Channel 4 commissions Big Tech factual drama ‘Billionaires’

Channel 4 has commissioned a new three-part factual drama titled ‘Billionaires’ (working title), produced by Halcyons Heart Films. The series aims to explore the impact of Big Tech and the disinformation amplified by social media platforms on democracy and truth. Drawing on real-world evidence, the drama will focus on the stories of creators, victims, and the billionaire beneficiaries of digital disinformation.

Writer and director Joe Bullman compared the current tech industry to the tobacco industry, questioning if the series will provide a ‘Big Tobacco moment’ for tech executives. The announcement follows a significant settlement by Meta involving up to $18 billion to resolve a US court case regarding child safety on Facebook and Instagram.

Additionally, Channel 4 has commissioned ‘Your Time Starts Now’ (working title), an eight-part play-at-home gameshow. The series is devised by Alex Horne, creator of Taskmaster, and Andy Devonshire, featuring households competing in various tasks for cash rewards.