Brydon and Coogan Reunite for Latest Trip Series

After a five-year hiatus, Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan are back together for the latest instalment of their acclaimed comedy series, The Trip, this time titled The Trip to the Northern Lights. The six-part series follows the duo as they explore northern Europe, combining fine dining, humor, and the quest to see the elusive aurora borealis.

Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the series immerses viewers in stunning Nordic landscapes, showcasing the beauty and culture of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Brydon emphasized that beyond the scenery, the pair experienced traditional Scandinavian customs, including saunas and cold-water plunges.

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Nordic Adventures and Sauna Escapades

Brydon told The Times that the filming involved plenty of moments “stripped down to our pants”, referring to sauna visits and icy dips in crystal-clear Nordic waters.

“There were plenty of saunas and cold plunges in crystal Nordic waters. It was wonderful,” Brydon said, describing the experience as both invigorating and bonding for the pair.

The series blends humor with travelogue elements, capturing the unique Scandinavian lifestyle while maintaining the witty banter fans have come to expect.

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Behind-the-Scenes Highlights

Away from the cameras, Brydon shared a memorable moment where he drove Coogan along mountain roads in a classic car, while Coogan narrated in the iconic Alan Partridge voice.

“Now, I wouldn’t call Rob’s style ‘sports driving’ exactly, but it’s certainly very spirited,” Coogan quipped, providing Brydon with a private, unscripted moment of fun.

Brydon described the moment as personal and heartfelt, highlighting the long-standing friendship and warmth between him and Coogan, which continues to inform their on-screen chemistry.

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A Mature Take on Health and Conversation

Now both aged 60, Brydon notes that their conversations in the new series have shifted, with health and wellness becoming a frequent topic. Gone are the days of long lunches fueled by heavy drinking, which characterized earlier seasons such as The Trip to Italy (2014).

“In some scenes, I’m totally smashed. We’d never do that now,” Brydon said.

Maintaining fitness has become essential, not only for filming the physically demanding travel series but also for Brydon’s busy schedule, which includes:

• Podcast: Brydon &
• Regular appearances on Would I Lie to You?
• New BBC sitcom Bill’s Included, where Brydon plays Bill Beam, a middle-aged divorcé renting rooms to students, leading to humorous intergenerational friction

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Upcoming Projects and Legacy of “The Trip”

With this new series, Brydon continues to build on the legacy of The Trip, which has delighted audiences for over a decade with its mix of comedy, travel, and culinary exploration.

“The Trip to the Northern Lights” promises to combine the series’ signature witty dialogue, breathtaking scenery, and playful interactions, while reflecting the mature perspectives of its stars.

“Health, friendships, and laughter – those are the things we really focus on now,” Brydon said.

Fans can expect a blend of scenic travel, personal anecdotes, and Brydon and Coogan’s trademark humor, making this series a must-watch for long-time followers and newcomers alike.