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The 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked

Diving into the world of television, there's a certain brilliance found in British comedies that’s unmatched anywhere else. These British comedy shows effortlessly blend wit, whimsy, and eccentricity, wrapped up with a decidedly British charm. They represent a rich tapestry of humor that ranges from slapstick tomfoolery to subtle satire and cutting-edge farce. The key to their appeal lies in the distinctive blend of traditional and innovative comedic tropes, coupled with uniquely British ideas and themes.

The allure of these British comedies often lies in their depiction of everyday life through a humorous lens, seasoned with an array of popular tropes. These funny British shows tend to serve up a perfect blend of eccentric characters, absurd scenarios, witty dialogue, and expert comedic timing. Be it the bureaucratic follies encapsulated in office routines or an exaggerated portrayal of the common mundane life, the humor woven into these best British TV shows resonates deeply with audiences, appealing to their shared experiences and cultural understanding.

Highlights from the ensemble of comedy gems include Fawlty Towers and Monty Python's Flying Circus which have been tickling funny bones for decades. Fawlty Towers , with its unique portrayal of a chaotic hotel management scenario, has birthed endless laughs. Meanwhile, Monty Python's Flying Circus revolutionized sketch comedy with its surreal, irreverent humor. Other notable mentions are Mr. Bean and The Inbetweeners , each having etched their mark in the panorama of British comedy series , thanks to their memorable characters and hilarious storylines. Each of these shows brilliantly showcases the the best British comedy TV shows there are, and how drastically each of these types of films can convey the idea of what is to come. And what's more, the convenience of modern streaming has made it easier than ever to indulge in these captivating British comedies. Each show entry comes with handy streaming buttons directing to platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Max, and Paramount+, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

These England comedy shows form an integral part of television's rich legacy. They've given us memorable characters, iconic catchphrases, and countless moments of laughter. Whether you're new to these comedic masterpieces or revisiting nostalgic favorites, immersing yourself in the best British comedy series promises a delightful blend of hilarity and quintessentially British humor. So, sit back, relax, and let these remarkable funny British shows transport you to a world where laughter truly is the best medicine.

Fawlty Towers

Delving into the chaotic world of a seaside hotel, this British sitcom thrives on the comedic misadventures of its eccentric proprietor and his long-suffering staff. The show's brilliance stems from its razor-sharp writing, impeccable timing, and the extraordinary performances by John Cleese as the hapless hotelier Basil Fawlty, Prunella Scales as his domineering wife Sybil, Connie Booth as their resourceful employee Polly, and Andrew Sachs portraying the bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel. With only 12 episodes crafted to perfection over two seasons in the late 1970s, it remains an enduring classic that delivers uproarious laughter through its farcical situations and memorable characters.

Is Fawlty Towers Worth Your Time?

Dig Deeper... The Best Fawlty Towers Episodes
# 60 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 40 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked

This British historical sitcom revolves around the cunning and sardonic protagonist, Edmund Blackadder, as he navigates his way through various eras of history with the help of his dimwitted sidekick, Baldrick. The show's strength lies in its clever writing that combines satire and wordplay to create a unique comedic experience, while exploring themes such as social hierarchy and political intrigue. With an impressive cast featuring Rowan Atkinson as the eponymous character and Tony Robinson as Baldrick, this series has earned its place among television classics due to its ability to provide both laughter and insight into different periods of British history.

Is Blackadder Worth Your Time?

Dig Deeper... The Best Blackadder Episodes
# 4 of 252 on The 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
# 137 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked

Only Fools and Horses

This British sitcom follows the lives of two ambitious, yet hapless brothers as they strive to achieve their dreams of becoming millionaires through various get-rich-quick schemes. Set in a working-class neighborhood in London during the 1980s and 1990s, it is lauded for its impeccable comedic timing and witty dialogues that capture the essence of lower-middle class aspirations while also delving into themes such as family bonds and loyalty. The show's success can be attributed to its memorable characters like Del Boy (played by David Jason) and Rodney (played by Nicholas Lyndhurst), whose chemistry on screen creates an engaging dynamic that has resonated with audiences for decades.

Is Only Fools and Horses... Worth Your Time?

# 303 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 2 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 269 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History

Monty Python's Flying Circus

This groundbreaking British sketch comedy series, led by an ensemble cast including John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Eric Idle, delves into the absurd and satirical with a unique blend of wit and slapstick humor. The show's innovative approach to comedy is exemplified through its iconic sketches such as the "Dead Parrot" routine and the "Ministry of Silly Walks," which have since become staples in popular culture. Furthermore, Monty Python's Flying Circus has cemented itself as a timeless classic due to its ability to push boundaries while simultaneously providing biting social commentary through memorable characters like the Spanish Inquisition troupe.

Is Monty Python's Flying ... Worth Your Time?

# 2 of 252 on The 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
# 37 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 17 of 30 on 30 Words And Phrases You Might Not Realize Originated From A Movie Or TV Show

Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, this critically acclaimed sitcom follows the misadventures of three eccentric priests and their housekeeper. The show's charm lies in its unique blend of surreal humor and razor-sharp wit, brought to life by an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Dermot Morgan as the titular Father Ted, Ardal O'Hanlon as the dimwitted Father Dougal McGuire, Frank Kelly as the cantankerous Father Jack Hackett, and Pauline McLynn as their devoted housekeeper Mrs. Doyle. As these characters navigate through various absurd situations while dealing with their own personal quirks and flaws, they provide viewers with a hilarious yet heartwarming glimpse into human nature and relationships within an unconventional setting.

Is Father Ted Worth Your Time?

# 301 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 6 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 243 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History

The adventures of a peculiar, bumbling man in a tweed suit captivate audiences as he navigates through everyday life with an unusual approach to problem-solving. This British sitcom showcases the comedic prowess of Rowan Atkinson, who brings the titular character to life with his unique physical comedy and minimal dialogue. The charm lies in Mr. Bean's ability to turn mundane tasks into chaotic situations, while interacting with an ensemble of eccentric characters that further accentuate the show's distinct humor and wit.

Is Mr. Bean Worth Your Time?

# 65 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 24 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
# 4 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

Keeping Up Appearances

Created by Roy Clarke, this sitcom revolves around the life of social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket (played by Patricia Routledge) and her relentless attempts to project an image of upper-class refinement. The show's success is attributed to its clever writing that frequently places Hyacinth in situations where her carefully constructed façade crumbles under the weight of reality, as well as the outstanding performances from supporting cast members such as Clive Swift (Richard Bucket), Judy Cornwell (Daisy), and Geoffrey Hughes (Onslow). By expertly blending elements of farce, satire, and character-driven comedy with relatable themes of family dynamics and social aspirations, Keeping Up Appearances has secured its place as a beloved classic within the realm of television entertainment.

Is Keeping Up Appearances... Worth Your Time?

# 124 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 261 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 16 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

Dad's Army offers an engaging and humorous portrayal of the Home Guard during World War II, featuring prominent characters like Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier), and Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn). The show's charm lies in its ability to blend historical context with well-crafted character development, resulting in a unique combination of comedy and insight into the lives of ordinary citizens defending their homeland. The talented ensemble cast effectively conveys the idiosyncrasies and camaraderie among these unlikely soldiers, making Dad's Army not only an entertaining watch but also a fascinating glimpse into wartime Britain.

