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More than the Score

More Than The Score

From Wrexham to F1: Is reality TV changing sport?

20 May 2026

27 minutes

Available for over a year

Welcome to Wrexham and Formula 1: Drive to Survive are among the wave of sporting reality TV shows that have become global hits over the past decade. They've also had a major influence on the teams and sports they feature, with Wrexham now targeting a place in the Premier League, while F1 has soared in popularity in markets such as the US.

But why have behind-the-scenes shows like these become so popular - and are they having an effect on the way sport itself is run?

Fulwell Entertainment co-founder Ben Turner is a producer and director whose credits include the sporting reality series Sunderland 'Til I Die, Starting 5 and Clutch: The NBA Playoffs. He talks to More than the Score's Sophia Hartley about why viewers, despite knowing the outcome, have become interested in what happens away from the action.

TV and pop culture critic Sophie Brookover, who has written for outlets including Vulture and the Daily Beast, also talks to Sophia about why Formula 1: Drive to Survive was able to connect with audiences who had little or no interest in the sport.

Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Tour de France winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Winter Olympic champion Elana Meyers Taylor, trailblazing Samoan athlete Alex Rose and cricket superstar Smriti Mandhana, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from football super-agents to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.

And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore