Watch The Reluctant Traveler

The Reluctant Traveler is an 8-episode docuseries that premiered on Apple TV+ in February 2023. The show follows Eugene Levy, an actor and comedian best known for his work on Schitt's Creek, as he travels the world visiting some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Even though Levy readily admits he is not an adventurous traveler by nature, he agrees to step far outside of his comfort zone for the sake of bringing entertaining and enlightening travel content to viewers.

In each episode, Levy visits a new location where he is paired up with a local guide who shows him the top sites and experiences the region has to offer. Destinations include Tokyo, Costa Rica, Lisbon, Utah, South Africa, and more. Levy approaches each place with plenty of wry observational humor about the quirks of traveling, but also openness and willingness to try new things. He gamely samples local cuisine, learns about cultural traditions, tries thrilling adventures, and soaks in gorgeous scenery. The show focuses on appreciating the distinctive beauty, history, and character of each destination.

While Levy serves as an amiable host who is both funny and thoughtful, the real stars of The Reluctant Traveler are the destinations themselves. Vivid cinematography captures sprawling cityscapes, lush jungles, pristine beaches, and stunning natural wonders. Viewers get a sense of being immersed in each place accompanied by a witty but welcoming travel companion.

Part of what makes the show so enjoyable is seeing Levy engage in activities that take him far outside his comfort zone. In Utah, he gingerly rappels down a cliff and then takes an adrenaline-pumping zipline ride over a canyon. In Tokyo, he tries compiling a seven-course kaiseki meal while getting a crash course in Japanese cuisine. He's a good sport through it all, cracking jokes about his fish-out-of-water ineptitude while clearly appreciating the privilege of having these eye-opening experiences.

The Reluctant Traveler celebrates varied cultures, mesmerizing scenery, and transformative adventures. Levy's humor and willingness to try new things allows viewers to feel like they are embarking on an entertaining globetrotting journey. While he may be reluctant at first, Levy dives into each location with an open mind and eventually finds surprising joy in being immersed in beautiful, fascinating parts of the world. The show offers armchair travelers stunning visuals and heartwarming glimpses into diverse places that Levy ultimately finds are well worth stepping outside one's comfort zone to explore.

The Reluctant Traveler is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between February 24, 2023 and on Apple TV+