Wheelhouse and Goalhanger to adapt The Rest is History podcast for TV

Wheelhouse has teamed with Goalhanger to bring the chart-topping podcast The Rest Is History to television.

The deal was orchestrated by Wheelhouse EVP of Business Development Fanny Baudry, who is also managing director of the company’s digital and audio division (DNA), Wheelhouse EVP of Development Kate Collier and Goalhanger Co-Founder Tony Pastor.

Baudry and Collier will oversee the partnership for Wheelhouse. The deal was negotiated by WME (William Morris Endeavor), which represents both Wheelhouse and Goalhanger.

Hosted by British historians-turned-pop-culture-sensations, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the twice-weekly podcast has more than 12 million downloads each month and averages two million monthly YouTube views.

It has a Gen-Z and Millennial audience, with seven out of every 10 listeners under 40, as well as passionate high-profile fans such as Conan O’Brien, Rachel Maddow, Bob Iger and Nick Cave.

Launched in 2020, The Rest Is History has become Britain’s most subscribed-to podcast, consistently ranking among the top charts globally and frequently topping the US history podcast charts. 

Its success has also resulted in two best-selling spinoff books and last year, Holland and Sandbrook had a completely sold out, live podcast tour across the UK and U.S.

Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse and creator of Pawn Stars, said: “The Rest is History is a unicorn. The podcast’s global popularity, propelled by Tom and Dominic’s rapport, dynamic and ridiculous knowledge and expertise, has paved the way for best-selling books and sold-out live tours across the UK and the U.S.

“This partnership fits squarely into our strategy of being a bridge between the creator economy and legacy media and we’re excited to work with Goalhanger to bring this incredible brand to yet another medium.”

Hosts Holland and Sandbrook said: “We couldn’t be more excited at the thought of bringing The Rest Is History to TV — who wouldn’t want to see Julius Caesar’s toga or Winston Churchill’s cigar in glorious 4K?

“Our show has always been about making history accessible, intelligent and entertaining, and we’re thrilled at the chance to bring our favourite stories to life on screen.

“This partnership with Wheelhouse will allow us to make history unforgettable for a whole new audience, showcasing all the best elements that make our podcast so enjoyable – both for us and for audiences all over the world.”

Goalhanger Co-Founder Tony Pastor added: “The global success of The Rest Is History proves there’s a strong demand for entertaining and intelligent storytelling, dispelling the myth that younger audiences only want short-form content.

“Watching audiences respond to Tom and Dominic during their recent U.S. tour confirmed they are truly the rockstars of history.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Wheelhouse, who deeply understand the show’s unique dynamic. Together, we aim to introduce the show to new audiences who love history and enjoy it with the most engaging historians around.”

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