In viaggio con Eugene Levy

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.

Watching eugene's apprehensive way of moving thru the world but overcoming these feelings was so encouraging, he articulates what some of us may be thinking during our travels but too shy to express... his physical and facial comedy is hilarious and i barely laugh outloud but did several times during the watching of this show... he is also very respectful of local cultures and a pleasure to watch, i hope there's a season 2. I particularly liked to see the maldives episodes (knowing this is a country under threat and attention needs to be brought to it), i also liked his take on the wildlife of costa rica and his half-hearted sloth sighting (again can relate)... 'yeaaaah, i saw it' (said in a muted voice).

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.

There are some bad reviews here, but I think from those that don't know the background. Also... Eugene Levy is Canadian, not an American. Eugene truly does hate to travel and why he was chosen for this show. He was recently on the Smartless podcast with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes... which is where I heard about this show. He talks about why he almost turned this project down and how truly reluctant he was to do this. He is not any of the things the negative reviews say he is. In his 70's, he is facing his fears and getting uncomfortable and it's such a joy to see Eugene Levy as himself.

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.