Is Dad's Army Worth Your Time?

# 8 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 117 of 387 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
# 5 of 39 on The Best British Sitcoms Of The '70s

The IT Crowd

Centered around the misadventures of a quirky trio working in the information technology department of a large corporation, this British sitcom captivates audiences with its clever humor and relatable situations. The dynamic between the socially awkward computer geniuses Maurice Moss (Richard Ayoade) and Roy Trenneman (Chris O'Dowd), along with their technologically inept manager Jen Barber (Katherine Parkinson), results in amusing scenarios that showcase how they navigate through office politics and personal dilemmas. With well-crafted dialogue, memorable catchphrases, and outstanding performances from the cast, this show has garnered critical acclaim for its unique take on workplace comedy.

Is The IT Crowd Worth Your Time?

Dig Deeper... The Best Episodes of The IT Crowd
# 138 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 195 of 304 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

The Inbetweeners

This British coming-of-age sitcom revolves around the tumultuous lives of four socially awkward friends as they navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence, tackling issues such as relationships, school, and their own insecurities. The show's success can be attributed to its razor-sharp wit, relatable storylines, and stellar performances by Simon Bird (Will), James Buckley (Jay), Blake Harrison (Neil), and Joe Thomas (Simon) who bring authenticity to their characters' experiences. Additionally, it has garnered praise for its unapologetic exploration of teenage life without resorting to caricatures or stereotypes, allowing viewers a chance to reminisce about their own adolescent misadventures with both cringe-worthy recognition and heartfelt empathy.

Is The Inbetweeners Worth Your Time?

# 1 of 23 on The Best E4 Shows, Ranked
# 346 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 15 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

Porridge , a British sitcom set in the fictional Slade Prison, offers an engaging narrative that revolves around the life and antics of inmates Norman Stanley Fletcher (played by Ronnie Barker) and Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale). The show's unique ability to blend humor with thought-provoking themes of morality and camaraderie within a prison setting is what sets it apart as a timeless classic. With prominent characters such as stern but fair prison officer Mr. Mackay (Fulton Mackay) and the compassionate Mr. Barrowclough (Brian Wilde), Porridge showcases exceptional performances from its cast while providing insightful commentary on human nature under confinement.

Is Porridge Worth Your Time?

# 7 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 238 of 387 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
# 3 of 39 on The Best British Sitcoms Of The '70s

Are You Being Served?

Are You Being Served? is a British sitcom that humorously chronicles the daily lives of employees at the fictional Grace Brothers department store, with an ensemble cast featuring prominent characters such as Mr. Humphries (John Inman) and Mrs. Slocombe (Mollie Sugden). The show has garnered critical acclaim for its witty writing, impeccable comedic timing, and memorable catchphrases that have stood the test of time since its original airing from 1972 to 1985. What makes this series exceptional is its ability to blend slapstick comedy with biting social commentary on class distinctions and workplace dynamics in Britain during that era, providing both entertainment value and cultural insight for viewers.

Is Are You Being Served?... Worth Your Time?

# 113 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 233 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 317 of 345 on The Best TV Theme Songs of All Time

The Two Ronnies

The British sketch comedy show masterfully showcases the unparalleled wit and humor of its two prominent stars, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. The dynamic duo's impeccable comedic timing and ability to seamlessly transition between diverse characters contribute significantly to the show's enduring charm. Additionally, the unique blend of situational comedy sketches, musical numbers, and clever wordplay in their monologues has cemented The Two Ronnies as an indelible classic in television history.

Is The Two Ronnies Worth Your Time?

# 259 of 265 on The Best Duos of All Time
# 213 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 268 of 387 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

The Young Ones

The Young Ones , a British sitcom from the early 1980s, expertly blends anarchic humor with scathing social commentary to create an engaging and memorable viewing experience. Set in a dilapidated house shared by four students - played by the talented Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer, and Christopher Ryan - the show explores themes of political activism and youthful rebellion through its vivid portrayal of these distinct yet equally dysfunctional characters. The unique combination of slapstick comedy, biting satire, and surreal elements has solidified The Young Ones ' status as a cult classic that remains relevant even today.

Is The Young Ones Worth Your Time?

# 289 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 23 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 15 of 17 on People Are Debating Which TV Shows Never Had A Bad Episode And Are Practically Perfect In Every Way

Yes Minister

This British television series offers a satirical glimpse into the inner workings of government, as it follows the career of an ambitious yet naive politician and his cunning civil servant counterpart. The dynamic between protagonist Jim Hacker (played by Paul Eddington) and Sir Humphrey Appleby (portrayed by Nigel Hawthorne) provides an intriguing exploration of political power struggles, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and conflicting interests that often plague democratic systems. With its razor-sharp wit, incisive dialogue, and timeless themes—bolstered by stellar performances from both leads—the show has earned its place among the pantheon of classic TV comedies while providing valuable insights into the complexities of governance.

Is Yes Minister Worth Your Time?

# 13 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 255 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
# 15 of 62 on The 55+ Best Political Thriller Shows

Created by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, the British series offers an engaging and unconventional look at the lives of two dysfunctional roommates - Mark Corrigan (played by David Mitchell) and Jeremy "Jez" Usbourne (portrayed by Robert Webb). The show distinguishes itself with its unique use of point-of-view shots from each character's perspective, providing viewers with intimate access to their thoughts and emotions. With its dark humor, complex characters such as Sophie Chapman (Olivia Colman) who adds depth to the narrative, and clever writing that highlights the absurdity of everyday life, Peep Show has garnered critical acclaim for pushing boundaries in comedy while maintaining relatability.

Is Peep Show Worth Your Time?

# 326 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 28 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 20 of 29 on Current British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time

The Vicar of Dibley

In a quaint English village, the arrival of an unconventional but endearing female vicar disrupts the conservative status quo, leading to heartwarming and hilarious consequences. Starring Dawn French as Geraldine Granger, this sitcom skillfully navigates the challenges faced by a woman in a traditionally male-dominated role while also exploring her relationships with eccentric parishioners such as Alice Tinker (Emma Chambers) and David Horton (Gary Waldhorn). With its witty dialogue, strong character development, and insightful exploration of societal norms, this show has captivated audiences for decades.

Is The Vicar of Dibley Worth Your Time?

# 9 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 151 of 254 on The 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
# 234 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History

Set in the deep recesses of outer space, this British science fiction sitcom follows the adventures of a hapless human named Dave Lister, portrayed by Craig Charles, as he navigates through an array of cosmic escapades aboard a mining spaceship. Accompanied by his holographic bunkmate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), an endearing humanoid feline known as Cat (Danny John-Jules), and Kryten (Robert Llewellyn) - a subservient android who gradually develops self-awareness and independence - they form an unlikely crew that continually encounters bizarre situations and compelling storylines. The show's unique blend of humor, character development, and imaginative plotlines has earned it widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place in cult television history.

Is Red Dwarf Worth Your Time?

