Watch Asian Provocateur

TV-14
2015
2 Seasons
8.0 (476)

Asian Provocateur is a travel documentary series presented by the British comedian, actor, and writer Romesh Ranganathan. The show follows Ranganathan as he embarks on a journey to explore his roots and heritage in Sri Lanka, the birthplace of his parents. Accompanied by his mother, Shanthi Ranganathan, and his Uncle Vetty, the trio sets out on a hilariously quirky and culturally immersive quest to rediscover their familial and cultural roots.

The show is divided into two seasons, with the first season premiering in 2015 and the second season in 2016. The first season comprises three episodes, while the second season consists of six episodes, each of which is approximately an hour-long.

The show's first season sees Ranganathan taking on the challenge of reconnecting with his Sri Lankan heritage, despite his initial reluctance to do so. But with the help of his family members, he ventures out into the heart of Sri Lanka, exploring everything from its pristine beaches to its bustling cities and even its off-the-beaten-path villages.

Throughout the series, Ranganathan and his family immerse themselves in the local culture, customs, and traditions of Sri Lanka, including participating in traditional ceremonies, sampling exotic foods, and even trying out some of the country's most popular sports. Their journey also takes them through the country's turbulent and fascinating history, from its colonial past to its recent civil war.

In the show's second season, Ranganathan continues his voyage of discovery, this time journeying to other parts of Asia, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. Along the way, he explores the unique cultures and customs of each country, taking part in everything from traditional tea ceremonies to learning the art of Thai boxing.

As with the first season, Ranganathan's journey in the second season is punctuated with humor and wit, as he struggles to navigate his way through unfamiliar surroundings and grapples with the cultural differences he encounters along the way.

One of the standout features of the show is the way it blends Ranganathan's hilarious brand of humor with insightful and heartfelt explorations of identity and culture. By deftly weaving together humor, emotion, and cultural commentary, the show ensures that it never feels trite or dismissive, despite its lighthearted tone.

Overall, Asian Provocateur is a delightful and eye-opening travelogue that offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and histories of some of Asia's most captivating countries. Whether you're a fan of travel documentaries, comedy, or heartwarming family stories, this show is guaranteed to entertain and enlighten you.

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Seasons

2 1

6. 6. The Da Silva's

November 16, 2016

In his final week Romesh really wants to spend quality time with his mother Shanthi. Last week, while he was in Mexico, she had been spending time with her long lost relatives the De Silva family in LA. It turns out that Shanthi has got on very well without him in their time apart.

5. 5. Uncle Ragu Returns

November 9, 2016

Romesh splits from his mom to join his Uncle Ragu on a spiritual journey around Mexico. As the journey was originally planned by Romesh's late father and Ragu, and Romesh has vowed to try to be much more positive to ensure his uncle enjoys their time together.

4. Cousin Krishna Returns

January 1, 2016

Romesh is reunited with his cousin Krishna at a cowboy ranch in Colorado, where Shanthi wants Romesh to use the experience to teach Krishna how to become a man. Romesh struggles to make his horse do anything and as a result gets demoted to increasingly awful ranch hand duties, while Krishna spends the day riding. Romesh's final job is a terrifying encounter administering medical treatment to a totally unrestrained alligator.

3. 3. Brother Dinesh

October 26, 2016

Romesh's enthusiastic younger brother Dinesh is joining him on a tour of the Deep South with their Uncle Guru. In New Orleans, the sibling rivalry gets off to a bad start when they take part in a professional wrestling match. Things do not get any better when Guru turns up in an RV to take them cat-fishing in Mississippi.

2. 2. The Family Reunion

October 19, 2016

Romesh's mother derails their America trip to take them to Canada for a big family reunion. Romesh starts by helping out his seven-year-old cousin in a breakdancing performance in his local primary school, before Uncle Ragu arrives.

1. 1. Cousin Pratheep

October 12, 2016

Romesh and Shanthi kick off their trip in Tampa, Florida, where they have arranged to meet Romesh's cousin Pratheep, who has set up an all-American week. Romesh starts the trip as his means to go on by trying to get rid of his mother at a Floridian retirement park, but Shanthi is having none of it.

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