It was some years ago that Monty Python star, Michael Palin, presented the series "Around the World in 80 Days", which set a high standard of travel documentary which was both informative and entertaining.
Extreme Railways, is very much of the same calibre, albeit focusing on railway journeys. What makes it even more watchable, is the humour of its presenter, Chris Tarrant. The journeys covered are a fascinating selextion from all over the World, and each gives a wealth of information and with Chris's unique style and conversations with the many people he encounters, is both charming and amusing. The true talent of Chris is shown on one episode covering the railways involvement in the Holocaust, which is tackled with seriousness and a touching sensitivity.
There are two other contemporary British documentaries attempting to cover railway journeys; Around the World by Train" hosted by Tony Robinson (more famous as Baldric in the sitcom "Blackadder"); and the BBC's Great Railway Journeys hosted by former Politician, Michael Portillo. Robinson's programme seems to be a hastily compiled and edited and instantly forgettable. Portillo, whilst informative, comes across as rather patronising and the humour largely forced and dull.
Having watched all episodes of Extreme Railways (more than once as still entertaining on the second/third viewing), without doubt, Chris and those behind this superb programme have raised the standard even higher than that set by Palin years ago, and fully deserves the top marks I have awarded it.