UKTV Commissions First True-Crime Series for W

UKTV has commissioned Red Flag, its first true-crime series for W, from First Look TV.

Set to air in 2024, the eight-episode series tells the stories of people who have been catfished, gaslit and deceived by digital manipulators who use dating sites, instant messaging and fake personas to find people to prey on.

Viewers will be introduced to new terms such as “breadcrumbing,” “mirroring” and “love bombing,” which are used to describe behaviors used by perpetrators to manipulate and abuse the individuals they come across.

Adam Collings, channel director of W, said: “This series marks our first-true crime UKTV original commission for W, and the unique format sets the series apart from others, making for insightful and intriguing viewing. This is such an important commission for our 2024 slate, and I’m so pleased we get to share the survivors’ stories and try to signpost the hallmarks of deception for others.”

Emile Nawagamuwa, commissioning executive for UKTV, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with First Look on our first true-crime series. The deeply personal accounts from survivors will offer valuable insight to the perilous landscape of modern dating. Those affected will be at the forefront. This is a chance to tell their story and send messages of caution and solidarity to others who may be living the same experience.”

Will Hanrahan, executive producer for First Look, added: “This is an important series that shines a light on an epidemic of fakery in the U.K. dating world. We can all too easily find ourselves scammed, blackmailed and even hoodwinked into sex by those who hide behind fake identities or who prey on our instincts to help others in need. It will make for compelling viewing—and we hope it prevents such crimes happening to you or someone you know. Given the subject, we think UKTV’s W channel is the perfect partner, and we are delighted to be working with them again.”