Culture 4 min read By Trevor Kendall
Goalhanger Launches Scripted Drama Unit With Geopolitical Thriller ‘Bear Hunt’
The UK media company behind The Rest Is Entertainment is entering the scripted audio space with a ten-part series it describes as the “British Bourne.”
Goalhanger, the UK-based media business co-founded by Gary Lineker, Tony Pastor, and Jack Davenport, is moving into scripted storytelling with a new geopolitical audio drama it is billing as the “British Bourne.” The company announced the launch of Goalhanger Drama, a dedicated scripted unit, alongside the debut of its first project, a ten-part series titled Bear Hunt.
The series follows a fictional mission described as a high-stakes geopolitical thriller, marking a significant expansion for a company best known for its nonfiction podcast empire, including hits such as The Rest Is Entertainment. The new unit signals Goalhanger’s ambition to apply its production expertise and audience-building instincts to the rapidly growing market for scripted audio content.
Bear Hunt arrives at a moment when audio drama is enjoying renewed attention from both listeners and creators, with streaming platforms and podcast networks investing heavily in narrative fiction. Goalhanger’s entry into the space brings a heavyweight pedigree, given the company’s track record of turning conversational formats into some of the most listened-to podcasts in the UK and beyond.
The launch also reflects a broader industry trend of nonfiction media companies diversifying into drama. Goalhanger’s founders bring complementary strengths to the venture: Lineker is one of the most recognizable figures in British broadcasting, Pastor is a seasoned producer with deep roots in sports and entertainment media, and Davenport has extensive experience in television production. Their combined reach gives Goalhanger Drama a strong foundation for attracting both established talent and new audiences.
Details about the cast and creative team behind Bear Hunt have not yet been fully disclosed, but the project is positioned as a flagship release for the new label. The company’s description of the series as the “British Bourne” suggests a fast-paced, action-driven narrative with international intrigue at its core, a formula that has proven durable across film and television and is now being adapted for audio.
The move into scripted audio drama comes as part of a wider wave of investment in the format across the entertainment industry. Major studios, streaming services, and independent producers have all been exploring ways to capitalize on the intimacy and flexibility of audio storytelling, which offers lower production costs than visual media while still delivering immersive narrative experiences. For Goalhanger, the new unit represents a natural extension of its brand, leveraging its understanding of what keeps audiences engaged while pushing into fresh creative territory.
Goalhanger Drama’s launch also raises the competitive stakes in the UK podcast and audio production market, where the company has already established itself as a dominant player. With Bear Hunt, it is betting that its audience will follow it from talk-based shows into fully scripted fiction. The success of that bet could shape the company’s strategy for years to come, potentially opening the door for more scripted projects across a range of genres.
As the first release from Goalhanger Drama, Bear Hunt will serve as a test case for whether the company can replicate its nonfiction success in the scripted arena. The project’s geopolitical theme taps into a cultural appetite for espionage and international intrigue, a genre that has consistently performed well across media. Whether the series can capture the same energy on audio remains to be seen, but the company’s track record suggests it will not lack for ambition.