# 234 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 17 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 54 of 277 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time

Open All Hours

A charming British sitcom, set in a small town, revolves around the daily occurrences and interactions at a corner shop owned by an endearing yet miserly protagonist. The show's brilliance lies in its witty writing, relatable characters, and impeccable comedic timing delivered by the talented ensemble cast including Ronnie Barker as the penny-pinching proprietor Arkwright and David Jason as his lovable but hapless nephew Granville. With its unique blend of humor rooted in human eccentricities and warm-hearted moments that tug at your heartstrings, this series has etched itself into the annals of classic television comedy.

Is Open All Hours Worth Your Time?

# 12 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 9 of 39 on The Best British Sitcoms Of The '70s
# 3 of 29 on The Best British Sitcoms Of The '80s

This British mockumentary-style sitcom provides a humorous and engaging look into the daily lives of employees at a nondescript paper company located in Slough. The show's unique blend of dry humor, memorable characters such as the bumbling regional manager David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais) and his long-suffering assistant Gareth Keenan (Mackenzie Crook), along with its realistic portrayal of office dynamics, is what makes it stand out amongst other workplace comedies. Its innovative format has not only garnered critical acclaim but also inspired various international adaptations, including the highly successful American version that went on to achieve widespread popularity.

Is The Office Worth Your Time?

# 91 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 190 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 29 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

'Allo 'Allo!

Set in a quaint French café during World War II, this British sitcom revolves around the hilarious misadventures of its owner René Artois as he juggles between appeasing his wife and hiding his secret affairs. The show's enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of slapstick humor, linguistic puns, and an ensemble cast that includes memorable characters such as the bumbling Officer Crabtree and the devious Herr Flick. With talented actors like Gorden Kaye and Carmen Silvera leading the charge, it is no wonder that this series has become synonymous with laughter while also providing a lighthearted take on a dark period in history.

Is 'Allo 'Allo! Worth Your Time?

# 323 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 14 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 210 of 280 on The 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History

One Foot in the Grave

A darkly humorous British sitcom centers around the life of a cantankerous retiree and his long-suffering wife as they navigate the absurdities of everyday existence. The show's unique blend of surreal situations, biting wit, and moments of genuine poignancy is brought to life by the exceptional performances of Richard Wilson as Victor Meldrew, an iconic character known for his catchphrase "I don't believe it," and Annette Crosbie as his patient spouse Margaret. This acclaimed series not only captures the essence of suburban ennui but also provides a satirical commentary on modern society's treatment of aging individuals.

Is One Foot in the Grave... Worth Your Time?

Black Books

In this British sitcom, viewers are taken on a hilarious journey through the misadventures of a grumpy, alcohol-loving bookshop owner, Bernard Black (played by Dylan Moran), his eccentric assistant Manny Bianco (Bill Bailey), and their quirky friend Fran Katzenjammer (Tamsin Greig). The show's charm lies in its witty writing and perfect comedic timing that showcases the absurdity of everyday life while exploring themes such as friendship and personal growth. With an excellent cast delivering memorable performances, it is no wonder this series has garnered a cult following over the years.

Is Black Books Worth Your Time?

# 205 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 32 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 98 of 118 on The 115+ Best Indie TV Shows, Ranked By Fans

Absolutely Fabulous

This British sitcom revolves around the chaotic and glamorous lives of a heavy-drinking, drug-abusing PR agent and her equally self-destructive best friend. The show's brilliance lies in its razor-sharp wit, biting satire of the fashion industry, and outstanding performances by Jennifer Saunders (who also created the series) as Edina Monsoon and Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone. With memorable supporting characters like June Whitfield as Edina's mother and Julia Sawalha as her long-suffering daughter Saffron, it delivers both laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on friendship amidst dysfunction.

Is Absolutely Fabulous Worth Your Time?

# 149 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms
# 269 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 25 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

The Good Life

A captivating television series revolves around the lives of two suburban couples, who navigate through their days with a unique blend of wit and wisdom. The ensemble cast features Richard Briers as Tom Good, Felicity Kendal as Barbara Good, Penelope Keith as Margo Leadbetter, and Paul Eddington as Jerry Leadbetter - all delivering exceptional performances that have contributed to the show's enduring popularity. What sets this program apart is its exploration of societal norms and expectations in 1970s England while maintaining a lighthearted tone throughout; it captivates viewers with its engaging storylines that are both thought-provoking and humorous.

Is The Good Life Worth Your Time?

Yes, Prime Minister

Delving into the intricacies of British politics, this satirical television series provides a comical yet insightful look at the inner workings of government through the eyes of its protagonist, Prime Minister Jim Hacker. The show's brilliance lies not only in its sharp wit and clever dialogue but also in its ability to remain relevant even decades after it first aired, thanks to well-crafted storylines that expose universal truths about political maneuvering and power dynamics. With stellar performances from actors such as Paul Eddington and Sir Nigel Hawthorne portraying prominent characters like Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby, viewers are treated to an engaging exploration of political satire that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Is Yes, Prime Minister Worth Your Time?

Steptoe and Son

Delving into the lives of a rag-and-bone father and his ambitious son, this British sitcom masterfully intertwines dark humor with poignant moments, resulting in an unforgettable viewing experience. The show's success can be attributed to the brilliant performances by Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett as Albert Steptoe and Harold Steptoe respectively, who bring depth and complexity to their characters' relationship. Set against the backdrop of post-war London, the series explores themes such as social mobility, generational conflict, and personal aspirations through witty dialogue and engaging storylines that keep viewers invested in these two memorable characters.

Is Steptoe and Son Worth Your Time?

Not The Nine O'Clock News

This satirical sketch comedy series captivated audiences with its sharp wit and biting social commentary, cleverly dissecting British society during the late 20th century. The ensemble cast, featuring prominent talents such as Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, and Pamela Stephenson, expertly portrayed a diverse array of characters that resonated with viewers from all walks of life. With its innovative blend of political satire, musical parodies and character-driven sketches that pushed boundaries while maintaining a sense of relatability to contemporary issues at hand; this show remains an enduring testament to the power of humor in illuminating societal absurdities.

Is Not The Nine O'Clock N... Worth Your Time?

# 22 of 48 on The Best Sketch Comedy Groups
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# 19 of 202 on The 200+ Best BBC Two Shows

This British sitcom, which aired for three series on BBC2 between 1991 and 1995, features the hilarious misadventures of two unemployed, crude, and perverted flatmates living in Hammersmith, London. The show's protagonists - Richard "Richie" Richard (played by Rik Mayall) and Edward Elizabeth "Eddie" Hitler (portrayed by Adrian Edmondson) - constantly strive to improve their lives while navigating a world filled with chaotic, nihilistic humor and violent slapstick comedy. In recognition of its unique comedic style featuring prominent characters and cast members, this show was ranked 45th in a BBC poll for Britain's Best Sitcom in 2004.

Is Bottom Worth Your Time?

# 223 of 465 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
# 30 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 254 of 387 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows

Men Behaving Badly

This British sitcom revolves around the lives of two mismatched flatmates and their hilariously misguided attempts at navigating adulthood, relationships, and masculinity. The show's success can be attributed to its witty writing, relatable themes, and the undeniable chemistry between its main cast members - Martin Clunes as the irresponsible Gary Strang and Neil Morrissey as his lovable yet equally flawed best friend Tony Smart. Furthermore, Leslie Ash and Caroline Quentin deliver memorable performances as their respective long-suffering partners Debbie and Dorothy, adding depth to this entertaining exploration of modern manhood.

