EPISODIC COMEDY TV SERIES

BASED ON TRUE EVENTS

After an unintentional viral scandal makes him a town outcast, an ambitiously lazy British misfit soul searches across America, where unexpected friendships and comical misadventures await.

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU NEBRASKA

Fifty follows Franklin, a charming yet naive Brit, fleeing the embarrassment of a viral meme that made him a town outcast, and the weight of his older brother Richard's god-like reputation.

A series of mishaps dumps Franklin in Nebraska, where he meets the free-spirited Blair, who becomes the catalyst for a wild adventure across America.

Each state tests Franklin’s resilience, forcing him to confront the realities of taking risks, and proving he’s more than the family’s screw-up.

What begins as humiliating online infamy transforms into viral fame for the right reasons, exposing the truth to his parents: he was never accepted by the American university he was supposed to attend.

CHARACTERS

  • FRANKLIN

    Our main man, a British dreamer; optimistic, naive, and on the run. His impromptu journey is filled with learning, laughter, and mishaps. Throughout the series, he reflects on anxiety, identity, and belonging.

  • BLAIR

    A strong, charismatic woman who wants more from life than the cornfields of the Midwest. Inspired by Franklin’s opportunities, Blair becomes a recurring character joining his travels, driving their romantic arc.

  • RICHARD

    Franklin’s older brother, the golden child destined for greatness as a future doctor. He drives Franklin to prove he’s more than the family’s screw-up, and chase his version of success.

  • JOHN

    Franklin's cynical yet loyal best friend. His skepticism about the U.S eventually lead him to join the journey, bringing his sarcastic humor and unwavering camaraderie along.

"FIFTY WAS INSPIRED BY MY desire to immerse myself in the fabled American college life…keg stands, beer pong, and wild parties.

the series follows my experiences of finding myself, avoiding responsibilities and embarking on a journey across America."

ROB ILLIDGE

At college in Connecticut
Making friends
Livin' it up @ Lollapalooza

pilot

After an attempt at internet fame goes wrong, Franklin escapes his British hometown and the shadow of his overachieving older brother, Richard, through an American study abroad program.

His plans unravel when an enrollment mix-up strands him in small-town Nebraska.

There, he meets Blair, a spirited dreamer longing for adventure, and Steve, whose accident leaves Franklin desperate for cash.

Winning the town's corn-eating contest becomes Franklin’s unlikely redemption, sparking a bond with Blair over their shared desire to escape mundane lives. Together, they impulsively hit the road, determined to forge their own paths.

The episode ends with Franklin taking his first real step toward proving he can define his future, as he and Blair leave Nebraska in search of freedom and opportunity.

FUTURE EPISODES

FRANKLIN PLAYS ‘FOOTBALL’

When mistaken for a football player in Colorado, Franklin is roped into a local game where more than his pride is obliterated.

AN OFFER HE CAN’T REFUSE

After inadvertently befriending the Cartel in New Mexico, Franklin attempts to avoid new ‘responsibilities’ and charm Blair.

BEARLY ESCAPING

Franklin becomes an unlikely hero in Arizona when a visit to a bear-infested wildlife park goes hilariously awry.

CRYSTALS AND CACTI

Franklin attempts to escape a secluded Nevada community, where he’s tangled in their bizarre rituals.

WE’RE GOING DOWN

After his plane to California malfunctions, Franklin saves the day while fighting intense edibles.

BACK TO BLIGHTY

A surprise call from the UK challenges Franklin to confront his past, leading to a heartfelt exploration of identity.

SEASONS

season 1
THE AMERICAN DREAM

Franklin’s journey from Illinois to the West Coast is a chaotic mix of self-discovery and misadventure. Guided by Blair, a free-spirited traveler, Franklin confronts his insecurities and steps out of his brother Richard’s shadow. Tommy’s appearance and lingering wisdom challenges Franklin to define success on his own terms.

season 2
unexpected desires

In California, Franklin explores deeper connections with new and existing characters, learning the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic. As he struggles to balance his desire for adventure with the stability of settled life, he reflects on how his family’s influence continues to shape his perspective on success and fulfillment.

season 3
ACROSS THE POND

Returning to the UK, Franklin confronts the responsibilities he left behind, including his relationship with Richard. Their reunion brings understanding, driving Franklin to embrace his chosen path. He realizes his heart lies in America, where he returns to continue his journey and help Tommy complete his own, once-in-a-lifetime quest.

