5 has commissioned Sam & Ade Go Birding (w/t), a new three-part factual series produced by Frank Films, following actors Samuel West and Adrian Edmondson as they head off some weekend adventures around the country to spot and celebrate Britain’s birds.
The series was commissioned by Kit Morey for 5.
Sam & Ade Go Birding (w/t) follows good friends Samuel West (All Creatures Great & Small, Slow Horses) and Adrian Edmondson (Alien: Earth, A Spy Among Friends) on a spectacular birdwatching quest across the British Isles. For Sam, birding is a long-standing passion – he’s been recording his sightings for twenty years and has now seen over 400 British species, though he’ll always grab any opportunity to add to his list. For Adrian, the hobby is something new: he’s bird-curious. Despite living in the countryside for more than twenty years, Ade’s frustrated not to know more about the birds around him and now wants to learn with his enthusiastic friend – if they can stop for lunch, stay in a nice cottage and have the odd pint along the way.
The pair travel to West Cornwall, North Norfolk and the Somerset Levels on their journey. “Featuring exquisite photography and breathtaking landscapes, the series is as much about friendship as it is about wildlife. Between sightings, Sam and Ade share thoughtful, funny, and moving conversations on everything from obsession and ageing to acting, childhood memories, losing a parent and the geeky hobbies that have captivated them over the years.”
Samuel West said: “Watching birds is a simple pleasure. At heart, it’s an invitation to connect with the natural world. All you need is a desire to look, listen and enjoy. A pair of binoculars helps; a friend to share it with makes it even better (especially when they’re as much fun as Adrian Edmondson). I’m thrilled that we get to invite the 5 audience along with us on our travels; they’ve already proved how tasteful and clever they are by liking All Creatures Great and Small so much. Welcome to the gentle art of noticing.”
Adrian Edmonson added: “‘I don’t know how I got to be this old without knowing more about birds. It feels like a huge hole in my education. Sam is going to fill me in. And…we get to go to the pub!”
Kit Morey, Commissiong Editor, 5 said: “Sam & Ade Go Birding is one of the most heartwarming pieces of televisual joy I’ve had the good fortune to be part of. Whilst celebrating Britain’s beautiful birdlife, Sam and Ade share their equally beautiful friendship and remind us that it really is the simple things in life that can bring the greatest happiness. Frank Films have creating something truly special, and at a time when the world feels overwhelming, we hope 5’s audiences will welcome this calm, uplifting and extremely humorous escape.”
Jamie Balment, Executive Producer, Frank Films said: “This has been so genuinely lovely to make it and hasn’t felt much like the preceding twenty years of my career. I’m chuffed to bits by what Sam & Ade – and a brilliant team headed by Rob Gill – have pulled off. I hope it will soar like an eagle.”
Sam & Ade Go Birding (w/t) (3 x 60’’) has been commissioned by Kit Morey, Commissioning Editor for 5. Produced by Frank Films, Jamie Balment serves as Executive Producer and Rob Gill is Series Director. The series is expected to air in 2026, with a TX date announced in due course.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