Is Men Behaving Badly Worth Your Time?

# 38 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
# 43 of 46 on The Best American Versions of British Shows
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Clunky title aside, 'Cunk on Earth' is a mockumentary with cult classic potential

David Bianculli

Ill-informed TV correspondent Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) travels around the world in Cunk on Earth. Andrea Gambadoro/Netflix hide caption

Ill-informed TV correspondent Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) travels around the world in Cunk on Earth.

Diane Morgan stars in the new five-part Netflix mockumentary series Cunk on Earth , but viewers in the U.S. might not recognize her — unless they saw her as one of the supporting players in the Ricky Gervais comedy series After Life . But in Great Britain, Morgan's been on TV for years, especially playing one recurring character.

Ten years ago, Black Mirror co-creator Charlie Brooker wrote and hosted a British comedy series, Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe. It was a satirical review of the week's news — part The Daily Show , and part, if you want to go way, way back, That Was the Week That Was . Morgan was one of the featured players on Weekly Wipe, playing a TV correspondent named Philomena Cunk. Cunk isn't very well-informed, and she's prone to mispronunciations and malapropisms, but she says what she thinks — and what she thinks is often very, very funny.

In the U.K., the character was then spun off into several sequels, either limited series or one-shot specials: Cunk on Shakespeare , Cunk on Britain , Cunk and Other Humans . They all have the same winning formula: Philomena is sent to real exotic locations around the world, to offer her observations and interview actual experts — all of whom are polite and befuddled in equal measure.

Cunk on Earth is in the same sweeping, visually stunning tradition of such historical documentaries as Civilisation or Connections – except the correspondent and interviewer is less Kenneth Clark or James Burke, and more Borat or Jiminy Glick. That's the setup — and you don't have to have any prior exposure to Philomena Cunk to get up to speed instantly.

The opening of Cunk on Earth cuts between scenes of Philomena standing amid quiet nature and loud city streets, establishing the premise of her newest TV show. Over the show's five episodes, she travels from Pompeii to Russia to the Pyramids in Egypt. Philomena shoots one segment in front of the Mona Lisa , and, for another, descends into a cave to look at ancient cave paintings, just as Werner Herzog did in one of his documentaries. But he was in awe. Philomena, shining her flashlight onto the crude drawings of animals and people, is so unimpressed, she turns her flashlight off.

Despite her lack of enthusiasm and perspective, Cunk on Earth does contain a lot of actual information — thanks to the endlessly patient experts, who gently correct her misconceptions. Morgan's delivery is deliciously dry, and her improv skills, reacting to what historians say in their interviews with her, are formidable. She gets a writing credit for additional material, and absolutely deserves it.

Black Mirror came over from England as an oddball series and an acquired taste, and quickly grew into a cult hit. This new, wider Netflix platform for Cunk on Earth may accomplish the same thing. It's a terrible title — but it's a really funny show.

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“Travel Man,” Richard Ayoade’s Travel Show for People Who Hate Travel

By Sarah Larson

There are many kinds of travel shows—just as there are many kinds of travellers—and many ways in which they can intrigue or repel us. This summer, I watched quite a few, as I was taking an uncharacteristically ambitious trip and wanted a sense of what I was in for. I set my DVR to auto-record shows about Copenhagen, the Faroe Islands, Tuscany, and France, and then marvelled at the breadth of its harvest. There was “ The Wine Show ,” in which the actors Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys bopped around Tuscany, sampling vintages and rolling a wine barrel up a hill; the peppily question-and-answer-filled “ Curious Traveler ,” with Christine van Blokland, punctuated with “Huh?” and “Ah!” sound effects; “ Parts Unknown ,” Anthony Bourdain ’s singular cultural reconnaissance via food; and the ubiquitous Rick Steves , bringing his bountiful tips and deflatingly Stevesian sensibility to every corner of Europe. All of this was informative but alienating: these travellers were nothing like me, and I wouldn’t travel like them. It was hard to imagine myself in their shoes. Then I discovered “Travel Man.”

“ Travel Man: 48 Hours in . . . ” is a British series in which the comedian, writer, actor, and director Richard Ayoade spends forty-eight hours in a city, accompanied by various friends—“some of the most available and affordable names in light ent,” as he puts it—and tells us about what to do there. “Mini-breaks are a swirling nebula of nonsense!” he says at the top of “ Copenhagen ,” during a brisk montage of him in Venice, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Moscow. “How can anyone go somewhere new and be expected to enjoy themselves without a decade to decompress?” Exactly , I thought. This is the show for me. Ayoade is perhaps best known from the beloved British sitcom “ The IT Crowd ,” in which he and Chris O’Dowd co-starred as I.T. guys, and for his films “ Submarine ” (2010) and “ The Double ” (2013), which he wrote and directed. “Travel Man” began in 2015, as a spinoff of a show called “ Gadget Man ,” which Ayoade had taken over, as host, from Stephen Fry . He’s far more ubiquitous in the U.K. than he is in the States, but he seems due for an American embiggening .

On “Travel Man,” Ayoade is fun to look at (snappy suits, thick-framed glasses, expression of amused diffidence) and fun to listen to. (Of a monastery turned hotel in Naples, he says, “As well as modish guff, like a rooftop pool and a spa, it retains attractive old shiz, like staircases dug into the hillside.”) His persona is warmly amused, broadly skeptical, and gently astringent—i.e., British. He’s not a joiner. His intros conclude with him saying, in that episode’s particular city and with that episode’s particular guest, “We’re here, but should we have come?” It’s a refreshing tone for a travel series—somewhere between jumping in with both feet and looking askance at everything on earth, including the notion of fun on a weekend getaway. Where Rick Steves adopts an attitude of agreeable derring-do—in Siena, while wearing a Drago contrada neckerchief at a Drago contrada feast before the inter- contrada horse race, Steves says, “Even if I don’t fully understand what’s happening, the excitement is contagious and the wine is delightful!”—Ayoade does things like approach a toboggan on a snowy Norwegian hillside while muttering, “Generally, anything that requires a helmet, I avoid.” He makes it known that he’s happiest in bookstores, not in pre-vomit scenarios or places where lots of people are screaming, and then dutifully boards a hundred-year-old wooden roller coaster in Tivoli Gardens, looking apprehensive.

“Travel Man” is helpful, too. Ayoade gives practical information up top, such as the city’s population, the annual number of tourists, and historic cultural distinctions—which include, for Copenhagen, “Hans Christian Andersen, Sandi Toksvig , Lego, the pedal bin, and my old adversary, the pH scale.” Little price tags pop up onscreen to indicate how many pounds things cost—flights, hotels, food, handy gear. Whether it’s relevant to you or not, the practical information helps create a vivid impression. Ayoade and his guest tend to stay in hotels that are unusual and fancier than I can afford, but pleasing to vicariously enjoy. “The luxury Belvedere suite offers a well-wide view of Vienna, as well as a display hammock,” Ayoade says, entering his hotel room. “But I have no time for display hammocks!” He bats aside the hammock as he breezes past it. “Unpacking squanders time and is a bourgeois indulgence,” he says, briskly hanging up his clothes rack-cum-duffel bag (“£90 approx”). He sometimes claims the fancier lodgings for himself, part of an amusing recurring tactic of being discourteous to his companion. (His comic rudeness can remind me of Jemaine on “ Flight of the Conchords ,” if Jemaine were not such a dim bulb.) In Vienna, Ayoade has “arranged something bespoke,” outside, for Chris O’Dowd: an Airstream trailer from 1952. (“I know how much you like to be near a major highway,” he says.) In Marrakech, when Stephen Mangan, trying to navigate them out of an alley, says, “My map says that way, but my heart says that way,” Ayoade, beaming, replies, “Let’s go with the map, rather than your rotten heart.”

