Channel 4 confirms future of TFI Friday Unplugged after Chris Evans reboot
Chris Evans brought TFI Friday Unplugged to Channel 4 earlier this year, and now the broadcaster has addressed its status.
TFI Friday Unplugged has been recommissioned for six more episodes.
Channel 4 has been impressed with the response to the show, which airs at 11pm, with strong ratings for under 34s, and now Chris Evans' weekly show is set to return for more.
He said in a statement: "Yee haa, we've been recommissioned!”
Meanwhile, Cimran Shah, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, added that the broadcaster was "thrilled" to announce further episodes.
Cimran commented: “Unplugged delivered exactly what we'd hoped for - great guests, brilliant music, unpredictable moments and a strong response from audiences.
"We're thrilled to be bringing it back for another six episodes and can't wait to see where Chris takes it next."
Chris, 60, rebooted his iconic TFI Friday show, which was a huge hit in the 90s, earlier this year on YouTube alongside his Virgin Radio programme.
In April, it was confirmed he was bringing it back to its original Channel 4 home, with the new series launching a couple of months ago.
Cimran said at the time: "TFI Friday was doing stripped-back, personality-led chat long before visualised podcasts were a twinkle in our eyes!
"I’m thrilled that this deal brings TFI back to Channel 4, reimagined in a way that feels fresh, immediate and perfectly suited for a new generation wherever they watch Channel 4.”
TFI Friday, which originally ran from 1996 to 2000 before a revival in 2015, was known for its chaotic interviews, live music and total unpredictability.
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting for News UK praised the "genius" of the show's host as it gets a fresh relaunch, which will include fans being able to stream via Channel 4 and Channel 4 YouTube.
Morris added: “TFI Friday is one of those rare formats that never really left the cultural conversation, and we're proud to see this iconic title - and the genius of Chris Evans - find its way back to Channel 4 reimagined through Virgin Radio UK’s TFI Unplugged.
"We look forward to audiences rediscovering what made the show so special, wherever and however they choose to watch."
Back in February, after TFI Unplugged launched on Virgin Radio's YouTube Channel, Chris hinted that there was more planned for the future.
Speaking on his radio show at the time, he teased: "We’ve got plenty of road still to run here before we run out of road. That’s what I’m saying to myself.
“Thank you so much for watching it in your tens of thousands on YouTube. 30 years ago today, Channel 4 allowed the TFI gang to play and here we are still 30 years on. Dare I say here’s to the next 30.”
