5 has announced the recommission of talent-led history strand, Rich Lives, Poor Lives, with 4×90’ specials ordered from Lion Television and WPP Media Motion Entertainment.
The shows will once again feature the pairing of BAFTA-winning broadcaster, barrister and author Rob Rinder and social Historian Ruth Goodman.
In series two, Ruth and Rob will turn back the clock to visit four key periods of British history: Roman, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian. The duo will explore how the rich and poor navigated life during these four very different times, discovering the joys, hardships, and unexpected surprises that defined each era. From the streets of Roman towns to Tudor courts, Georgian city squares to Victorian workshops, life has always been experienced differently depending on how much money you have. Through meticulous research and authentic historic locations, in each episode they’ll follow real-life characters from these periods, immersing themselves in the experiences of both the privileged and the less privileged, to uncover the inventive ways people adapted to their circumstances.
The series was commissioned for 5 by Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, 5, with Sarah Sarkhel to executive produce for Lion Television, an All3Media company, and Melanie Darlaston for WPP Media Motion Entertainment. Series Producer is Lauren Bennie. With global distribution by All3Media International.
On returning for series two, Rob Rinder says: “I’m delighted Rich Lives, Poor Lives is returning. The first series proved what I’ve always believed; that history is at its most alive when it’s about people not just palaces and proclamations. Working with Ruth Goodman has been a joy; together we uncover the textures of everyday life; how it felt to live through the moments that shaped us, whether from the comfort of a drawing room or the chaos of the street. This new series goes even further into those human stories, reminding us that every age has its divides, and every generation its survivors.”
Ruth Goodman continues: “Filming series one of Rich Lives, Poor Lives was both fascinating and the most enormous fun. Exploring people’s lives as they tried to find their own way through some of history’s greatest upheavals has been enthralling and often deeply moving. I am awaiting this next series with bated breath, not least because I get to share the experience with the marvellous Rob Rinder.”
On recommissioning the series, Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, 5, comments: “After the success of the first series earlier this year, Rob and Ruth are back with four fascinating periods of history. With their balance of intelligence and light touch they’re the perfect guides for the 5 viewers and I’m delighted to be teaming up with them and Lion again”
Sarah Sarkhel, Executive Producer, Lion TV, adds: “We are delighted that Rich Lives, Poor Lives is coming back to screens. The series offers a fresh and accessible perspective on the past and we are so glad that audiences are able to enjoy the return of Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman—whose on-screen dynamic continues to entertain and educate in equal measure.”
Rich Lives, Poor Lives series two is set to air on 5 in 2026.
Jon Creamer
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