PLATOON: 5 GO INSIDE THE BRITISH INFANTRY FOR NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES

5 has today announced the commission of Platoon, an all-encompassing behind the scenes look at the journey this ‘band of brothers’ go on when joining the British Infantry as new recruits. 

This four-part series will be co-produced by Frank Films and GroupM Motion Entertainment and distributed by Silverlining Rights. The series was commissioned by Kit Morey Commissioning Editor, Unscripted for 5. 

Platoons are the bedrock of the British Army - tight, highly trained groups of 30 soldiers who live, work, play and deploy together. Their small size fosters bonds between soldiers who will do anything for each other when the going gets tough.

With access to The Rifles - the Army’s largest Infantry regiment – this series embeds a small crew within a single platoon to tell a soldiering story at eye-level, from formation to war-fighting and lethal Armoured Infantry platoon. Searingly frank, heartbreakingly confessional, and laugh-out-loud funny, this four-part series is about creating a military family from scratch.

On the new commission, Kit Morey, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, 5 said: "We are thrilled to bring 'Platoon' to our audience. This series will capture the essence of what it means to be part of a platoon - the camaraderie, the challenges, and the unwavering bonds formed in the face of adversity. Viewers will experience the journey of these soldiers from a deeply personal perspective. 'Platoon' is not just a series; it's a tribute to the bravery and brotherhood of our armed forces."

Jamie Balment, Creative Director at Frank Films added: “By embedding for 6 months within a single unit our ambition is tell the human story of life in the military as never before - at a time when European security has never been more uncertain.”

Martin Oxley, Head of Formats & Entertainment (UK) and Executive Producer for GroupM Motion Entertainment commented: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Frank Films and 5, for what feels like a timely insight into what it means to be a soldier in the British army in 2025.”

Platoon (4 X 60’) has been commissioned by Kit Morey, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted for 5 and co-produced by Frank Films and GroupM Motion Entertainment and will be distributed by Silverlining Rights.