The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy

So glad we found this show. The photography is stunning, Eugene Levy is hilarious but at the same time humble and respectful as a tourist. The show seems to have no other agenda other than taking the viewer to beautiful and interesting places in the world. What a refreshing break from the political agenda that has ruined a lot of shows.

Levy's acting and narration really do a great job of making us feel like we are there with him, out of his comfort zone, in the elements, eating foreign cuisine, and doing many things that scare him.

If you want to watch something that elevates your spirit and curiosity instead of making you feel like you are the scourge of planet earth and the source of all its problems LOL, watch this! Highly recommended.

Who doesn't like Eugene Levy? He's funny, witty, and has some great suits (if those are really his). Travelogues have been a film and TV staple since the days of James A. FitzPatrick's "Travel Talks" were shown in theaters (and now on TCM). Having Eugene show us around is as good a way as any to see the world. Better him than me.

There are only two drawbacks that I've seen.

1. The "I don't want to do this" attitude does start to wear on you after so many episodes.

2. This is by far the worst part about the show: The speed ramp editing used often and with no good reason. We get it. It's probably a button on their software that zooms the speed of the video up, compressing time into a split second, then slows it back down, and always accompanied by the same "whoosh" sound effect. Stop it. Just stop it. Just @$&#ing stop it! I doubt if they can go a full minute without using this stupid, annoying, trendy, lazy effect. Seriously, never ever use this in any video.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a 'celebrity' travel programme as much as this one. Eugene Levy's droll wit and self-deprecating humour are what elevate The Reluctant Traveler. Despite Levy's trepidation, he tries activities many of us will never actually get to do, and he does them with a marvellously funny perspective. I laughed out loud many times, whilst learning interesting things about a different way of life. The people he meets are fascinating and full of warmth. In today's age of depressing politics, war, climate crises etc, this televisual delight is a breath of fresh air. Sign Mr Levy up for Season Two now! Just joyous.

We know Eugene Levy is comic gold, even though this eight-episode 2023 series felt like a cross between a more jaundiced "Somebody Feed Phil" and Jack Whitehall's "Travels with My Father". His observations are less cynical than Whitehall Sr.'s and more dryly relatable except perhaps for his lifelong aversion to sushi. I think having a diametrically opposite travel companion like his son Daniel, or more ideally, Catherine O'Hara, could've made this series less one-note as we rely solely on Levy for his comments which remain consistent no matter the locale or how many exotic travel experiences he has.

Considering the plethora of highly rated, award winning movies and series available to watch, I NEVER thought I would prefer to watch a travel series on Apple TV! Eugene Levy shares his travel experience as only he can and that is what makes this show MAGICAL! His wry sense of humor and ALWAYS well delivered cynical communication style is nothing less than addictive! I have had many laughs with my family while watching this entertaining and educational show! I think this is a must watch and is perfect entertainment for anyone who thinks a travel show on Apple TV is the last thing they would ever want to watch. Hilarious! Culturally astute! Perfectly done!