Rob Beckett And Romesh Ranganathan Tackle Winter Sports

In a fusion of laughter and athleticism, British comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan have taken their trademark banter to icy new heights, teaming up with Team GB for a whirlwind adventure through the world of winter sports. Their escapade, captured in a two-part special airing on Sky Max and the NOW streaming service, offers a fresh and comedic lens on the rigorous, and often daunting, world of winter athletics. With the 2026 Winter Olympics looming on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—or more entertaining.

Beckett and Ranganathan, both known for their quick wit and down-to-earth humor, spent a year immersed in winter sports, guided by some of the biggest names in British athletics. According to coverage from multiple outlets, including Filmogaz and El Balad, the comedians were mentored by Eddie the Eagle, the legendary ski jumper who captured hearts at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and Eve Muirhead, a celebrated curler and Olympic gold medalist. Their journey didn’t stop with seasoned legends; they also drew inspiration from rising stars like Mia Brookes, a prodigious talent in snowboarding, and Team Mouat, the dynamic curling squad, both of whom are strong contenders for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The pair’s quest was anything but ordinary. Determined to step far outside their comfort zones, Beckett and Ranganathan dove headfirst into a range of winter sports, from the adrenaline-pumping rush of bobsledding to the laser-focused intensity of biathlon. They braved the slopes in skiing and tested their precision and patience in curling. Each discipline brought its own set of challenges—and, naturally, plenty of comedic mishaps.

“We wanted to see what it really takes to be an Olympic athlete,” Beckett said during filming, as reported by Sky Max. “Turns out, it’s a lot more than just turning up in some tight lycra and hoping for the best!” His trademark self-deprecation was on full display, but beneath the jokes was a genuine appreciation for the athletes’ dedication.

The comedians’ travels took them to some of the most iconic winter sports destinations in the world. They trained on the storied slopes of St Moritz, Switzerland—a locale synonymous with winter sports history and luxury. Their journey then led them across the Atlantic to Fredericton, Canada, the vibrant host city of the World Curling Championships. It was here, among the world’s curling elite, that Beckett and Ranganathan truly tested their mettle (and their sense of balance).

“I never thought curling would be this intense,” Ranganathan admitted, as quoted by NOW. “It’s like chess on ice, but with more shouting and a lot more slipping over.” The comedians’ willingness to poke fun at themselves while earnestly attempting each sport endeared them to both athletes and viewers alike.

But the series isn’t just about laughs. There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that runs through every frame. The guidance from Eddie the Eagle and Eve Muirhead was more than just technical—it was inspirational. Eddie, famous for his perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, encouraged the pair to embrace each challenge with enthusiasm, regardless of their skill level. Muirhead, whose curling expertise is matched only by her competitive spirit, offered insights into the mental toughness required at the highest levels of sport.

“Watching Rob and Romesh throw themselves into these sports, you can’t help but root for them,” Muirhead said, according to Team GB press materials. “They bring a new energy to the ice, and they’re not afraid to laugh at themselves. That’s what sport is all about.”

The inclusion of young hopefuls like Mia Brookes and Team Mouat added another layer to the story. Both are seen as key figures in Team GB’s future Olympic ambitions, and their interactions with Beckett and Ranganathan provided moments of genuine mentorship—and, at times, gentle ribbing. Brookes, already making waves in international snowboarding competitions, showcased the focus and determination required to compete on the world stage. Team Mouat, meanwhile, demonstrated the intricate teamwork and strategic thinking that curling demands.

As the series unfolds over two consecutive Thursday evenings—January 15th and 22nd, 2026, at 9:00 pm—viewers are treated to a blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that goes into winter sports. The production takes full advantage of its global settings, offering sweeping shots of snow-covered mountains and bustling arenas, but it never loses sight of its central appeal: the infectious chemistry between Beckett and Ranganathan.

For fans of comedy, the show delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it’s Beckett’s wide-eyed terror as he hurtles down a bobsled track or Ranganathan’s deadpan commentary on his own lack of coordination, the duo’s antics are as relatable as they are hilarious. But for sports enthusiasts, there’s also plenty to appreciate. The series provides a rare glimpse into the training regimens, mental preparation, and sheer grit required to compete at the Olympic level.

The timing of the special is no accident. With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, interest in winter sports is reaching a fever pitch. By pairing two beloved comedians with the country’s top athletes, the series aims to spark greater enthusiasm for Team GB’s Olympic campaign and introduce a wider audience to the thrills (and spills) of winter competition.

And for Beckett and Ranganathan, the journey has been transformative. “We came in thinking we’d just have a laugh,” Beckett reflected in the series’ closing moments. “But we’re leaving with a whole new respect for these athletes. They’re incredible.” Ranganathan, ever the straight man, added: “And I’m leaving with a bruised ego and even more bruised shins.”

Ultimately, the special stands as a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of trying something new—even if you’re not very good at it. As Team GB gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Beckett and Ranganathan’s icy odyssey serves as a reminder that, sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination—and that laughter is the best way to warm up on a cold winter’s day.