Series synopsis
Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains is a British documentary television series that premiered on Channel 4 on April 9, 2026. It was created by Quentin Clarke. It stars Paul Merton.
Paul’s fascination with trains stems from his childhood. His father was a driver on the London Underground and when, as a young boy, Paul witnessed his dad driving a train across Putney Bridge, it sparked a lifelong fascination of railways. Now, he is following in his father’s footsteps by joining the drivers upfront and in control of some of the world’s most amazing trains and experiencing the best views as he travels through breathtaking landscapes in the UK and Europe. From steep gradients ...
Premise
Paul’s fascination with trains stems from his childhood. His father was a driver on the London Underground and when, as a young boy, Paul witnessed his dad driving a train across Putney Bridge, it sparked a lifelong fascination of railways. Now, he is following in his father’s footsteps by joining the drivers upfront and in control of some of the world’s most amazing trains and experiencing the best views as he travels through breathtaking landscapes in the UK and Europe. From steep gradients and tight curves to pinpoint platform stops, Paul will learn what it takes to keep these mighty machines on track. Visiting Germany, France, Switzerland, Wales, Northern England and Isle of Wight, he’ll meet the people who keep the railways running - from engineers and conductors to passengers with fascinating stories of their own.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Paul Merton as Self - Presenter
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | April 9, 2026 | May 14, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Isle of Wight Paul Merton takes charge of some iconic locomotives. On the Isle of Wight, Paul drives a heritage steam train and finds out how the island helped with D-Day. |
April 9, 2026 |
| 2 |
Switzerland In Switzerland, Paul travels on the stunning Glacier Express and drives a funicular train to the Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock Holmes met his fictional demise. |
April 16, 2026 |
| 3 |
France On the French Riviera, Paul takes control of a steam engine on the stunning Pine Cone line |
April 23, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 9, 2026 |
| Last aired | May 14, 2026 |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Thursday at 20:00:00 |