Goalhanger has launched its first scripted drama series under the new Goalhanger Drama unit, debuting a 10-part political thriller titled "Bear Hunt." The series follows Sergeant Tom ‘Duffy’ MacDuff, portrayed by Donald Pirie, in a tense narrative centered around a tragic plane crash that results in the deaths of 350 British citizens. The incident is attributed to Russia, which remains beyond the reach of international accountability, prompting the outgoing British Prime Minister to initiate a covert assassination mission targeting the Russian President.

The storyline combines espionage and political intrigue, drawing comparisons to the Bourne franchise while focusing on a grounded, realistic approach. To enhance authenticity, the creative team, led by writer Joel Emery and director Adam Jarrell, enlisted military adviser Sergeant Dave Allen, an airborne serviceman, to ensure accurate depictions of military jargon, tactics, and technologies such as GPS spoofing and grey zone warfare.

Produced by Goalhanger—widely known for its successful podcasts including "The Rest Is..." series hosted by Gary Lineker—"Bear Hunt" is designed to maintain high production values and immersive audio storytelling. The series features a diverse cast of over 50 voice actors, incorporating notable contributors like Al Murray and Dominic Sandbrook. It also emphasizes fully developed characters and strong female roles, moving beyond traditional spy thriller archetypes.

Goalhanger’s track record in fiction includes the acclaimed "Sherlock & Co," a podcast reimagining the classic detective stories with a modern military twist. The series has attracted over 20 million streams and recently transitioned to BBC Sounds. "Bear Hunt" continues this momentum by expanding the narrative scope from British political corridors to international hotspots including Washington, China, and locations behind enemy lines. The series weaves in elements of sharp wit reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes amid its depiction of political maneuvering, espionage, and conflict.

The launch of "Bear Hunt" coincides with Goalhanger’s recognition as Britain’s fastest-growing private company in a recent poll and follows the success of its inaugural three-day live event, Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest, held in London. Future projects are already underway, including a planned spin-off of "Sherlock & Co" set for 2027, signaling ongoing expansion for the company’s scripted audio drama offerings.