You’ve probably seen the logo. That classic, slightly austere serif font that usually screams "I read high-brow political essays on the train." But lately, things have shifted. If you’re looking for the New Statesman TV, you’re likely running into one of two very different things.
First, there is the legendary 1980s sitcom starring the late, great Rik Mayall. Then, there is the modern-day "TV" reality: a massive pivot into high-end video journalism, YouTube broadcasting, and documentary-style series. Honestly, the confusion is understandable. One is a satirical relic of the Thatcher era, and the other is a 2026 digital powerhouse trying to beat the BBC at its own game.
Let's clear the air.
The Satirical Legend: Alan B’Stard’s Legacy
Before we talk about 4K streaming and digital bureaus, we have to talk about Rik Mayall. In the late 80s, The New Statesman wasn't just a magazine; it was the title of a biting ITV sitcom. Mayall played Alan B’Stard, a Conservative MP so corrupt he made Machiavelli look like a Boy Scout.
It was brutal. It was hilarious. It basically defined a generation’s view of Westminster.
Interestingly, the show has seen a massive resurgence lately. With the political chaos of the mid-2020s, clips of B’Stard’s "unpleasant Tory" antics have gone viral on TikTok and Reels. People are realizing that the satire from 1987 feels weirdly relevant in 2026. There’s even been talk of "New Life" for the franchise at Corona TV, with scripts floating around that focus on Alan’s long-lost son, Arron B’Stard.
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But if you’re searching for "The New Statesman TV" today, you’re probably not just looking for 30-year-old reruns. You’re looking for the media group’s aggressive move into broadcast-quality video.
The Pivot: From Print to Screen
The New Statesman Media Group isn’t just printing magazines anymore. They’ve gone full "video-first."
I’m talking about a full-scale broadcast operation. They aren’t just recording podcasts in a basement; they’re filming them in high-spec studios with multi-cam setups. Executive producer Chris Stone has been open about this: if you aren't doing video as part of your podcasting strategy, you're basically leaving money on the table.
What does the 2026 lineup look like?
It’s actually pretty diverse. They’ve moved past simple "talking head" clips.
- Politics Live: This isn't just an event; it's a broadcast staple. They stream panel discussions and live interviews with heavyweights like Andrew Marr and Anoosh Chakelian.
- Westminster Reimagined: This series, involving Armando Iannucci (the genius behind The Thick of It), proves they want to bridge the gap between entertainment and hardcore policy.
- YouTube Documentaries: Their channel has moved into long-form storytelling. They cover everything from the "decline of Britain" to deep dives into the global economic squeeze.
Honestly, it's a smart move. Their audience—about 40% of whom work in government or policy—doesn't always have time to read a 5,000-word essay. They want to watch a 15-minute breakdown while they’re on the move.
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Why the New Statesman TV Strategy is Actually Working
Most legacy media outlets fail at video. They make it feel like "homework."
The New Statesman avoided this by hiring real personalities. When Andrew Marr left the BBC to join them, it was a signal fire. It told the industry that the "New Statesman TV" era wasn't a hobby—it was a takeover.
They’ve also mastered the "hybrid" model. You’ll see a video on YouTube, which leads to a newsletter (like Morning Call), which eventually funnels you into a paid subscription. In 2026, their digital-first strategy has pushed circulation to its highest levels in over four decades. People are paying for the insight, but they’re staying for the high production value of the video content.
Is it biased?
Well, they describe themselves as "sceptical and independently liberal."
You won't get the same vibe as GB News or TalkTV. It’s more measured. They lean into "intellectual ambition." Whether they’re interviewing the European Union Ambassador or debating the future of the NHS, the tone is consistently "expert-led."
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How to Watch and What to Expect
If you want to dive in, don't look for a traditional cable channel. You won't find "New Statesman TV" on your Sky box next to Dave or BBC One.
Where to find the good stuff:
- The Official YouTube Channel: This is the hub. It’s where the "Predictions for 2026" and "Politics Podcast" video versions live.
- The New Statesman App: This is where the "ad-free" experience happens. Interestingly, users spend about 24 minutes on the app compared to just one minute on the website. That’s a massive gap.
- Live Streamed Events: Their Politics Live conferences in London are often ticketed but frequently have digital broadcast components for subscribers.
The Verdict
The "New Statesman TV" is a bit of a chameleon. It’s a classic piece of British comedy history, but it’s also the future of how we consume political news.
If you’re tired of the "shouting matches" on mainstream news, their video content is a breath of fresh air. It’s calm. It’s detailed. It’s slightly nerdy.
Basically, it’s for people who want to actually understand the world, not just get angry at it.
Next steps for you:
Go check out their YouTube channel and look for the Westminster Reimagined series. It’s the best example of how they’ve managed to make policy look and feel like high-end television. If you’re a fan of the old 80s show, keep an eye on Corona TV’s announcements—the B’Stard legacy might not be dead just yet.