EXCLUSIVE: The Responder and Big Mood maker Dancing Ledge Productions has signed a development deal with historian, The Rest is History podcaster and author Dominic Sandbrook.
The agreement will see Sandbrook develop and executive produce a range of scripted and factual series at the London-based Dancing Ledge, which is also behind true-life drama The Salisbury Poisonings.
Sandbrook will work with the creative team at Fremantle-backed Dancing Ledge to create a slate of limited series, returning dramas and factual formats that rework how contemporary history is brought to the screen.
He’s known for his Goalhanger Podcasts-made series The Rest is History, which sits in a stable alongside The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Entertainment, and has led to sell-out live tours in the U.S. and UK. The Rest Is History is regularly in the top ten podcasts in the U.S. and has nearly 50,000 paying subscribers.
Earlier this year, Sandbrook teamed with Wheelhouse to develop unscripted programs from the podcast’s library of over 600 episodes.
As an author, Sandbrook has written ‘Never Had it So Good’, ‘White Heat’ and ‘State of Emergency’, all of which attempt to decode complex eras of modern history and them accessible. Sandbrook’s latest book, ‘Who Dares Wins’ tells the story of Britain from 1979 to 1982, as Margaret Thatcher rose to power.
“History is ultimately about storytelling, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to explore some of the most gripping moments in human history,” he said. “Memorable characters, jaw-dropping narratives, sweeping sagas: these are the things that make us fall in love with history in the first place.”
Chris Carey, Dancing Ledge Managing Director, said: “Dominic’s grasp of modern history — and his unique ability to connect it to the present in such a vivid, emotional way — makes him a rare creative force. His work sparks conversation and curiosity across generations, and we’re excited to build on that.
This deal allows us to channel his intellect, wit, and narrative energy into bold, high-impact television that will resonate with global audiences. These aren’t just history stories – they’re stories about now.”
Fatima Salaria, the former boss at another Fremantle label, Naked, who is now EP of Factual and Factual Drama at Dancing Ledge, added: “I’ve worked with Dominic on several hit documentary series, and he has an extraordinary instinct for finding the stories from our past — particularly modern and contemporary history — that resonate powerfully today.
“What’s exciting about this partnership is the opportunity to transform those ideas into emotionally rich, compelling TV, whether through drama or factual formats. These are bold, surprising, character-driven stories that feel urgent and relevant. Dominic brings real diversity of thought — he’s genuinely curious, always challenging assumptions, and sees history not as something fixed in the past, but as a living lens through which we can understand the present.”
Dancing Ledge recently had Nicola Coughlan comedy series Big Mood renewed for a second season.
