Zoo 55, the digital content arm of ITV Studios, is partnering with Oxford Scientific Films to launch Fish On! With Jeremy Wade. The 20-part vodcast series features renowned River Monsters presenter Jeremy Wade alongside co-host Scott Tankard. The project was announced during ITV Studios’ press breakfast at the MIPCOM content market in Cannes.
The series premieres for Patreon members on October 20. It rolls out across YouTube, Spotify, and dedicated podcast platforms on October 27. The vodcast revisits memorable catches, near misses, and unexplained aquatic encounters from Wade’s television career. It also features guest appearances and discussions centered on wildlife conservation and his four decades of global exploration.
Ruth Berry, president of global partnerships and Zoo 55 at ITV Studios, highlighted the digital resurgence of the River Monsters franchise during her presentation at Cannes. Over the past year, the property generated more than 1.74 billion social video views. It averaged 4.77 million daily views, yielded 54 million engagements, and increased YouTube watch time by over 1,100% year-on-year.
Martin Trickey, managing director of Zoo 55, noted the enduring appetite for the presenter’s work. “We knew how passionate Jeremy’s fanbase was, and how enormous the global audience for fishing content could be, but we could never have imagined how monstrous River Monsters would become in the digital space,” Trickey said. “Fish On! With Jeremy Wade is a project for his fans and gives them something new to feast on.”
Helen Conlan, executive producer for Oxford Scientific Films, praised Wade’s connection with his audience. “What makes Jeremy so special is the incredible connection he has with his fans-he’s knowledgeable, charismatic, completely authentic and, above all, hugely entertaining,” Conlan stated. “We’re thrilled to be working with him on Fish On! and to bring that connection to a new generation of fans as we start this next chapter together.”
The new vodcast capitalizes on shifting viewer habits. Producers point out that long-form content continues to resonate deeply with younger demographics online. Episodes of the original television series regularly commanded average watch times of up to 90 minutes on digital video platforms. Fans can tune into the first episodes of Fish On! With Jeremy Wade starting in late October across major podcast distribution networks and rivermonsters.tv.
