Random or Related? Channel 4.0’s new ancestry format unites creators with long-lost family

Channel 4.0 has commissioned a new digital original format from Acclaimed Content which sees famous faces connect with unknown relatives in Random or Related?

In this six-part series, Channel 4.0 stars will meet a lineup of strangers, one of whom is a distant family member they have never met before. Over a series of interactive and entertaining rounds, the creators will be tasked to inquisitively grill this squad of strangers to find their true blood relative.

Eliminating some of the line up through a process of friendly interrogation to work out cultural similarities, aligned interests and shared experience, the show will witness some impressive blagging as each stranger tries to prove they are the relations. The Channel 4.0 celebs just need to work out who is least to most likely to be their cousin.

Krept & Konan, PK Humble, Billythegoat and ShxtsNGigs are the first creators to undergo DNA testing to find some well-hidden relatives.

Channel 4’s Kaio Grizzelle says: “Random or Related? is full of surprises, and each episode is an emotional rollercoaster with authentic human experience at the heart of the series. Can we guess our family through shared experiences and gut instincts? 

“Acclaimed Content’s ambitious production and casting process brings a different kind of format to Channel 4.0 that our audience will have never seen before. Delivering on all the funny and archaic scenes they expect, but with the addition of sentimental moments.”

Acclaimed Content’s Anton Inwood adds: “Random or Related? has been a brilliant collaboration with Channel 4.0. We’re hugely grateful to the creators for trusting us to take them on such a personal journey in exploring and celebrating heritage, culture and identity. 

“At Acclaimed Content, we always try to push the creative boundaries - from the shooting style and set design to the overall execution, and the team always smashed it. We believe this series delivers on all the touchpoints of a distinctive format: Addictive, high-stakes mechanics paired with a genuine emotional story thread running through every episode. We’re incredibly excited for everyone to see the series and very proud of what we’ve created together.”

Random or Related? (6x 20’) is commissioned by Kaio Grizzelle, Digital Commissioning Editor and Interim Channel 4.0 Commissioning Lead along with Laura Marks, Head of Digital Commissioning. Anton Inwood is the executive producer, and Che Chumber is series producer.

Random or Related? will premiere on Channel 4.0 from Thursday 21 May at 6pm, with episodes dropping fortnightly.