TONE

Fifty is all about mixing laughs with some serious moments as it takes audiences on Franklin's wild trip across America. It's just the right mix of fun and deep stuff.

As Franklin travels, he experiences all sorts of weird places and meets eccentric folks, a fish-out-of-water Ted Lasso meets the adventure of Poker Face.

These adventures are not just hilarious; they're about figuring out who he is and where he's going.

Every episode is a new mix-up or chance meeting that ends up teaching Franklin something important, all while keeping us entertained with a good laugh.

Franklin’s older brother, Richard, is a constant specter of success, whereas Tommy drives him to be different. Their influences are felt in Franklin’s drive to achieve something meaningful and escape the weight of being ‘the other son’.

WORLD

Kicking off in the less-than-safe surroundings of his British hometown, Fifty unexpectedly reroutes Franklin from the anticipated college campus in Chicago to the middle of nowhere, Nebraska.

Every new state offers Franklin unique situations, bizarre characters, and more than just a tick on his map, similar to Poker Face.

As our main man makes his way to the sunny shores of California by the end of season one, each state he visits is like diving headfirst into an entirely new, adventure.

The show's like a wild ride, stitching together the crazy, beautiful, and outright bizarre patches of America into one hell of a 'road trip’.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Fifty resonates with viewers who crave the taste of travel, adventure, and exploration of cultures.

It's for the young who are finding their way through life by fucking up, and the older generations, who can look back and laugh at their fuck ups.

A British protagonist exploring the vast and varied American landscape offers a unique viewpoint that will captivate both American and international audiences.

And of course, those who don’t want to visit places like Nebraska, because well...honestly, it's not for everyone, not even Franklin.

TARGETED AD BREAKS

Highlighting domestic options, including Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and Greyhound buses. These partnerships emphasize accessible travel, enhancing the show's adventurous spirit.

TRAVEL

Sponsorships by outdoor brands like North Face, Patagonia, and REI highlighting the durability and reliability of these brands, fostering a loyal community of adventure enthusiasts.

OUTDOOR APPAREL

Advertising from GoPro, Garmin, and DJI speak to the adventurer, showcasing the reliable navigation capabilities of these gadgets and enriching the visual experiences with stunning aerial shots.

technology

Featuring unique stays from Airbnb properties to hostels and boutique hotels. Segments offer travel tips and highlight the immersive experiences available through diverse accommodation options.

hospitality

COMMERICAL

The show everyone wants to be in. Unexpected appearances by actors, local celebrities and political figures adding excitement to the journey.

EXCLUSIVE CAMEOS

Leveraging popular podcasts, radio shows, and trending social media accounts to organically promote Fifty through actor participation.

CAST ENGAGEMENT

Maximizing tax incentives to film multiple locations; like Nevada, New Mexico, and California, in one efficient setting.

ONE-STATE SHOOTS

A diverse range of branded merchandise, from apparel to travel accessories, featuring iconic quotes, imagery and state specific highlights.

MERCHANDISE

Leveraging multiple networks to devleop owned and user-generated content, encouraging viewers to share their travel moments, broadening the show's reach.

social media

Targeted sponsorship opportunities and personalized partnerships with travel, lifestyle, and entertainment brands for beneficial promotional.

sponsors

CREATIVE TEAM

  • ROBERT ILLIDGE WRITER

    Experienced comedy writer - Over 10 years as CEO of a global content creation brand.

  • LAUREN CRAIG PRODUCER

    PGA-member producer with scripted experience with major studio films.

  • STEVEN RYDE PRODUCER

    20+ years at the BBC as Comedy Executive Producer.

join the journey