Channel 5 Commissions Third Michael Palin Series

Channel 5 has commissioned a third series with Michael Palin, Michael Palin: Into Nigeria (w.t.).

As the title suggests, Palin will visit the vast African country of Nigeria, which has a rapidly growing population of 220 million and is expected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050. Palin will experience what life is like in the country through the voices, opinions and experiences of Nigerians from all walks of life.

Stories of corruption and violence have often characterized how the country is portrayed in the media, but Palin finds a place where optimism can rule in the face of adversity and where the modern world and contemporary Africa’s dilemma of wealth and poverty are side by side.

Palin will begin in Lagos, experiencing a city of contrasting extremes from poverty to extravagant wealth. He then will file 1,000 kilometers to the Islamic North, a completely different land of Sharia law and Book Haram strongholds. After that, he will begin a challenging road trip down the spine of the country under the threat of roadside attacks and kidnapping. His overall journey will reveal a Nigeria of stunning nature and beauty, strong cultures and welcoming people.

“Nigeria has the biggest economy, and the biggest population in Africa,” Palin said. “The potential of the country is enormous, but so are its problems. Visiting the country for the first time, I saw these problems at first hand, but also caught a whiff of the excitement and energy of the place. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes a perplexing challenge, my journey through this rich, raucous mix of a country hardly gave me time to draw breath. I came home exhausted but exhilarated. And, as in the best of journeys, feeling I know a lot more about the world.”

Guy Davies, Channel 5 factual commissioning editor for non-scripted U.K. originals at Channel 5/Paramount+, said, “It’s a thrill that Michael’s new journey is again with Channel 5 after two masterful series with us. Nigeria is more than an epic and beautiful journey—it’s a look at the future and past in a global context. It’s also one of the most extraordinarily visual and heartfelt series you’ll ever see, and who better than Michael to listen and learn as he meets the people of a country whose significance and influence will rise over the coming decades.”

Will Smith, head of factual at ITN Productions, added, “We’re delighted to be working with Michael again as he explores one of the most important yet least understood countries in the world. During a challenging journey down the spine on the country Michael goes beyond the stereotypes to reveal a land of extreme contrasts and beguiling beauty. As Nigeria’s influence grows on the world stage, this is a timely exploration of ‘The Giant of Africa.’”