Goalhanger, the UK-based podcast producer behind hit shows like The Rest Is History and Sherlock & Co., is expanding its lineup with a new weekly podcast called The Book Club. The show officially launches on February 17, 2026, and aims to make literary classics and modern masterpieces accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
A Fresh Take on Literary Discussion
The Book Club will explore one book per episode, unpacking each title’s themes, ideas, historical context, and the life of the author behind the work. Rather than focusing solely on academic criticism, hosts Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett plan to make the discussions lively, relatable, and rooted in the worlds that shaped those stories.
Dominic Sandbrook, a respected historian and broadcaster best known as co-host of The Rest Is History, said the new show gives him and Syrett a chance to dive into the books they’ve long debated, taking listeners on journeys through fictional worlds and the real histories that inform them.
Tabitha Syrett, who previously produced The Rest Is History, expressed excitement about stepping in front of the mic for this project. She emphasized that The Book Club will go beyond traditional literary criticism, capturing the enthusiasm and curiosity that books can inspire in all kinds of readers.
Episode One: Wuthering Heights
The premiere episode focuses on Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the evocative 1847 novel that sparked controversy on publication for its intense emotions and unconventional narrative. The hosts will explore not just the story itself but also its lasting impact and relevance today, including comparisons with the recent Hollywood film adaptation released just days before the podcast debut.
From Members-Only Segment to Standalone Podcast
The Book Club builds on a format that originally began as members-only episodes within The Rest Is History, where Sandbrook and Syrett covered a range of classics like In Cold Blood, L’Étranger and The Hobbit. Now, as a standalone show, it will reach a broader audience across all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
Future episodes will spotlight a diverse slate of books, including Never Let Me Go, The Great Gatsby, Frankenstein, 1984, Normal People and Northern Lights, with more titles to be announced.
Why The Book Club Matters
In a media landscape where podcasts continue to draw loyal, engaged audiences, The Book Club taps into a growing interest in thoughtful discussions of literature that go beyond basic summaries or reviews. By mixing historical insight with accessible commentary, the show offers a format that appeals to dedicated readers, lapsed book lovers and the simply curious alike.
The launch also underscores Goalhanger’s broader strategy of expanding its successful storytelling portfolio. With the network surpassing hundreds of millions of streams across its shows, The Book Club adds a fresh dimension to its content — one that bridges culture, history and narrative exploration.
The Book Club will be available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms starting February 17, 2026.
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Staff Report
Dan Craft
Staff Report
