Channel 5 Commissions Prime-Time Quiz Show

Channel 5 has commissioned a brand-new prime-time quiz show, Puzzling (w.t.), dedicated to testing contestants’ problem-solving abilities.

The 13×1-hour series, produced by 12 Yard Productions and Wheelhouse, will see broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley challenge Britain’s brightest minds as they battle to be hailed the ultimate puzzler.

At the start of each episode, six strangers are split into two teams of three. The two teams try to accrue the most points through their powers of puzzling deduction.

Every area of our player’s mind will be tested across five puzzling rounds: In Other Words (language), Pressure Points (calculation), Rule Breakers (lateral thinking), Picture This (visual intelligence) and Memory Bank (memory).

In a dramatic plot twist, the winning team turns on each other to be named the Best of the Best and earn a place in the series’ Grand Final, where the ultimate puzzler will be crowned.

Worsley said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of puzzle mistress in this brand-new quiz show. I’ve spent most of my career finding answers to historical questions, so getting to ask the questions is going to be an exciting new adventure for me; I can’t wait to get puzzling!”

Daniel Pearl, commissioning editor for unscripted at Channel 5 and Paramount+, said: “Britain is a nation of puzzlers and bringing the best puzzling minds together with some challenging, play-along-at-home brain teasers in this brand new format will be fantastic fun. With Lucy and her incredible knowledge at the helm, Puzzling is in great hands.”

Michael Mannes, managing director of 12 Yard Productions, added: “We are thrilled to be making this super smart puzzling format for Channel 5. Contestants will have to show a real breadth of knowledge to succeed and be crowned champion. And with Lucy putting on her puzzle-mistress cap, it feels like the perfect fit in completing our very own puzzle.”

Glenn Hugill, chief content officer of Wheelhouse Entertainment and president of Wheelhouse’s U.K. division, said: “Nothing beats the satisfaction of cracking a truly fiendish puzzle, and in this show, we get tough with all parts of the brain to see how smart you REALLY are. Best of all, Lucy is razor-sharp and unmissable in her role. In fact, I’m willing to bet she’ll go down in history as your favorite new quiz host!”