‘A perfectly executed version of the format’
Comedy Central for Comedy Central YouTube
Comedy Central revived its famous Drunk History format and made it digital-first to celebrate black talent and recognise the valuable contribution of black culture.
A crew including Stephané Alexandre, Femi Oyeniran and Dreaming Whilst Black creator Adjani Salmon produced and directed six episodes about historical figures and artefacts: Yaa Asentewaa, the Sons of Africa, Mary Seacole, the Benin Bronzes, Len Johnson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Host Rapman was joined by black comedians to recount the stories ,which were then re-enacted and dubbed.
Our judges praised the “high production values” of the re-constructed sequences and the “great host and talent” for the “comical” and “entertaining” way they conveyed the stories.
“It is a celebration of black unsung heroes and black history,” said one judge, while another called it “a perfectly executed version of the format”.
Optimised for YouTube, the series launched with a promotional campaign comprising shareable quizzes, GIFs and quote posts, as well as blooper packages offering a peek behind the scenes. It has amassed 3.5 million views on YouTube since airing in April 2021.
SHORTLISTED
After We’ve Gone
The Natural History Unit for BBC Earth YouTube
An innovative wildlife format featuring inspiring and passionate presenters Dan O’Neill and Yussef Rafik. The pair of zoologists explore abandoned environments including Inchkeith Island and Dinorwic Slate Quarry to reveal the power of nature left to its own devices. Putting environmentalism at its core, the series aims to educate and entertain audiences in equal measure.
Agree to Disagree
LADstudios for LADbible TV
Revealing the debates between people with opposing opinions on different topics from Brexit to veganism and whether Iron Man beats Batman, the format’s 32 episodes have generated 41.8 million views on YouTube. A special episode featuring Tom Holland and Zendaya ahead of the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home generated media buzz, and the format has attracted commercial partners such as Sky Bet.
Queerpiphany
MTV for MTV UK YouTube
Created by members of the queer community for queer audiences and their allies, the format aims to make MTV’s LGBTQIA+ content a year-round commitment. Talent including activist Munroe Bergdorf, Drag Race UK star Tayce and presenter Nick Grimshaw discuss the pop culture moments that affected them most, helping to educate youth audiences about what it means to be queer and celebrating the community in an authentic and relatable way.
Reunited
Future Studios for Snapchat
Following the heart-warming and emotional stories of people reconnecting with estranged loved ones, this anthology series features a transgender man hoping to reconcile with his religious grandparents and former inmates reconnecting for the first time on the outside. The producers put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of casting to tell stories that would resonate with audiences.
Secret Sauce
Acme Films & Wall of Productions for Channel 4 YouTube
Two ethnically diverse-led indies, Acme Films and Wall Of Entertainment, are behind the cooking show that celebrates black culture and identity through food. Host Chunkz helps guests cook up signature recipes for their family members, from Julie Adenuga’s Nigerian beef stew for her mum to YouTuber Nella Rose’s mikate for her uncle. The series racked up more than 1 million views on YouTube.
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