve as executive producers.
Sean Doyle, Executive Director of Unscripted at Disney+, said the trio of new shows builds on the success of recent UK originals like Finding Michael, Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story, and Flintoff. The aim, Doyle says, is to keep blending household names with real-life narratives that are “authentic and captivating”.
“We’re doubling down on unscripted, especially with a female-skewed factual focus,” he explained. “These new titles are the perfect addition to a slate that already includes The Kardashians and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”