Channel 5’s acclaimed drama strand, ‘Play for Today,’ returns with its new episode, ‘Wild,’ scheduled to air on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 9pm. Described as a ‘survival dramedy,’ the episode features Daniel Mays, Amit Shah, and Joel Fry as three university friends whose annual wild camping trip descends into a battle of egos and secrets amidst the harsh Scottish Highlands.
A Gripping Story of Friendship and Survival
The episode, directed by Brick (Adam J Harris) and written by Lewis Wren, follows Lou (Daniel Mays), Dev (Amit Shah), and Alistair (Joel Fry) as they cling to their annual wild camping tradition. What begins with banter, nostalgia, and amateur vlogging soon unravels into a struggle for survival when they become lost, food runs short, and their friendships begin to fracture.
According to the Daily Record, ‘Wild’ explores the fine line between adventure and recklessness, and critically, how toxic masculinity contributes to the decline in men’s mental health. The plot involves challenges such as lost phones – kept in Lou’s car – and the lack of a net to protect against midges. Viewers will also see Alistair’s asthma and the group’s attempts to capture a rabbit.
While the drama boasts a strong cast, some critics, including DVDfever.co.uk, found the script to be ‘tame,’ with ‘broadly drawn characters and predictable mishaps,’ as noted by The Guardian.
Filming in the Dramatic Scottish Highlands
A significant element of ‘Wild’ is its stunning yet harsh setting in the Scottish Highlands, with filming taking place around Loch Lomond. Daniel Mays spoke about the experience, stating that the landscape up there is ‘absolutely epic’ and provides an ‘incredible vista’ regardless of the camera’s direction. He described the location as being ‘like another character in the piece.’
Despite the scenic beauty, the filming conditions proved challenging. Mays recalled continuous rain on the first day, while Joel Fry noted the difficulties of being ‘at the mercy of whatever’s going on with the weather.’ Amit Shah recounted being ‘very fearful’ about scenes requiring them to enter the freezing cold loch. However, he found the experience ‘quite energising and invigorating’ once in the water.
The Return of ‘Play for Today’
Channel 5 revived the ‘Play for Today’ strand last year, and ‘Wild’ marks the first episode in a new series, consisting of six standalone plays. The original ‘Play for Today’ launched on the BBC in the 1970s and was celebrated for supporting emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera. It provided opportunities for debut writers, directors, and crew members, helping to create pathways for underrepresented individuals within the television sector.
The revival by Channel 5 continues this tradition, maintaining a platform for standalone original drama in what The Guardian described as ‘tough TV times.’ The production team for ‘Wild’ includes Meeshan Saxena as Producer and Adam Pelosi responsible for the score.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When does ‘Play for Today: Wild’ air?
‘Play for Today: Wild’ is scheduled to air on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 9pm on Channel 5.
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Who are the main stars of ‘Wild’?
The episode stars Daniel Mays (known for ‘Line of Duty’), Amit Shah (from ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘The Revenge Club’), and Joel Fry (who appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Doctor Who’).
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Where was ‘Wild’ filmed?
‘Play for Today: Wild’ was filmed in the Scottish Highlands, specifically around Loch Lomond.
