The Guardian last week announced the launch of The Close Up, a new culture show hosted by journalist Carys Afoko and Guardian senior culture writer Lanre Bakare.
Launching in November as an always-on series, new episodes will be released twice a week in video and audio formats on the Guardian’s website and platforms including YouTube and Spotify, says the publisher.
Between them, Carys and Lanre know and love almost everything about culture, the Guardian continued - and they’ll be joined by industry experts and celebrity guests to help them unpick the week’s biggest cultural questions. Expect behind-the-scenes looks at everything from the Booker Prize to reality TV, the Met Gala drama to SNL sketches, Oscars campaigns to art world drama, via top stories, new releases and culture swaps.
The Close Up is the first release from Guardian Studios, announced earlier this year as the Guardian’s new creative hub for video-first, personality-led journalism. The Guardian says Guardian Studios is a key part of its multi-year transformation programme, bringing its journalism to life through compelling new visual formats, reaching new audiences and fostering on-screen talent.
Carys Afoko, host, The Close Up, says: “Culture shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. The Close Up will take a serious look at culture without taking ourselves too seriously. I’m thrilled to be making the show with Lanre and the brilliant Guardian Studios team.”
Lanre Bakare, host, The Close Up, says: “I’m so excited to start this new chapter at Guardian Studios. I’ve covered culture at the Guardian for 15 years spanning print, digital and podcasts. The Close Up is the perfect next step in the Guardian’s culture coverage at a time when audiences are looking for new ways to learn about the world. I can't wait for everyone to see what we’ve been cooking up.”
Leah Green, head of Guardian Studios, says: “I’m incredibly excited to introduce The Close Up to the world. The show will bring audiences closer to the cultural stories shaping our lives, combining the thoughtful analysis, curiosity and expertise they expect from the Guardian, from a hosting duo with bags of chemistry and charisma. I’m thrilled that this is the first show from Guardian Studios – the hosts’ chemistry and vibe combined with what we believe is a truly exciting show format is exactly what cultural conversations need right now.”
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