More than five years since their Grecian escapades, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon reunite for The Trip to the Northern Lights — the eagerly awaited fifth instalment of the multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed Sky Original comedy series.
Directed once again by renowned Lancastrian 24 Hour Party People director Michael Winterbottom, the new six-part series sees the pair trade Mediterranean sunshine for the rugged beauty of Northern Europe. What follows is a gloriously daft and delicious journey through Scandinavia in search of fine food, wry conversation and a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Rob, 60, and Steve – still very much 59, he notes – set off to explore northern Europe’s wildest reaches, from sculptural Swedish hotels to remote Norwegian fishing huts, delivering their trademark blend of wit, rivalry and playful introspection.
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Along the way, they reflect on ageing, ambition, family and fame, mostly through the lens they know best: themselves. From podcasting spats and BAFTA one-upmanship to debates on Bond, Bergman and whether they’ll ever retire, the show will, like its predecessors be equal parts sitcom, travelogue and midlife reckoning, with Coogan and Brydon at their bickering, brilliant best.
Coogan said: “I’m delighted that Michael Winterbottom has managed to persuade me at the age of 59 to join Rob, aged 60, to squeeze the last few drops of comedy from a bottle that we both thought was pretty much empty.”
Brydon added: “I’m so pleased to be heading out on a Trip once again, this time to beautiful Scandinavia and how lovely to do it while Steve Coogan, Michael Winterbottom and I still have most of our faculties.”
Meghan Lyvers, executive director of Original Scripted, Sky UK and Ireland, said: “We’re excited to continue this iconic series with Steve, Rob and Michael. Their singular blend of comedy, character and cultural commentary feels as fresh as ever. The Trip to the Northern Lights promises to be a smart, surprising and brilliantly funny new chapter.”
The Trip to the Northern Lights is directed by Michael Winterbottom and produced by Revolution Films, Coogan’s Baby Cow Productions and Small Man in association with Sky Studios. Executive producers are Michael Winterbottom, Melissa Parmenter, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. The series producer is Josh Hyams. The six-part series will commence shooting later this year on location in Scandinavia.
The Trip to the Northern Lights will be available on Sky and NOW in the UK and Ireland.
