Sol de Janeiro partners with Channel 4 for first vertical drama series

Sol de Janeiro has partnered with Channel 4 on The Guest List, the broadcaster’s first vertical drama series, using scripted entertainment to support the launch of its new Intense Perfume Mists. Produced by curly media, the five-part series will launch on 24 October 2026, with weekly short-form episodes released across Channel 4’s TikTok, YouTube and Meta social platforms. The vertical format is designed for viewing on mobile phones.

The story follows four women in their twenties navigating work, relationships and friendship in London. Career dilemmas, new crushes and preparations for nights out unfold through their group chat, with each character inspired by a different fragrance in the collection.

The partnership builds the products into the programme’s creative concept, using character development, styling and fragrance notes to introduce the scents. It is intended to create an emotional connection with viewers through stories about confidence, self-expression and female friendship.

“Sol de Janeiro is all about rewriting the rules of beauty and celebrating confidence, connection and sparking joy,” said Rebecca Pollard, Director of Marketing & Consumer Engagement, UK & Ireland at Sol de Janeiro. “The Guest List is our chance to challenge what beauty content can be. We wanted to be a part of creating something unexpected, culturally relevant and made for the world our community actually lives in.”

Jadesola Odunjo, known for Netflix’s You, plays Amaka, a PR professional whose outgoing personality is linked to Cheirosa 62. Felicity Ali plays finance intern Bella, with the sandalwood notes of Cheirosa 59 reflected in her warmth and quieter confidence.

Mia Ito Smith plays fashion assistant Mika, whose character draws on Cheirosa 74, with pineapple and orange flower notes informing her playful personality and sense of style. Deba Hekmat, who appeared in Last Swim, plays photographer Aisha, whose romantic storyline is linked to the lychee and rose notes of Cheirosa 91.

Ameenah Taher, Digital Commissioning Executive at Channel 4, said: “We're always looking to anticipate where audiences and storytelling are heading next. I’m proud to have commissioned Channel 4’s first branded micro drama foray into this space and worked closely with Curly Media to develop the project - a bold, character-led series exploring the friendship, ambition and lives of a diverse group of intelligent young women. We are excited to have collaborated with Sol De Janeiro to bring this series to life.”

Taher commissioned the series for Channel 4, with Emma Walker serving as executive producer and Jade Greene as series producer at curly media. Media agency Zenith UK brokered the partnership.

Sol de Janeiro’s portfolio spans body care and fragrance, including its Cheirosa scent collection. The Guest List extends the launch campaign for its Intense Perfume Mists into an episodic format, with the fragrances providing the basis for the series’ four central characters.