Night owls have something to help them unwind, following the end of ITV Nightscreen.
Following World Mental Health Day, ITV has confirmed the launch of Unwind with ITV, a daily series of calming and reflective programming encouraging mindfulness and self-care. It first appeared on ITV’s schedules on the 1st October, replacing ITV Nightscreen after more than 20 years. The programme is produced by Rock Oyster Media, with a new episode available each night.
Unwind with ITV is broadcast after the end of nightly programmes on ITV and STV. Viewers will also be able to watch each episode on the ITV Hub at any time. Additionally, Unwind with ITV will make occasional appearances on ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4.
Developed in collaboration with Campaign Against Living Miserably, the nightly strand aims to provide a space of relaxation and escape that anyone can benefit from, including those experiencing concerns with their mental wellbeing.
Mindful relaxation
Over the next 12 months, the series will feature calming scenes from Plymouth-based Rock Oyster’s surroundings. This will include natural landscapes to urban settings and shots of local craft and agriculture. The programme will also feature tips and tricks from members of the public on how they like to relax. There will also be readings of poetry and prose. Each aims to immerse the viewer “in a space that will promote relaxation and reflection”, according to ITV.
With an unique audience due to its late night slot, encompassing everyone from new parents, insomnia sufferers, night shift workers and beyond, Unwind with ITV has joined forces with mental health charities to ensure anyone needing support can find it easily. Along with Campaign Against Living Miserably, Unwind with ITV will point to Mind, YoungMinds, The Samaritans, The Mix and SAMH at the end of each programme as sources of guidance and information for viewers.
Unwind with ITV will count towards ITV’s regional production quotas. STV has rebranded the programme as ‘Unwind with STV’.
Nightscreen replacement
It replaces ITV Nightscreen, which for over 20 years previewed forthcoming ITV programmes. Nightscreen was originally devised as a teletext-style filler. It plugged a hole created by a reduction of bespoke night-time programmes.
Adam Mitchell, Head of ITV Programme Strategy Communication said:
“Across our schedules we strive to reflect the lives of our viewers, and through our partnership with CALM we recognised that for many people, and for many different reasons, the middle of the night can be a lonely and often stressful time. That’s why we’ve commissioned Unwind with ITV to run every night of the year – to provide an accessible and peaceful space for anybody to take a moment to relax and escape.”
Charlotte Davis, Creative Director, Rock Oyster Media said:
“Now more than ever, there’s a real and genuine need to support mindfulness and mental wellbeing. Rock Oyster, along with the amazing South West production community (Pushed, Red Air & Twofour Post), are thrilled to play their part in ITV’s groundbreaking programming initiative. As a fiercely proud regional indie, we hope the beautiful landscapes on our doorstep provide the ideal space for viewers to Unwind.”