THIRDHOME Is the Star of the 6-Part Paramount+ Original Series, Millionaire Holiday Home Swap

We sit down with Giles Adams, Director of Strategy and Operations with THIRDHOME, and learn how Millionaire Holiday Home Swap came to light.

How did THIRDHOME become the star of Millionaire Holiday Home Swap? 

In March 2019, we met Plum Pictures, who have been producing innovative programming for major networks in the UK and US since 2007. After a few meetings, they asked if we would be open to them creating a show they would pitch to UK TV channels, streaming services, and content creators.  

How did you decide on the format of Millionaire Holiday Home Swap?

Initially, we were thinking of taking our successful Best Job on the Planet contest and creating a TV series from it (think Amazing Race meets The Apprentice). At the same time, we were exploring a behind-the-scenes docuseries that gave viewers a peek behind the curtain to see some of the incredible homes we have in the Club and to meet the members simultaneously. This format felt more authentic and a truer reflection of who we are as a Club. In late 2019, Plum Pictures created a taster video that they would use to pitch to content creators.

How would you describe the show?

Millionaire Holiday Home Swap is a 6-part series where the viewer goes inside the homes and holidays of THIRDHOME members, including behind-the-scenes shots as hosts prepare for guest arrivals, backstories of the homes themselves, and some of the distinguished homeowners. You’ll also get to meet THIRDHOME’s Founder and CEO, Wade Shealy, and hear how THIRDHOME started and has evolved over the years. In conjunction with showcasing some of the members’ incredible stays, you will also get a peek into the daily workings of THIRDHOME, especially the European team in Spain. The series is beautifully shot and produced. It’s a great representation of the Club, the homes, and the experiences that members offer each other.

How did the deal with Paramount+ UK come about?

While several channels and streaming services were interested in making the show, THIRDHOME and Plum Pictures felt that Paramount+ was the best home for it. They were keen on the angle, style, and format that THIRDHOME and Plum Pictures had suggested.

Paramount+ was introduced to the UK market this summer, and it is a great honour for THIRDHOME that Millionaire Holiday Home Swap is a part of the inaugural fall original UK content lineup.

How did you decide which homes and members to feature in Millionaire Holiday Home Swap?

We wanted to showcase a mix of properties that reflected the diverse range of homes in the Club. Not only did we want to highlight the international flavour of THIRDHOME by featuring far-flung locations, but also show the different types of experiences that we offer, such as skiing, safari, beach holidays, and cultural stays.

We were also looking to balance a blend of property showcases, member trips, and behind-the-scenes goings-on with our team that put all these stays together. Within the trips, we also wanted to show how members use the Club, from a couple traveling together to large multi-generational family reunions.

We know we have some great and varied members in the Club, and as such, we wanted to try and include as many of them as possible if they wanted to participate.

How did the pandemic affect the show?

The world shut down just as Plum Pictures was beginning to pitch the concept. Therefore, as most productions were put on hold in 2020, the conversations about putting the show together started back up again in 2021.

When did shooting start?

It has been a fast and furious six-month roller coaster. In early 2022 we signed the agreement with Plum Pictures. Filming began in February and ran through to the end of July. The window was very tight for a series of this length with so many locations, members, countries, and variables.

Internally, we agreed on a list of members and properties to approach, and much of Q1 was spent contacting these members and asking them whether they would be interested in participating. Thankfully, many members we wanted in the show were interested.

Editing started in March, and the show will launch on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland for the first time on September 25th. It’s being delivered as a six-part box set allowing viewers to watch the whole series whenever they want, which is great news.

What challenges did you face with such a short production timeline?

The February to June shooting time frame was quite challenging, given that many of our European properties do not necessarily look their best during the winter months. As a result, we decided to shift most of the European shoots to the end of that window during spring and early summer and focus the early part of the schedule on winter, sun, and skiing destinations.

Stream Millionaire Holiday Home Swap on Paramount+ UK & Ireland starting September 25th.

Paramount+ includes a mountain of quality entertainment for everyone to enjoy. UK-based readers can subscribe here: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/.

Paramount+ costs just £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK (€7.99 per month or €79.90 per year in Ireland) with a free 7-day trial available to everyone.

Sky Cinema subscribers get the bonus of Paramount+ included at no extra cost.

Interested in learning how you can swap your Millionaire Holiday Home? Click here to learn more.