Having a companion join in, besides providing “the illusion of bonhomie,” as Ayoade says, is a smart way to offset the slightly embarrassing explanatory nature of a travel show—there’s less of a false intimacy between viewer and host. Instead, we see Ayoade and friend in action together, bombing around town via bicycle, funicular, hot rod, tank taxi, horse-drawn carriage, camel, Vespa, or tuk-tuk (“Lisbon’s steep slopin’ need not ruin your scopin’,” he says). The show’s editing of their adventures is energetic, occasionally near-Eisensteinian; it feels efficient and encourages the notion, however accurate, that travel is bracing and jolly. Ayoade and friend combine visiting attractions that we would expect, like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (“It calls for a brief pause in glibness”), with the less expected: golfing in Tenerife, a doll hospital in Lisbon , a cave tour in Slovenia. The show’s most famous scene is undoubtedly its hair-raising trip to a Vienna snow-globe museum —I’ll let you discover it for yourself—but that episode features an equally funny scene at the Sigmund Freud Museum, during a conversation involving Darth Vader’s helmet.

“Travel Man” is not necessarily best enjoyed in a binge. (There are nine short seasons and three Christmas specials.) Too much at once can highlight the effort involved in its stars’ banter, and you occasionally worry that Ayoade’s companion won’t be quite as fun as he is, a worry that is sometimes justified. But enjoyed responsibly, the potent, savory series provides what you most seek from a travel show: a sense of a place and an idea of how you might find yourself in it. It combines TV’s particular efficiency in revealing the sights and sounds of a destination with the sense of what an amiable neurotic might experience there. At this point in my year, having long since returned from my adventures in Europe, I am mere months into the decade I’ll need to decompress from even one fjord. Part of that process involves recreational “Travel Man,” where Ayoade adventures so I don’t have to. “This is the sexiest place on the planet,” a Miami skipper tells him proudly, on a boat tour. “People come here to have a good time and let loose and have fun.”

“Sounds like hell,” Ayoade says.

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By Helen Rosner

The best British comedy TV shows

Our guide to some of the very best British comedy TV shows available to watch now.

Fancy a laugh? Well, we've got a barrel full of them, Brit style. We've compiled a best British comedy TV shows guide, bringing you some of the finest UK comedy — from iconic sitcom of the 70s, Fawlty Towers , to the more recent Derry Girls and This Country .

With details of where to watch and what the critics said, here is a selection of side-splittingly brilliant British comedy shows for you to enjoy, whichever side of the pond you're on.

Here are the best British comedy TV shows...

'fawlty towers'.

What's it about? Widely regarded as the finest British sitcom of all time, Fawlty Towers follows the farcical misadventures and countless humiliations of pompous, social-climbing hotelier Basil Fawlty and his feisty but charming wife, Sybil.

Helping the couple - who spend so much time trading acerbic insults you wonder how they ever got married - run the hotel are loyal chambermaid Polly, always on hand to fix the latest crisis, and eager Spanish waiter Manuel, who speaks minimal English and often finds himself on the receiving end of Basil's short temper.

Actor John Cleese (who played the lead role and also co-created the show) was inspired to pen the comedy after staying in a hotel in Torquay and encountering its own snobbish, rude owner, who showed as much disdain for his guests as Basil.

Mr Fawlty may have often been a victim of circumstance, but let's just say his establishment wouldn't have rated highly on Trip Advisor! Cleverly and neatly plotted, Fawlty Towers only ran for two series, but the popularity of these 12 episodes has endured and inspired writers of other comedy shows to follow suit.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Number of seasons: 2

Episodes: 12

Average episode length: 30 minutes

What the critics say: The Independent says, "What ought to be beyond argument is that Fawlty Towers , so far as British sitcoms are concerned, is the best of the bunch. It is also, most importantly, the funniest."

'Only Fools and Horses'

What's it about? Set in Peckham, South London, the show focuses on the numerous and nearly always disastrous, money-making missions of cheeky market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter ( Sir David Jason ) and his younger brother, Rodney ( Nicholas Lyndhurst ).

Perennially hopeful, wheeler-dealer Del is determined to achieve his dream of becoming a rich yuppy, and ropes Rodney, their grandad, and later their Uncle Albert, into all manner of ludicrous, and mainly illegal, schemes.

Despite the ridiculousness, and Rodney being under Del's thumb, the Trotter brothers' relationship is genuinely heartwarming, and the excellent subsidiary characters - including gormless road sweep Trigger, smug car salesman Boycie and his bubbly missus Marlene, lorry driver Denzil, and later Del and Rodney's respective wives, Raquel and Cassandra - only add to the hilarity. "This time next year, we'll be millionaires," Del pledges in almost every episode - tune in to find out if the Trotters ever did make their fortune.

Number of seasons: 7

Episodes: 64 (with 16 Christmas specials)

Average episode length: 30 minutes (Series 1-5), 50 minutes (Series 6-7), 35-90 minutes (Christmas Specials)

What we say: " Del Boy is probably one of the greatest ever British comedy characters and the longevity of this show is tantamount to the sheer genius and amazing stamina of writer John Sullivan."

'The Office'

What's it about? Anyone who's ever found themselves stuck in a dead-end job won't help but feel a shuddering sense of reality watching this mockumentary based on the mundane lives of colleagues at Slough-based paper merchant, Wernham-Hogg.

In charge at the office is David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais in his breakout role) - the deluded and socially inept general manager who boasts about his ability to use humour to lead his workforce. However, the joke's on David, as he goes to excruciating lengths to try and impress with his inappropriate wisecracks and impressions, but ends up looking a right plonker.

Equally cringe-worthy is Brent's second in command, rigid jobsworth Gareth Keenan, who tries to laud it over his co-workers, particularly sales rep Tim Canterbury. Poor Tim's clearly bored senseless flogging paper but creates his own amusement by pranking Gareth, with the help of receptionist Dawn Tinsley, who he harbours feelings for. Their slow-burning will they/won't they love story adds a touching, emotional quality amongst all the gaffes.

Episodes: 14

What the critics say: The Guardian says, "The Office didn't invent the comedy of awkwardness or realism but it finessed and polished it into something approaching high art. And, like high art, it will age well."

'Absolutely Fabulous'

What's it about? Prepare yourselves for the outrageous, hedonistic antics of PR agent Edina Monsoon ( Jennifer Saunders ) and her BFF, magazine fashion editor Patsy Stone ( Joanna Lumley ). This pair of high-powered selfish divas drink, smoke, and drug-take their way through life in London, chasing any fads in a desperate attempt to remain young and on-trend.

