The Big Narstie Show cancelled
- The Big Narstie Show has come to an end after five series
- Channel 4 spokesperson said: "We have to look carefully at what we commission each year"
Channel 4 has axed The Big Narstie Show after five series.
Deadline reveals that Channel 4 informed producers Expectation Entertainment and Dice Productions earlier this year that they would not be renewing the format for a sixth series, however the news has only just emerged as the industry's focus has turned on the network's commissioning plans in light of its strive to cut costs.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "The decision not to recommission a sixth series of The Big Narstie Show is not part of our response to challenges in the advertising market. We are immensely proud of the five series we have made of this innovative Bafta-winning show but we have to look carefully at what we commission each year to make sure we continue to innovate and offer viewers a varied range of programming."
The broadcaster is currently focusing heavily on cutting costs, with programme formats across all genres being "culled" in an attempt to save money. Channel 4 executive Ian Katz acknowledged in an email to content creators this week that the broadcaster was going through a difficult spell and it would be commissioning "relatively little over the summer months".
The Big Narstie Show launched on Channel 4 in 2018, with the format seeing the grime MC presenting an hour of "anarchic studio entertainment" alongside co-host Mo Gilligan. In total it ran for 33 episodes across the five series, with its last episode having been broadcast on 16th December. The show's award wins include a 2021 BAFTA for Best Comedy Entertainment Programme.
Expectation is still working with Gilligan on his other Channel 4 format, The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan. Series 4 concludes tonight (16th June), with a special already ordered for Christmas.
17th June update: Big Narstie posted on Twitter: "Every good thing has to come to and end and after 5 seasons the time has come for us to say farewell to The @BigNarstieShow on Channel 4 for now. Obviously it ain't a complete goodbye cos mans still here innit so you never know, I might bring the show back on another platform..."