Watch Long Way Up
- 2016
- 1 Season
Long Way Up is a travel documentary series that follows Ewan McGregor and his longtime friend, Charley Boorman, as they embark on an epic motorcycle journey from the southern tip of Argentina to Los Angeles. The series, which is exclusive to Apple TV, takes viewers on a thrilling adventure through South and Central America, as the two adventurers explore some of the most remote and diverse regions of the world.
The show marks the third installment in the 'Long Way' series, which first began in 2004 with Long Way Round, a journey across Europe and Asia, followed by Long Way Down in 2007, which saw the two friends ride from Scotland to Cape Town. Long Way Up represents a return to form for McGregor and Boorman, who have undergone their most challenging journey yet.
The series follows the duo as they ride two electric Harley-Davidson LiveWires, becoming the first people to complete such an electric motorcycle journey. This choice of bike was a conscious decision by the pair to explore how electric mobility can have a positive impact on the environment and inspire change.
As the two friends ride through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, the show explores each country's culture, history, and its people. With Spanish being the dominant language throughout the countries, the show comes with an option for subtitles in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. The series is shot on 4k cameras, providing a stunning visual backdrop to the adventure and showcasing the intricate details of the different countries and cultures they visit.
The series packs a punch with nine episodes ranging from 40-45 minutes each, with each episode taking the viewer on a new adventure. From traversing a section of Bolivia's salt flats and dealing with the thin air at high altitudes, to navigating intense rainforest terrain and the Pan American Highway, Long Way Up is not short of drama and challenges.
The series goes beyond simply chronicling the logistical challenges of the journey, taking an intimate look into the physical and emotional toll the trip takes on McGregor and Boorman. The two friends delve into their personal lives and experiences, displaying a level of vulnerability not often seen in travel documentaries. They discuss their friendship, the impact the journey has on their families, and their excitement and trepidation about continuing their journey in electric vehicles.
The show has been widely praised for its focus on environmentally conscious travel, highlighting the potential role electric vehicles can play in long-distance travel. McGregor and Boorman make a concerted effort to showcase how battery-powered electric-engine motorcycles can perform in challenging and diverse landscapes. They are seen navigating through deserts, mountains, and rainforests while using a mobile charging infrastructure, a team of logistic support vehicles specifically designed for the electric motorcycle journey, and determining more efficient travel routes between charging stations to complete the journey.
Overall, Long Way Up is a must-watch for anyone who loves travel, adventure, motorcycles, and sustainability. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman deliver an inspiring and emotional journey full of adventure, challenges, and personal growth. The show focuses not only on the stunning landscapes and harrowing challenges of the journey but also the meaningful connections they make along the way. The series offers a glimpse into divided societies, political unrest, cultural differences, environmental issues, but also highlights the incredible hospitality and warmth they encounter. It is a serious and passionate documentary, and absolutely worth a watch.
Long Way Up is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between April 15, 2016 and on MalarkeyTV.com