David Farnor | On 04, Jun 2019

Monkman & Seagull are coming back to BBC Two for a second season of their Genius Guide to Britain.

The dynamic duo, two of University Challenge’s most loved contestants, will team up once again for three more instalments of their history series. It follows Bobby Seagull and Eric Monkman as they delve into Britain’s history in search of the ‘firsts’ that define this ground-breaking period in British history.
The best friends begin their time-travelling journey in 1750 at the start of the Industrial Revolution, investigating the greatest breakthroughs in science and technology up until the end of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1900.

BBC Commissioning Editor, Abigail Priddle says: “We are thrilled to welcome Eric and Bobby back to BBC Two, as they take us back in time to share their own unique perspectives on a period of amazing invention and ingenuity that laid the foundations for the world we live in today.”

Simon Dickson, Creative Director at producers Label1, adds: “Eric and Bobby’s first very successful road trip showed that the audience adores their mix of insight and bonhomie. This series will be even bigger and better than their debut. Expect surprising discoveries, nail-biting experiments with flammable materials, and a judicious amount of dressing-up in period costume”.

Feeding their curiosity once more, Monkman and Seagull will explore the various revolutionary developments and follow in the footsteps of the genius minds of history. They will conquer mountains, take to the skies to honour the great pioneers of British flight and celebrate one of the unsung heroes of the industrial revolution – cement. The duo will also be recreating iconic experiments such as calculating the weight of the earth, all in the name of eighteenth century science.

Seagull says: “I am so excited to reacquaint with my Canadian pal Eric Monkman to explore the wonderful ideas and inventions that spurred the advancement and development of Britain. Another joyous adventure of science, history and maybe some biscuits.”

Monkman says: “I am delighted to once more embark on a journey of discovery with my friend Bobby. The years from 1750 to 1900 were a time of immense scientific change. Many of the advances in this period began in Britain. I eagerly await the opportunity to explore these breakthroughs as well as the personalities that made them possible.”

Production is now underway with Season 2 expected to air later this year.

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