With her bouffant beehive and cigarette practically stuck between her lips, Patsy is the enabler of the two, much to the frustration of Edina's long-suffering teenage daughter, Saffron, a sensible aspiring writer who's constantly having to mother her wayward parent. Stellar in their supporting roles are Edina's mum, referred to as 'Mother', who is seemingly indifferent to her daughter's debauched lifestyle, and her daft as a brush personal assistant, Bubble. Give it a watch, sweetie darling!

Number of seasons: 5

Episodes: 32 (plus 7 specials)

Average episode length: 30 - 60 minutes

What the critics say: Variety says, "Absolutely unique, absolutely rude and absolutely politically incorrect."

'Derry Girls'

What's it about? Set in 1990's Northern Ireland, Derry Girls follows five school friends - leader of the pack Erin, eccentric Orla, goody-two-shoes Clare (played by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan ), rebel Michelle and her cousin from England, James - as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being an adolescent against a backdrop of political conflict.

But despite the poignant ever-looming threat of war, Erin and her posse are determined to keep calm and carry on, not letting anything stand in their way of getting up to all the normal teen shenanigans. All four girls (plus James, who's sent there by his family his own protection) attend Catholic school Our Lady Immaculate - run by the deliciously cynical Sister Michael, whose scathing sense of humour is reason enough to give the show a whirl.

Where to watch: Netflix

Average episode length: 22 minutes

What the critics say: Vox says, "At its best, Derry Girls hits the emotional intersection of cringe, earnestness, and slapstick."

'The Thick of It'

What's it about? Savagely satirising the British government (during the Blair, Brown, and Cameron years), this sitcom is based in the fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship - or DoSAC for short.

In charge is hopeless minister Hugh Abbott, who tries to implement new policies, but predictably ends up making a mess of it all and needs the Prime Minister's foul-mouthed, manic head of communications, Malcolm Tucker to step in and save the day. Everyone in DoSAC is a little intimidated by super sweary spin doctor Malcolm, played to perfection by the brilliant Peter Capaldi, and it's not hard to see why. Tucker's iconic aggressive expletive-filled rants and complete and utter contempt for the minister and his other co-workers will leave you howling.

Number of seasons: 4

Episodes: 23

Average episode length: 29 minutes

What the critics say: Vulture says, "There's simply nothing to rival the comic creation of Malcolm Tucker."

'The Inbetweeners'

What's it about? Get ready to cringe watching a gang of four sexually inexperienced sixth-form boys and their doomed attempts to be the kind of guys girls go crazy for.

Neither part of the cool 'in crowd' or total nerds, the inbetweeners comprise of lead character and show narrator Will Mackenzie, a briefcase-carrying boffin forced to leave his former private school for state education following his parent's divorce, shy but short-tempered Simon Cooper who lusts after his childhood friend Carli D'Amarto, vulgar sex-obsessed Jay Cartwright who's full of tales about his imaginary conquests, and nice but dim Neil Sutherland.

Living in sleepy suburbia, Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil hatch plans to make their lives more thrilling - like bunking off school to get drunk and organising a lad's day out at Thorpe Park - but somehow their silly exploits always ends in embarrassment and disaster, especially if their fun-stealing head of year Mr Gilbert's got anything to do with it.

Number of seasons: 3

Episodes: 18

Average episode length: 25 minutes

What the critics say: The Independent says, " It is funny because you will have met blokes with elements of Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil; lovable losers who use bravado and jokes to disguise the inner turmoil they are ill-equipped to deal with."

'Motherland'

What's it about? The juggle is real for middle-class London mum Julia ( Anna Maxwell Martin ), who's trying to hold down a demanding job and look after the kids, whilst getting zero help from her useless husband Paul. But when her ageing mother declares she's had enough of being an unpaid babysitter, Julia's forced to make friends with the other mums at her children's school.

On hand to offer Julia moral support are straight-talking single parent Liz, who refreshingly couldn't give a toss what anyone thinks of her, and drippy stay-at-home dad Kevin, who's pathetically desperate to get in with the clique of mums that meet in their local coffee shop. Queen bee of the ladies who sit together sipping their lattes is the impossibly put-together, Amanda, who despite appearing sympathetic to Julia's stresses is actually a bit of a snide cow, particularly to her adoring friend Anne.

Although not based on a true story, if you're a parent then what's the betting you've encountered at least one of these stereotypes standing at the school gates.

Episodes: 19

Average episode length: 27 minutes

What the critics say: The Evening Standard says, "With its acutely observed characters, knockout cast and knack for wringing hilarity from the most banal of events, Motherland is an unhinged delight."

'The Royle Family'

What's it about? The show centres on the lives of Mancunian family, The Royles, who love nothing better than watching television in their living room. Head of the family is couch potato Jim, a workshy slob who spends most of his life sitting in his armchair and is prone to outbursts, frequently using his catchphrase "my arse".

Barbara is Jim's long-suffering wife and mum to their two kids - daughter Denise, a chain-smoking layabout who's just as bone idle as her dad, and son Anthony, who's always lumped with the task of opening the door to guests and making a round of teas.

Competing the family are Denise's dim-witted other-half Dave, and Barbara's elderly mum Norma (aka Nana), who isn't Jim's favourite person. Although let's just say the feeling's totally mutual.

Episodes: 25

What we say: We say, "With both the acting and writing completely on point, The Royle Family is a masterclass in social observation comedy."

'The IT Crowd'

What's it about? Another comedy set in an office - this time the IT department of fictional Reynholm Industries in London. The series revolves around three staff members. First up is computer programming geek Maurice Moss, who's uber-intelligent, but painfully shy and socially awkward.

Working alongside him is idle Irish technician Roy Trenneman (played by actor Chris O'Dowd in his pre- Bridesmaids days), who despises his job and his idea of fixing a colleague's IT crisis is telling them to switch their computer off and turn it on again. Helpful!

In charge of the boys is IT manager Jen Barber, who's new to the business and despite listing a whole host of technical skills on her CV, actually knows sweet FA about computers. Maurice, Roy, and Jen are mainly confined to the dingy basement of their office, cut off from the rest of their colleagues and lacking in any kind of natural sunlight. But slowly but surely a warm bond begins to develop between this unlikely trio.

Average episode length: 24 minutes

What the critics say: The Guardian says, " The IT Crowd is, in many ways, an unashamedly traditional sitcom, but it still manages to feel fresh and different through its use of tech language and embrace of geek culture."

'The Vicar of Dibley'

What's it about? Back in 1994, two years after the Church of England finally allowed female ministers to be ordained (hallelujah!), the inimitable Reverend Geraldine Grainger (played by comedy legend Dawn French ) arrived in the fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley, much to the horror of the residents who were expecting a new male vicar.

It's clear from the off Geraldine's going to need the patience of a saint dealing with all the quirks of her parishioners, which include dappy verger Alice Tinker, haughty parish councillor David Horton and his affable son Hugo, dull parish clerk Frank, amorous farmer Owen, appalling cook Letitia, and Jim Trott with his constant "no, no, no, no" dithering.

Episodes: 20

Average episode length: 35 minutes

What we say: We say, "This multi-award-winning sitcom is pure classic British humour."

'This Country'

What's it about? Created, written by, and starring real-life siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper, the mockumentary follows the day-to-day lives of cousins Kerry and Lee "Kurtan" Mucklowe, in their snoozy little Cotswolds village.

