MONARCH OF THE GLEN: CHANNEL 5 ANNOUNCES 'FRESH REIMAGINING' OF ICONIC DRAMA

5 has unveiled a fresh reimagining of iconic series Monarch of the Glen which will return to the Scottish Highlands for a rich, romantic and humorous family saga rooted in legacy, love and survival.

The 6 x 60 series will be produced by Ecosse Films, makers of the original Monarch of the Glen series, and MASTERPIECE PBS, in association with Northern Ireland Screen and distribution partner Banijay Rights, the global sales arm of media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment. 

The series was commissioned by Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell, alongside Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5. Further Development assistance provided from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland.

When high-flying London lawyer Isla Campbell finds herself back at her family's crumbling Highland estate for her estranged father's funeral, she expects to be gone in days. Instead, she discovers she has inherited a million-pound debt, a bank closing in, and a brother who refuses to let go of their ancestral home. 

Under the same roof for the first time in years, brother and sister will have to find a way to save the struggling estate before time runs out and they lose it for good. The show will transport us to the stunning Scottish Highlands each week while introducing a rich ensemble of unforgettable new characters. This family saga promises heart, humour and romance – bound together by breathtaking landscapes, roaring hearths, and the people who call this wild corner of the world home.

The series is created, written and executive produced by Jeremy Brock (A Very Royal Scandal, The Last King of Scotland, Mrs Brown), alongside writer Stephen Greenhorn (Sunshine on Leith, Dept. Q, River City). Tom Vaughan (Doctor Foster, Victoria) serves as director and executive producer.

Producers are Alex Boyd (How to Get to Heaven from Belfast), Robert Bernstein & Douglas Rae (Monarch of the Glen, The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Great Escaper, Fleming) alongside executive producers Rob Darnell and Adam Duncan for Ecosse Films. Susanne Simpson is the executive producer for MASTERPIECE.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK commented: “Monarch of the Glen is a much‑loved series, and this reimagining brings it back to life for a new generation. It’s a rich family saga with heart and humour at its core. With Jeremy Brock’s brilliant storytelling and the outstanding team at Ecosse Films, this is exactly the kind of big‑hearted, crowd‑pleasing drama that sits at the heart of 5.”

Jeremy Brock, Creator, Writer and Executive Producer said: “When I was offered the chance to re-imagine Monarch of the Glen, I leapt at it. I’m hugely excited by the opportunity to tell a story of family life and finding your place in our hectic world - one that celebrates the warmth, humour and eccentricities of a special community, with both optimism and authenticity. Hope and joy are a currency in short supply right now, and the Highlands - one of the most magical places on Earth - felt like exactly the right home for them.”

Robert Bernstein, Head of Drama, Producer at Ecosse Films added: “Monarch of the Glen holds a very special place in our hearts, and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this beloved show to the next generation of viewers.

We are delighted to have a writer of Jeremy Brock’s extraordinary calibre at the helm of the series and the outstandingly talented team that is boarding the project. At a time when family and community feel more important than ever, we can’t wait to welcome our audience back to the Highlands to fall in love with Monarch of the Glen all over again.”

Susanne Simpson, Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer of MASTERPIECE noted: “I know the warmth, humour and romance in this new version of ‘Monarch of the Glen’ is just what our American audience looks for in a MASTERPIECE series. I’m so delighted to bring Jeremy Brock’s excellent work and the beauty of the Highlands to U.S. television screens.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with 5 and Ecosse Films to support the return of this much loved series. Monarch of the Glen has a special place in UK television history, and this reimagining brings a fresh creative vision while staying true to the warmth, humour and heart that audiences cherish. We welcome the series to Northern Ireland as part of its next chapter.”

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “Combining stand-out scenery with heart-warming storylines, Monarch of the Glen is a beloved UK brand, once the cornerstone of British schedules. We are proud to be partnering for its return and to take this re-imagination to an international audience.”

Monarch of the Glen is an Ecosse Films production for 5 and MASTERPIECE in association with Banijay Rights. Further funding from Northern Ireland Screen, with development assistance from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland. The series was commissioned by Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell, alongside Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5.

Production and filming for the new series will take place in Scotland and Northern Ireland later this year.