Channel 5 commissions Playgrounds of the Rich and Famous from Crackit
August 2, 2021
Channel 5 has commissioned a new 6 x 60’ series from Crackit Productions which will step inside the world’s most opulent destinations in Playgrounds of the Rich and Famous.
This sumptuous series will show how the icons of yesteryear and today’s super rich lap up luxury in holiday havens which are dripping in decadence and awash with stories of Hollywood greats, billionaire playboys and royalty from across the decades.
In each episode viewers will meet high-brow holidaymakers, aristocrats living in glorious mansions and the savvy locals who cater to every whim, making their own millions along the way. It will feature artisans and businesses owners who have carved careers supplying first class concierge services such as opulent yachts, helicopter and super car hires to the ultra-wealthy visitors who frequent the world famous nightspots and exclusive gourmet restaurants.
Elaine Hackett, Crackit’s CEO said: “This is very rich documentary territory. With international travel and filming restrictions now allowing us to film the series within Covid guidelines, we can bring present day narratives to encapsulate the past history of each destination and we’ll also include fantastic archive which explores each location’s social history uncovering what first attracted the world’s elite.”
Commissioning Editor at Channel 5 Guy Davies said: “The enduring appeal of these exclusive locations has always sparked curiosity and the retelling of the scandals and love stories by great characters will intrigue and entertain our audience.”
The six luxury destinations featured are jewels of the Mediterranean: St Tropez, beloved home of Brigit Bardot; Marbella, where everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Joan Collins have dipped their toes; Monaco, which might be the world’s second smallest country but is home to 12,000 millionaires; the Caribbean’s most exclusive destination St Barts which was a magnet for the super-rich like Jackie Onassis, and Long Island’s most sought after spot The Hamptons where the rich and famous party until dawn. From the sparkling shores the series also soars to St Mortitz, the glittering skiing playground with breath-taking views.
Executive Producers for Crackit are Elaine Hackett and Jason Wells. It was commissioned by Guy Davies for Channel 5, and is produced by Crackit South, Brighton.