Stuff the British Stole Season 3: "Potentially the Last" as Creator Reflects on "Huge Investment"
By a News Editor
The acclaimed TV series Stuff the British Stole returns for a third season, but creator and host Marc Fennell has signaled this may be the final chapter. In an interview published in July 2025, Fennell detailed the grueling two-year production process, the emotional weight of the subject matter, and the personal cost of making the show.
"The show doesn't come cheaply, and it takes a huge amount out of me... It's at least the equivalent of being away from my family for seven weeks."
From Podcast to a Potential Finale
The series, which began as a 2019 podcast, was born from a "sliding doors moment." Fennell was interviewing historian Alice Procter about objects at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She suggested a mechanical tiger devouring a British soldier—Tipu's Tiger—which became the first episode.
The third season, which took two years to produce, includes six episodes covering tea, Captain Cook, and the Zong slave ship. Fennell describes the season as "potentially the last," citing the significant personal commitment required.
A Personal Journey Through Empire
Fennell, a Walkley Award-winning Australian journalist of mixed heritage (Australian, Indian, Singaporean, and Irish), says the show has become a deeply personal project. "Making the show has helped me connect with my own history," he explained, noting that uncovering these stories allowed him to piece together aspects of his own family's past.
On Criticism and the British Museum
When asked about the most common pushback to the series, Fennell cited two recurring criticisms: accusations of "whataboutism" and requests for an episode on items the British gave.
"The British Empire is the most impactful empire on my country, Australia. That's the story we need to tell."
He stated a willingness to cover other empires—like the Mongols or Romans—if someone funds a series.
Regarding the British Museum, Fennell clarified he is not banned from the premises. However, he described the museum's engagement as "limited to social media," with officials refusing interviews or filming requests. A British Museum spokesperson cited "capacity and safety constraints" for their policy on media requests.
The Book and the Art of Curtsying
Fennell revealed he was motivated to write a book adaptation by frustration with "passive labels" in museum catalogues that he feels "obscure the violent histories of acquisitions."
In a lighter moment, Fennell recounted an awkward encounter with royalty: he accidentally curtsied multiple times to Prince Edward at an event.
Production details for Season 3 note Fennell's fondness for grand entrances, with approximately eight boat appearances across the season's six episodes. Despite the high-profile nature of the show, Fennell describes himself as not working in a "auteur style," emphasizing the collaborative effort of his production team.