A+E Networks EMEA has commissioned One Tribe TV and Motion Content Group to make a 5×60’ factual entertainment series fronted by Amanda Holden and Dan Jones entitled Sex: A Bonkers History to premiere on Sky HISTORY in September 2023.
The original UK commission will follow actress, singer, and presenter Amanda Holden and best-selling author and historian Dan Jones as they explore how sexual behaviours through the ages have shaped civilisations in ways we are only now beginning to discover. The series will use archive footage and drama reconstruction, with Amanda Holden and Dan Jones taking the leading roles to shed light on history’s best unknown sex stories.
Amanda and Dan will explore how attitudes towards sex and sexuality have evolved throughout the ages, from the origination of the first contraceptive in ancient Egypt to swinging in 70’s suburban Britain. Along the way they will discover how the Tudor sexual appetites changed the course of British history forever, and they will delve into Georgian Britain to discover that its prim and proper facade couldn’t be further from the truth. The pair also reveal how the Victorian era was secretly one of the most sexually progressive in the world. Lastly, they discover that sexual attitudes in the 20thcentury have changed more than in any other period in history and that this rate of change only continues to accelerate.
The series also features experts in the history of sex, including sex historian Dr. Kate Lister, author of ‘A Curious History of Sex’, international teacher of Dominance studies Anne O Nomis, author of ‘The History & Arts of the Dominatrix’ and the late executive chair of Ann Summers, Jacqueline Gold CBE..
Amanda Holden said: “Believe me when I say our generation knows nothing about sex compared to the debauched antics of our ancestors! My goodness, I’ve really had my eyes opened, and had a real laugh, during the filming of this brilliant new series. I have left it to Dan Jones to get his hands dirty whilst I’ve been on the side-lines as a very entertained voyeur. Although perhaps shocking at times, Sex: A Bonkers History is a truly fascinating and intellectual insight into the last 2500 years of our sexual history. This is horrible histories for grown-ups.”
Dan Jones added: “Sex is the one thing we can be certain human beings have done throughout the whole of history. It’s a fascinating way to take a romp through the millennia, from the Ancient Egyptians to swingers in the 1970s, and up to the wonders of the digital age we live in today. Amanda is a dream host – she’s a great laugh, who’s always ready with a penetrating question and a fresh take on the past. Meanwhile, I’ve had a blast throwing myself into some pretty weird and wild situations – all in the name of research. It’s the best historical fun I’ve had with (most of) my clothes on.”
The series was commissioned, and executive produced by Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, with Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor and Head of Talent at A+E Networks EMEA.
Dan Korn said: “We are thrilled to be working with Amanda, Dan, and One Tribe TV on this truly pioneering exploration of our sexual history. It fits perfectly with Sky HISTORY’s mission statement to bring history to life in new and exciting ways.”
Sex: A Bonkers History is a One Tribe TV production; executive producers are Owen Gay and Dale Templar with showrunner Tom Cunningham. Melanie Darlaston will be executive producer for Motion Content Group. The drama elements are written by Jack Carey and directed by Mimi Templar-Gay.
Owen Gay, Creative Director at One Tribe TV said: “One Tribe TV is excited to be working with Amanda Holden and Dan Jones, two people who have the sensitivity, knowledge, and fun to make this series the history extravaganza it should be as we tackle the universal but often taboo subject of sex through the ages. Following Sex & Sensibility – our single doc for Sky HISTORY – we are thrilled to be working on our first series for the channel. Dan Korn and Di Carter have been amazing partners in developing and shaping the show.”
Melanie Darlaston, executive producer for Motion Content Groupadded: “It’s a pleasure to be collaborating with One Tribe TV on this frank, but fun and informative look at sex through the ages. Without revealing too much, it’s clear the world was swinging long before the 60s!”
Sex: A Bonkers History will be distributed by Blue Ant Media and will premiere on Sky HISTORY in September 2023.
The series will air across the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland in October 2023.
Jon Creamer
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