After two decades of riding together, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman have returned to the screen with their latest motorcycle adventure series, "Long Way Home," which premiered on May 9, 2025, on Apple TV+. This fourth installment of their acclaimed series takes viewers on a captivating journey through 17 countries, starting from McGregor's home in Scotland and winding through the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the Arctic Circle before heading down through the Baltic states and back to England.
McGregor, now 54, and Boorman, who turns 59 in August, are no strangers to the open road. Their friendship, forged over 30 years, has been documented in previous series like "Long Way Round," "Long Way Down," and "Long Way Up." Each of these adventures has showcased their deep bond and the transformative power of travel. In "Long Way Home," they opt for vintage motorcycles, with McGregor riding a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado, a model once used by the California Highway Patrol, while Boorman rides a rusted BMW R75/5.
Unlike their previous journey on electric motorcycles in "Long Way Up," where they faced the challenges of finding charging stations in remote areas, this time, the duo embraces a more laid-back approach. "We wanted to do one that was less stressful, more fun," McGregor said. The choice of vintage bikes adds a nostalgic element to their adventure, allowing them to connect with the essence of motorcycling without the complications of modern technology.
The series captures the duo's escapades as they traverse breathtaking landscapes, from the rolling hills of Scotland to the fjords of Norway. They camp beside a Dutch windmill, visit a 900-year-old Viking church, and even partake in ax-throwing and traditional Swedish sauna experiences. As they journey, they encounter local cultures, meet interesting people, and share heartwarming moments that highlight the generosity of strangers.
During their travels, they also visit a UNICEF facility in Copenhagen, where both McGregor and Boorman serve as celebrity ambassadors. Their commitment to philanthropy is evident, as they take time to engage with young people, including a 17-year-old Swedish lad named Hugo, who drives a low-rider Volvo wagon limited to 30 km/h.
"Long Way Home" is not just a travelogue; it’s a celebration of friendship and adventure. The series captures the duo's humorous banter and genuine camaraderie as they navigate the challenges of the road together. "What a strange couple of guys we are," they joke, but their bond is anything but unusual; it’s a testament to the power of shared experiences.
McGregor reflects on their journey, noting, "Because of the shared experience of doing these journeys together, there’s this bond that we have that I don’t share with anyone else." Boorman echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the joy of experiencing different cultures and the simple pleasures of travel. "When you ride a motorcycle, you experience a country in a way that’s completely different," he remarked, highlighting the unique connection they forge with the places they visit.
As they ride through diverse landscapes, the duo encounters various challenges, from navigating hairpin turns in Norway to dealing with unpredictable weather. Yet, these moments of adversity often lead to unexpected encounters with locals who offer assistance or share stories, enriching their journey.
The production of "Long Way Home" has also evolved over the years. The series features impressive cinematography, including drone shots that capture the stunning vistas they traverse. The team behind the scenes, including producers and camera operators, plays a crucial role in bringing their adventures to life. "We are a four-man band, really," McGregor said, acknowledging the collaborative effort that goes into creating the series.
One of the standout features of this installment is the seamless integration of modern technology with the charm of vintage motorcycles. Notorious DIT provided the mobile workflow for the series, ensuring that footage was captured and processed efficiently during their travels across 15 countries in nine weeks. This behind-the-scenes work is essential for delivering high-quality content while maintaining the spontaneity of their adventures.
As they reflect on their past journeys, snippets from earlier series are interspersed throughout "Long Way Home," adding a layer of nostalgia to the viewing experience. McGregor and Boorman reminisce about their earlier adventures, sharing laughs over mishaps and challenges faced along the way. This blend of past and present creates a rich tapestry of their friendship and the evolution of their journeys.
Despite the passage of time, the duo shows no signs of slowing down. McGregor and Boorman express their enthusiasm for future adventures, hinting at the possibility of more series to come. "We just love being back on the road together," McGregor said, and it’s clear that their passion for exploration remains as strong as ever.
In a world that often feels constrained, "Long Way Home" serves as a reminder of the freedom and joy that travel can bring. It invites viewers to embrace adventure, forge connections, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. As they embark on this new journey, fans of the series can look forward to more heartwarming moments, breathtaking scenery, and the enduring friendship between McGregor and Boorman.
With its blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt connections, "Long Way Home" promises to be a delightful addition to the "Long Way" series, capturing the essence of friendship and the joy of exploration.
