Rise & Fall start date and all about new Channel 4 reality show with Greg James

Channel 4 explores inequality in brand new reality show Rise & Fall.

From the makers of The Traitors, Rise & Fall is described as a “major new social experiment” that will see a group of people split into the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

Channel 4 say it’s “a game about what it takes to get to the top – how to win power, how to keep hold of it and how to use it to influence others.”

The channel shares: “Sixteen ordinary British people, from all walks of life and ages, will begin the game as equals but soon find themselves either in a position of power as a Ruler or as part of the powerless as a Grafter. While the Rulers live in an opulent penthouse, the Grafters must survive in basic conditions in the basement. And much like life, those in power will be responsible for making decisions that affect those who have none.

“Greg James will oversee the action as the Grafters work hard to complete a series of gruelling games and challenges to build a cash prize fund only the Rulers can win. The Rulers must encourage the Grafters to work harder, but if they push them too hard, they might find themselves toppled from power.

“Anyone can rise to a position of power and anyone can fall, but only one Ruler can win the prize fund at the end of the game. Who rises and who falls will be decided by the other Players.”

Rise & Fall starts on Channel 4 from Sunday, 19 March at 9PM and then continues nightly at 10PM. You’ll also be able to watch online via All 4.

Greg James said: “I’ve been waiting a long time for a show like this to come along that I can get stuck into and be the ringleader of. It’s an amazingly mad idea and the contestants are going to make some incredible TV. It’s very exciting to launch something brand new on Channel 4 and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Let the power struggle begin…”

Alf Lawrie, Head of Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, said: “Society is made up of the haves and the have nots, those who have power and those who don’t. In this fascinating new reality format, we’re going to see how power is gained, what happens when power is lost and how the quest for power can bring out the best or worst in people.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Studio Lambert and Motion Content Group on this exciting new series that promises to deliver entertainment and drama aplenty.”

Vivienne Molokwu, Senior Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, added: “Rise & Fall is the ultimate test of the adage that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’.

“A deliciously distorted reflection of real life, as the underdogs battle to improve their lot and the topdogs battle to maintain the status quo, this series offers a fascinating prism through which to watch human behaviour at its best and worst.”