Seemingly unable (and/or unwilling) to break free from the confines of their close-knit rural community, Kerry and Kurtan spend their time creating trivial amusement and fixating on the most pointless things - like Kurtan's determination to win the annual village competition, or Kerry hanging around with a group of kids almost half her age. Trying, and often failing, to offer the cousins some much-needed direction is the ever-patient local vicar, Reverend Francis Seaton, who acts as a sort of mentor/father figure.

Other locals include a terrifying hard woman (and wannabe tattoo artist) Mandy, grumpy old man Len who looks like he could do with a good wash, and Kerry's vile excuse for a dad, Martin. The more you watch, the more you realise what a clever drama the Coopers have created with their perfectly observed characters.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

What the critics say: The Guardian says, "It’s a comedy of desperation, but it’s also perfectly observed."

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Laura has been a journalist for over a decade, writing about soaps, TV entertainment, fashion, beauty, and food. After graduating from university, she started her career working at a national soap and TV magazine. During her seven-year stint there she joined the cast of Emmerdale for a tour around the famous village, partied with soap stars at awards bashes, interviewed her acting idol David Suchet, and sat in the front row of Strictly Come Dancing .

Her heart lies with the soaps, and her all-time favourite character has to be EastEnders ' Pat Butcher - no one rocked a big earring quite like her. She's also a huge fan of detective crime dramas, particularly old school Inspector Morse, Endeavour, and adaptations of Agatha Christie's Marple and Poirot. When she's not writing, she loves a spot of second-hand shopping and going on adventures with her young son.

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The Definitive Guide to British Comedy TV Since Fawlty Towers

The British are coming, and they want to invade your television. With … laughter.

Look, we get it. That opening sentence wasn’t too witty of a quip. Feel free to think of your own! But do you know what actually is funny? So funny, in fact, that it’s guaranteed to make your stomach clench so hard that it basically doubles as doing crunches? Comedies from across the pond, which have consistently been in a flourishing state even after the supposed “golden era” ended with Monty Python taking its last bow in 1974 or Fawlty Towers cursing out its final customer in 1979.

As a means of putting together a guide to the finest telly the Brits have to offer, Vulture has compiled what we consider to be 25 of the best comedies that have premiered since Basil Fawlty’s farewell — paying special attention to their influence, innovation, and critical acclaim in the evolution of modern comedy as we know it. Arrange your queues accordingly, and maybe whip up a Pimm’s Cup if you’re feeling feisty, because we have a lot of ground to cover.

Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)

Giving a whole lot of heart to an otherwise gloomy council-flat lifestyle, Only Fools and Horses revolves around the Trotter family, all of whom are kind enough to indulge its patriarch, cheekily named Del Boy, with his various “get rich quick” schemes as a Cockney shop trader — even if his schemes mostly turn out to be a whole load of bollocks. Still, Del Boy’s unwavering dedication to one day becoming a member of the millionaire club to support his family keeps his younger brother, grandfather, and later uncle from turning their backs, the occasional black-market scuffle be damned. Now, if only he can find some legal goods to make those dreams a reality.

‘Allo ‘Allo! (1982–1992)

A mustachioed café owner’s gotta do what a mustachioed café owner’s gotta do to stay in business during World War II, even if that means getting intertwined with every demographic in his uniquely occupied French town — whether it’s serving up brewskis to the Nazis at the bar and hiding stolen paintings on their behalf, or allowing British soldiers to shack up in his family’s apartment with some radio equipment to spy on those Nazis. Anything to make an honest dollar, so the saying goes! However, if his wife finds out he’s cheating on her with the café’s waitresses, his main problem might not even be war-related at all. How ironic.

Blackadder (1983–1989)

Rowan Atkinson’s reign as a British comedy scion officially began with Blackadder , a four-season sitcom woven together as a bizarro “historical” anthology. Atkinson portrays a clever grouch named Edmund Blackadder , who, while maintaining the same cynical and opportunistic personality, changes era and social status every season by means of being a familial descendant — a prince in the Middle Ages, an Elizabethan lord, a royal attendant in the Regency, and an army captain during World War I. (A thick-skinned servant named Baldrick is the other constant throughout the series, and a nice foil.) Funny enough, the further these Blackadders progress in the millennium, the weaker their prominence becomes in society. Not that the man himself would ever admit to that.

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Let the power of Atkinson continue to compel you with Mr. Bean , a character who’s pretty much the complete antithesis of that Blackadder fellow. Almost always mute, a lover of buffoonery, and incapable of walking down a street without difficulty, Bean is more reminiscent of a 3-year-old experiencing the joys of the outside world for the first time as opposed to a fully developed 30-something man with shit to do — but the folks around him sure don’t seem to mind his antics. You’d think creating chaos out of simple situations would exercise its appeal after a few episodes, but clearly you’ve never seen Atkinson use an escalator.

Jeeves and Wooster (1990–1993)

Airing concurrently with their equally terrific sketch series A Bit of Fry & Laurie , dignified Cambridge gents Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry breathed new comedic life — with a healthy side of drama — into P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves canon with Jeeves and Wooster . Wooster, a well-mannered dandy who always finds a way to get into trouble, and Jeeves, his penguin-suited valet who always knows how to get him out of said trouble, serve as our optics into the silly world of Britain’s 1930s idle class, which mostly consists of bachelors standing around with Martinis, complaining about the weather, and dodging engagement s (both the social and romantic ones). If only life could be this laissez-faire for everyone.

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

Half sitcom, half comedy of errors, you can probably decipher what Keeping Up Appearances deals with by its name alone — a snobbish, comfortably middle-class housewife named Hyacinth has aspirations to reach that sweet, sweet elite class of people despite her perfectly fine life, and will stop at nothing until she cons her way into the one percent. (Her last name is Bucket, but it’s pronounced Bouquet to you. Double flora for the win!) Hyacinth’s husband, bless his heart, somehow deals with all of this nonsense, even if that means conceding to this new surname pronunciation or indulging her frequent dinner parties to impress the neighbors. Go ahead and diagnose her, viewers!

Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012)

What do you mean you haven’t watched this yet, sweetie darling? The terrible, no good, very bad decisions of Edina ( Jennifer Saunders ) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) might make you feel better about your sporadically ill-advised life choices, especially since the duo makes all of those amphetamine cocktails and cigarettes, look, well, simply fabulous . The crux of Ab Fab is that Edina, a PR rep, and Patsy, a floating fashion director of some sort, just want to evade responsibilities and have a bloody good time with their elite circle of London enablers, much to the chagrin of Edina’s increasingly bitter daughter. (Frankly? We can’t blame her at times.) These dames might be in their 40s, but they could drink a pack of bushy-tailed frat boys to their deaths. With pleasure! And a side of Marlboros!

The Vicar of Dibley (1994–2007)

When the Church of England finally entered the modern age in 1992 by allowing female ministers to be ordained, the BBC smartly found a way to capitalize on humor that could emerge from such a situation: by creating The Vicar of Dibley , a sitcom that finds a rambunctious lady vicar with a penchant for chocolate (Dawn French, a true comedy icon) taking up shop in a rural village that appears, at first, to be the worst possible village for her personality and holy talents. She just had to be a woman, the traditional folk cry out! Of course, everybody starts to warm to the arrangement in due time, and before they know it, Dibley without her is simply unfathomable.

