Top Guns: Inside the RAF to return to Channel 4 for a high-flying second series

9 July 2024

From inside the cockpits of fast jet fighter-bombers to first-time filming of remotely piloted aircraft operating from top secret bases in the UK, Top Guns: Inside the RAF series two takes viewers back into the skies, command centres and hangars as the RAF crews continue to defend Britain’s skies from threats at home and abroad.

With exclusive access to RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, the spiritual county home of bomber command, Top Guns series two flies back to the frontline as squadrons experience ever increasing pressure and demands.

The series will also follow pilots, engineers and armourers as they head overseas on deployment to eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

As tensions rise in an ever more turbulent world, it’s their job to protect Britain’s interests – whether it’s intercepting Russian fighters approaching NATO airspace; gathering top secret intelligence in the skies close to Ukraine or deployed to carry out targeted strikes to protect vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

Series one, which aired in 2023, consolidated to an average of 1.6m / 9.6%; up +11% for 000s and +25% for share against the slot average, was also up vs the slot average for ABC1 share [+31%] and 16-34 share [+36%]. The 9.6% average share made Top Guns our second biggest new 9pm series of 2023, behind only The Piano [14.0%].

 

Top Guns: Inside the RAF series two was commissioned by Channel 4 Documentaries commissioning editor Rita Daniels. The series will be produced by True North, with executive producers Mark Tattersall and Christian Hills.

Rita Daniels said: “The first series of Top Guns was a such a success with True North doing a fantastic job of bringing the high-stakes of the RAF’s work to our screens. We can’t wait to follow up with what promises to be an even more high-octane series with unprecedented access to two new RAF bases.”

Christian Hills added: “It was a real privilege to showcase the hard work of the RAF during one of their busiest and challenging times in recent years. Series Two will once again take us back into the heart of the action following frontline operations that have never been filmed before.”

International distribution of Top Guns: Inside the RAF series two is handled by Abacus Media Rights.

Will Stapley Head of Acquisitions, Abacus Media Rights said: “The first season of Top Guns: Inside the RAF has been a global success. With its unique mix of action and observation we see life on the frontline from the cockpit, flight deck and stations of Britain’s RAF.  The series has really appealed to audiences across Europe to Africa and from North America to Australasia and we can’t wait for season two. 

For further information: srosier@channel4.co.uk