James May Launches New Solo Series Exploring the Human Body

James May, the much-loved television presenter best known for his role on Top Gear and later The Grand Tour, is officially returning to screens with a brand-new series that promises to be both entertaining and enlightening. Titled James May: The Human Machine, the upcoming show will explore the fascinating mechanics of the human body in a way only May can deliver — part science, part humor, and entirely accessible.

From Cars to Curiosity: Life After The Grand Tour

For nearly two decades, May was one-third of one of television’s most iconic trios. Alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, he co-hosted Top Gear for the BBC, creating some of the show’s most memorable moments. When the trio departed for Amazon Prime Video, they continued their adventures in The Grand Tour. That journey came to an end in 2024 with One For The Road, the group’s emotional final road trip.

Since then, May has shifted gears — quite literally. Moving away from cars and chaotic stunts, he has carved out a new solo career as a broadcaster with a passion for exploration, science, and history. His first solo venture for Channel 5, James May’s Great Explorers, was warmly received by audiences. That series followed May as he revisited the achievements of legendary explorers, blending his trademark wit with educational storytelling. The success of that show has now paved the way for his next big project.

The Human Machine: A Deep Dive into Ourselves

Commissioned by Channel 5 and produced by Plum Pictures, James May: The Human Machine promises to be unlike anything the presenter has tackled before. Instead of engines, aerodynamics, and horsepower, May will now focus on the most complex machine of all: the human body.

Speaking about the project, May said:

“It’s the most remarkable machine we have, and it’s us. The human body; billions of components working together to keep us upright, thinking, and moving around without falling over. But it also goes wrong – leaking, aching, and disintegrating. As someone interested in how things work, I’ll be taking it apart to see how it ticks. It’s a miracle any of us makes it beyond breakfast.”

The series will combine scientific explanations with May’s trademark humor, ensuring that viewers can learn about biology without feeling overwhelmed by jargon. Expect a mixture of expert interviews, practical demonstrations, and lighthearted moments — including, according to Channel 5’s commissioning editor Guy Davies, debates about whether bodily functions like farting should be part of the discussion.

Channel 5’s Commitment to Clever Entertainment

Guy Davies, consultant editor for commissioning at Channel 5, praised May’s unique ability to make complicated topics fun and accessible.

“James has a unique knack for making complex subjects both entertaining and enlightening – and the human body will be no exception. Though our discussions about farting’s place in the series have yet to be resolved.”

Behind the scenes, the project will be helmed by Plum Pictures, the production company also responsible for James May’s Great Explorers. Will Daws will act as Executive Producer, with Catrina Lear stepping in as Series Producer, ensuring the show maintains both quality and creativity.

A Live Stage Show in Oxford

May’s television career isn’t the only place fans will get to see him this year. In addition to filming The Human Machine, he is also scheduled to take the stage at Oxford’s New Theatre in October with his live show. Details remain under wraps, but the event is expected to combine May’s love of storytelling with his irreverent sense of humor, making it a must-see for fans.

Reinventing James May

The launch of The Human Machine represents another step in James May’s reinvention as a solo presenter. While fans may always remember him as one of the beloved trio who made Top Gear and The Grand Tour international hits, May has proven that he can stand alone just as strongly. His curiosity-driven projects — whether exploring history, travel, or now biology — have allowed him to showcase his intelligence, humor, and knack for explaining the world in a way that feels both engaging and approachable.

As the series heads into production, anticipation is already building. For audiences who have followed James May from cars to cooking to world exploration, The Human Machine is set to be another memorable chapter in the career of one of Britain’s most distinctive television personalities.