5 Unveils New Factual Series with Samuel West & Adrian Edmonson

5 has ordered Sam & Ade Go Birding (w.t.), a three-part series that stars Samuel West and Adrian Edmonson.

Produced by Frank Films, the series follows actors West and Edmondson across three weekend adventures as they head off around the British Isles on a birdwatching quest. For West, birding is a long-standing passion—having been recording his sightings for 20 years—and for Edmondson, the hobby is something new.

Produced by Frank Films, Jamie Balment serves as executive producer and Rob Gill is series director.

“Watching birds is a simple pleasure,” said West. “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.”

“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,” said Edmonson. “Sam is going to fill me in. And…we get to go to the pub!”

“Sam & Ade Go Birding (w.t.) is one of the most heartwarming pieces of televisual joy I’ve had the good fortune to be part of,” said Kit Morey, commissioning editor for 5. “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 has created 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.”

“This has been so genuinely lovely to make it and hasn’t felt much like the preceding twenty years of my career,” said Balment. “I’m chuffed to bits by what Sam and Ade—and a brilliant team headed by Rob Gill—have pulled off. I hope it will soar like an eagle.”

“I was thrilled to see our amazing ambassador Sam West center stage here—his passion for birds shines through every scene and together with Ade’s humor, their camaraderie and the incredible birds and scenery, the series absolutely captures the zeitgeist—millions of people are discovering a love of birds and I’m sure this will inspire even more,” said Beccy Speight, RSPB’s CEO. “I really hope it encourages viewers to go out and explore not just the RSPB and Wildlife Trust reserves so beautifully featured, but to use this spring to enjoy nature wherever they are—it’s inspiring, it is vital for our wellbeing and it needs us all to be championing it right now.”