Channel 4 commissions Boris (w/t), a new four-part series from 72 Films exploring the rise and fall of the Prime Minister

18 July 2022

Alexander Boris De Pfeffel Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and compelling figures alive in Britain today.  Now, Channel 4 has commissioned Boris (w/t) from 72 Films (The Trump Show, Crime & Punishment) to make the definitive documentary series revealing the events that shaped the man and his character, his meteoric rise to power, and the extraordinary events of his premiership.

Through a combination of rare archive footage and with access to those with intimate knowledge of Johnson over the years, the four hour-long episodes will hear from both his friends and enemies to reveal his true persona. The films will give greater insight into his actions, his ambition and the real events that have shaped modern British politics. 

The series will also divulge how the seeds of political rivalries still being felt in British politics all began in the corridors at Eton, where Johnson beat David Cameron to the prestigious role of School Captain, and how he sharpened his skills whilst campaigning for Student President at Oxford. It will explore his rise and rise as a politician, becoming mayor of London and finally achieving his dream job: Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

David Glover, Executive Producer for 72 Films said,  “This is a major project that we are about to embark on. It will not be polemical - but something that tells his story . We aim to make a series that both his supporters and enemies will find fresh and interesting.”

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer said,  “However the story of Boris Johnson’s political career ends he has done more to change Britain and the nature of our politics than any other recent political figure. This landmark series will try answer the question of what shaped the boy who wanted to be king of the world and how he grew to believe that he could escape the laws of political gravity.”

Tim Hancock, Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment at Channel 4 said,  “72 Films track record in documentary making speaks for itself and through their painstaking research and access to those most intimate with Johnson we look forward to the most authoritative and insightful biography of Boris Johnson to date.”

Boris (w/t) was commissioned by Alf Lawrie, Head of Factual Entertainment and Tim Hancock, Commissioning Editor of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4. The 4 x 60’ series is a 72 Films production, and the Executive Producer is David Glover.

ENDS