About this season
James May recently discovered the online phenomenon of ‘Dull Men’s’ forums. Now, from his Wiltshire home, shed and pub, he embarks on a glorious ‘summer of dull’. Inspired by these forums, James creates his own solutions to the questions he finds there.
Episodes (8)
1. Scare Deer
Aired 5 November 2024 • 43 min
James builds a life-size automated ‘Scare Deer’ to ward off the herd of deer wreaking havoc in his garden. He also tackles pencil wastage on his lathe and attempts to cook a curry in a washing machine - whilst also doing his whites.
2. Potholes
Aired 12 November 2024 • 43 min
James takes on Britain's pothole problem with a homemade solution. He also attempts to build the world’s first automated rain proof bench and finally fulfils a life-long ambition of making glue out of his own fingernails, but will he come unstuck?
3. Phone Box
Aired 19 November 2024 • 44 min
James attempts to build a two-storey home in a phone box with the help of two dull men. He also uncovers and investigates the great baked bean conspiracy and invents a device that could allow our plants to tell us when they need watering.
4. Roundabouts
Aired 26 November 2024 • 44 min
James sets out to prove the superiority of roundabouts to traffic lights by driving 11 miles through Milton Keynes without stopping. He also tackles toothpaste wastage and the problem of cheese and crackers never running out at the same time.
5. Deskercise
Aired 3 December 2024 • 44 min
James attempts to make the world’s first integrated desk/workout station. Elsewhere, Bic claim their pens have up to 3km of ink, so James puts that to the test too. Ever wondered if you can make spaghetti in a paper shredder? Wonder no more.
6. Sunbrella
Aired 10 December 2024 • 44 min
Can James become merely adequate at hairdressing with just 10,000 seconds of training? He also attempts to make it summer all year round in an umbrella and gives the broken bits of pottery in his garden a new life.
7. Suncream Dispenser
Aired 17 December 2024 • 44 min
If you’re applying sun cream solo, how do you reach that bit in the middle of your back? James thinks he may have the solution. Noisy neighbours? He’s got a plan for them too. And, can you play a record on a pottery wheel? James May has the answer.
8. Hand Dryer
Aired 24 December 2024 • 44 min
James takes on a hundred years of hand dryer struggles with not one, but three possible solutions. Elsewhere he investigates the optimum number of chews for your food and invents a brand-new culinary sensation: Mac ‘n’ Choc.