Actors Samuel West and Adrian Edmondson are set to star in a new Channel 5 series called Sam & Ade Go Birding, which explores Britain's birdlife through weekend adventures. The show draws comparisons to Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse's Gone Fishing, blending wildlife spotting with personal conversations. It is scheduled to air later in 2026.
Samuel West and Adrian Edmondson, known for roles in All Creatures Great and Small and The Young Ones respectively, will host Sam & Ade Go Birding on Channel 5. The three-part series follows the pair on weekend trips across Britain to observe birds, visiting sites like RSPB reserves and local wildlife trusts.
Their first adventure takes them to West Cornwall, where they search for Cornish Choughs, waders, and transatlantic visitors displaced by winds. In North Norfolk, the focus shifts to Brent and Pink-footed geese. The final episode is set in the Somerset Levels, targeting Kingfishers, Egrets, and the Bittern.
Between observations, West and Edmondson discuss topics including obsession, ageing, acting, childhood memories, losing a parent, and personal hobbies. The programme highlights their friendship alongside exquisite photography of landscapes and birds.
West commented: “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.”
Edmondson 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!”
RSPB CEO Beccy Speight praised the series: “I was thrilled to see our amazing ambassador Sam West centre stage here - his passion for birds shines through every scene and together with Ade’s humour, 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!”
Commissioning Editor Kit Morey at Channel 5 stated: “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 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.”
