Tony Robinson Rewrites History launches with Radar Studios – Sir Tony Robinson is partnering with the Australian-based Radar Studios on a new history brand designed to work across YouTube, television and other digital platforms.
Tony Robinson Rewrites History will begin with a dedicated YouTube channel later in 2026. Its initial digital slate will contain 12 half-hour episodes, while a separate six-part, one-hour television series will be presented to international buyers at MIPCOM in October.
The project provides the first clear example of Radar Studios’ Originals strategy since WTFN Group combined its Radar digital operation and Fred Media distribution business. Instead of adapting one finished programme for different outlets, the company is building the intellectual property for multiple audiences and platforms from the beginning.
Tony Robinson Rewrites History explores turning points
Robinson will revisit defining events from ancient history through to the modern era. The stories will examine the people, politics, rivalries, accidents and extraordinary moments of chance that helped shape the world.
Each episode will also identify a moment when history could have taken a different course. The programme will then consider what might have followed if a decision, mistake or unexpected event had changed the outcome.
The planned subjects span a wide historical range, from the Spanish Armada to the advent of COVID-19. Radar Studios says the format will combine Robinson’s curiosity and wit with expert insight and imaginative storytelling, examining both what happened and what very nearly happened instead.
Robinson renews a 15-year WTFN relationship
The partnership extends Robinson’s relationship with WTFN Group, which has lasted for more than 15 years. Their previous television projects include Tony Robinson’s Time Walks and Tony Robinson’s Tour of Duty.
Radar Studios also operates Time Travels, a dedicated YouTube history channel with more than 40,000 subscribers. Its catalogue includes legacy programmes featuring Robinson, giving the new project an established digital audience while Radar develops a fresh pipeline of original material.
Robinson said the opportunity to try a new approach with the group was irresistible.
“I’ve known the team at WTFN for more than 15 years and we’ve made some terrific television together, so the opportunity to do something genuinely new with Radar Studios was irresistible.
“History is about the way things were, isn’t it? It’s written in stone and it couldn’t have happened any other way. Well, no! It’s actually full of tiny moments where everything hung in the balance. One different decision, one mistake, even a gust of wind and you have to rewrite history.
“And the great thing about this partnership is that we’re no longer thinking about history as something that has to fit into one particular television slot. We can tell stories in different ways, for different audiences and across different platforms. There is an enormous amount to explore and I’m hoping these first six hours are just the beginning.”
Radar Studios builds its Originals model
Radar Studios was formed in September 2026 within WTFN Group. It brings content creation, channel management and international distribution together as one business, covering traditional broadcasters, streaming services, FAST channels, YouTube and social platforms.
The company manages more than 2,200 hours of programming and more than 30 owned and operated FAST and digital channels. Its channel brands include Bondi Vet, Real Emergency and Love Nature.
Chief Commercial Officer Derek Dyson said Robinson was an ideal first partner for the Originals strategy.
“There could hardly be a better partner than Tony to lead off our originals strategy. He is one of the most recognisable and trusted faces in popular history, with an extraordinary ability to make the past entertaining, accessible and relevant to audiences around the world.
“Significantly, Tony Robinson Rewrites History demonstrates exactly why we created Radar Studios. Instead of making a series and then deciding where it might live, we are developing IP from the outset with multiple audiences, platforms and distribution opportunities in mind.”
Dyson said the same creative partnership would support original programming for a managed YouTube channel, additional digital opportunities and the standalone six-part television series for international buyers.
“One creative partnership and one piece of IP can therefore generate a whole ecosystem of content and commercial opportunities. By bringing content creation, channel management and international distribution together within Radar Studios, we can manage that entire journey ourselves.”
The MIPCOM presentation will begin the international sales phase for the television version. Australian broadcaster or streaming arrangements have not yet been announced.
Read more about WTFN’s launch of Radar Studios and its Originals strategy on TV Central. Visit the official Radar Studios page for more information about the company.