Season 1

1999-01-10 · 25m

In the first episode in his affectionate survey of Britain, Bill hails a London cab driven by Stephen Fry before traveling to Liverpool to take a ferry across the Mersey and discuss Scouse humor with Alexei Sayle. Along the way his attention is caught by a proliferation of blue plaques, a forgotten tale of failed revolution, and a little-known subterranean kingdom.

1999-01-17 · 25m

Bill salutes a uniquely British genius - the ability to fill any idle moment with a diversion, hobby or obsession. He meets the horn dancers of Abbots Bromley, caber tossers in Glenfinnan, ballroom dancers in Blackpool and a fell runner in the Lake District. Then, in a Bournemouth beach hut on a wet afternoon, he puts it all into perspective in conversation with Victoria Wood.

1999-01-24 · 25m

Bill continues his journey with a search for the country's soul. Is it to be found in the capital, on a seaside pier, out in the country side, or on a mountain peak? Or must he leave the mainland to understand what is special about being British?

1999-01-31 · 25m

The Japanese recognize the British genius for invention; they've calculated that sixty per cent of "the things we take for granted" came out of a British mind. Join Bill as he tries to understand what makes the inhabitants of this small island so good at innovation.

1999-02-07 · 25m

"I'm not into dukes and earls - outside of jazz music", states Bill, who examines two very different views of the way in which heritage forms the backbone of Britain. From Blenheim Palace to a Glaswegian pub and on to a socialite who spends more on her clothes than a colliery band spends on their brass instruments, Bill observes Britain's heritage, north and south.

1999-02-14 · 25m

In this final program, Bill returns to the spot in Britain that means the most to him, and travels from a south-coast geology lesson with adventurer Redmond O'Hanlon to the north most tip of mainland Britain - somewhere more remote and more beautiful than even John O'Groats.