Channel 5 has greenlit new factual series The Great Explorers with James May (3×90”) from Plum Pictures.

Fronted by May in his first Channel 5 series, it tells the stories of three of the World’s most famous and infamous explorers – Christopher Columbus, Walter Raleigh and James Cook “in an entertaining and innovative way that only James can deliver.”

Will Daws, Managing Director, Plum Pictures will serve as Executive Producer with Catrina Lear on board as Series Producer and Tom Whitter as Series Director.   The series was ordered by Guy Davies, Commissioning Editor, Factual, Channel 5.

In the three-part series, James May will chart the journeys of three of the world’s most famous – and infamous – explorers. He’ll examine the scientific endeavours, political machinations, engineering innovations and culinary inventions that allowed their ships to set sail in the first place – and how these journeys changed the world forever.

Intrepid explorers they may have been, but ‘great’ might be pushing it. Across the seven seas, they spilled blood and spread disease. They enabled the destruction of civilisations and the growth of slavery.  And many of their ‘discoveries’ weren’t quite what you’d think…   James will discover what really happened – and how. There’ll be hands-on experiments, technological wonders, and plenty of messing about in boats, as he explores the science, engineering, and sheer stubbornness that allowed these extraordinary explorers to sail to every corner of the earth.

James May commented: “TV shows are often described as ‘journeys’ and ‘explorations’; this one really is about journeys and exploration. We all think we know the basic pub facts about these three great men, but the reality may come as a bit of a surprise. It certainly was to me.”

Guy Davies, Commissioning Editor, Factual, Channel 5 said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome James May to Channel 5 as he embarks on this extraordinary journey. His unique blend of wit, curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm and occasional mischief makes him the perfect guide to retrace the historic paths of Columbus, Raleigh, and Cook in an innovative, revisionist and entertaining way.”

Will Daws, Managing Director & Executive Producer, Plum Pictures added: “Behind every expedition are stories of courage, innovation and ingenuity along with mistakes, missteps and miscalculations. The stories of these famous explorers are bold, dramatic and not for the feint hearted.”