The Day Today (1994)

Prior to the concept of “satirical news program” picking up steam in America, The Day Today served as a six-episode master class on how a show could create an effective template for parodying, well, just about everything going on in the news. Unlike other late-night programs that went on to critique legitimate current affairs, though, Day Today ’s whole shtick was that it would weave absurd, fictional stories around actual news footage for the surrealist narrative they wanted to create, on top of segments that just flat-out mocked the country. (Example: “Bomb dogs” being released in London by the IRA, causing mass chaos in the city.) The fake-news snowflakes might go nuts if this type of thing aired in 2018, but who are we to judge.

Father Ted (1995–1998)

Perhaps we’d see a vast uptick in Roman Catholic devotees if all priests were as delightful as the ones in Father Ted , who roam the fictional Craggy Island with iron-silly fists and even sillier backstories. Banished to this extremely Irish locale for various unpriestly reasons — don’t go to Vegas on parish funds, you seminary students! — Fathers Ted, Dougal, and Jack try to make the best of their new surroundings, although that mostly includes dodging their overbearing parochial housekeeper and trying to assert their dominance over an annoying Father from another island. Oh, and they’re pretty good at their jobs, if you care about that sort of thing. Half of the time, anyway.

I’m Alan Partridge (1997–2002)

Few would argue that Steve Coogan’s delightfully unhinged TV presenter turned radio DJ character is his most important comedic contribution ; he’s kind of like if Elvis Duran suddenly got a terrible haircut and tactlessly insulted every Top 40 musician who swung by Z100 for a softball interview. But mind you, I’m Alan Partridge ’s protagonist doesn’t even have that much fame — as we find out in the premiere, he’s banished by the BBC due to a medley of offences and is forced to set up shop in the dull city of Norwich, barely hanging on to his sanity with his (1) graveyard time slot and (2) lack of listeners. He also tries to get into the TV biz once again, but we have a feeling you can figure out how well that goes.

Spaced (1999–2001)

The dream team of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright — pre- Cornetto Trilogy ascension — combined their creative forces for good with Spaced , a deliciously surreal sitcom built on the foundation of two 20-somethings who have a chance meeting and decide to con their way into an apartment by pretending to be married — because, yes, even the housing market in new-millennium Britain was that terrible. (It’s important to note that Jessica Hynes was also a co-creator and had equal involvement with the men.) The requisite high jinks ensue when the two try to hide their non-romantic status from their landlady, but the most fun comes from those surreal, acid-trip diversions, one of which will make you look at The A-Team in a completely different light .

Black Books (2000–2004)

Despite rarely making a sale in his envy-inducing London bookshop — à la Hugh Grant in Notting Hill , but with 50 percent more grime — Black Books ’ misanthropic lead Bernard Black comfortably manages to keep to his daily routine of smoking, drinking, and berating customers with limited interruption, eschewing unnecessary contact with anyone who isn’t his two friends. (It would be three friends, but we don’t consider “books” as people. Sorry.) Just don’t be deceived, dear literati. The series may maintain a melancholic aura, but Bernard is mostly a goofy dude who invites Jehovah’s Witnesses into his home to avoid doing taxes. We love a spontaneous man!

Coupling (2000–2004)

If Friends is the innocent girl next door who pops in every now and then for lemonade and crush-talk, Coupling is her older, experienced sister who comes over to dish about all the blow jobs she’s given while buzzed on Smirnoff. From the mind of Steven Moffat — who later went on to spearhead Doctor Who and Sherlock — the sitcom depicts the lurid sexual shenanigans and dating lives of a group of six friends, who are all at the point in their lives when they maybe want to start dialing it down with the trysts and “couple” with a partner for life. Or maybe not. You know how fickle 20-somethings can be.

The Office (2001–2003)

The Office walked so all the other TV mockumentaries could run . Some might be surprised to learn that the original, Ricky Gervais–fronted Office only spanned 12 episodes, but even more surprising is the sheer amount of putting-the-fun-in-dysfunction antics always plaguing the gang’s paper company. Let us repeat: paper company! This is mostly due to Gervais’s infamous David Brent, a general manager so oblivious, a general manager so daft , that you can’t help but feel bad for him. (As much as you can before his next racist or sexist gaffe, that is.) Come for what eventually became Gervais’s most iconic character, and stay for a young Martin Freeman giving googly-eyes to the receptionist.

Peep Show (2003–2015)

Even if you have only the faintest understanding of British comedy, you’d know that David Mitchell and Robert Webb have reigned — completely reigned — over the small screen with their never-ending supply of witticisms and cheek since the early aughts. While we could argue that their That Mitchell and Webb Look sketch series could also be included on this list, Peep Show won out because of how the duo managed to elevate the simple “opposites attract” sitcom trope into something far more innovative, whether with their internal narration or literal “peeping” point-of-view filming style. (The show’s building block is that two best friends of opposite Myers-Briggs personalities share an apartment.) Also, there’s a character named Super Hans, whom we’re presenting without comment in the hopes that you’ll Google him.

Little Britain (2003–2007)

If you like Mitchell and Webb but wish they would, hmm, put more energy into acerbically critiquing and dissecting the societal norms of British culture, allow us to recommend two other chaps in their place: Matt Lucas and David Walliams. With Little Britain , the duo rides a carousel of off-kilter characters who “best” represent the country’s faces in this postmodern time, ranging from a quintessentially chavvy teenage girl to a lazy guy in a wheelchair who doesn’t actually need a wheelchair. Britain doesn’t come off looking so hot, but that’s not really the point, innit? A little self-deprecating humor never hurt anyone .

The Mighty Boosh (2004–2007)

Drop some acid and allow the bizarre, Technicolor world of The Mighty Boosh to melt the retinas off your eyeballs. There really isn’t an easy way to explain the surrealist vision of Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, whose show stemmed from their comedy troupe of the same name. All you need to know is that they play two aspiring musicians living on another universe with an alien and gorilla as pals, with sonic-defying musical vignettes woven in for good measure. (Remember the “ I’m old Gregg ” sound bite from a few years ago? It came from here.) Just as Terry Gilliam’s animation was integral for Monty Python , so is Barratt’s “crimp” music for Boosh.

The Thick of It (2005–2012)

Your Rolodex of colorful insults will increase threefold, at the minimum , after watching Peter Capaldi swagger around with his Blackberry in The Thick of It. (Our favorite? “Fuckity bye!”) Brutally satirizing the entire British government as we know it, everyone from senior ministers to opposition leaders are in for some equal-opportunity bashing, and it might be the highbrow antidote you need to our current, uh, less-than-great political climate. (It should come as no surprise that the show’s creator, The Day Today ’s Armando Iannucci, later went on to create Veep .) But mostly, you’ll emerge sexually confused about spin doctors.

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Like The Office , the workplace shenanigans of The IT Crowd didn’t have to rely on dramatic or surrealist detours to make its mark when all it needed was a good heart. Revolving around two socially inept technology support workers and their ill-equipped “relationship manager” — calling her understanding of tech “rudimentary” would be polite — the trio form a camaraderie thanks to their equal passion for avoiding various aspects of work, which often lead to some memorable outings beyond the confines of their depressing basement office. (Their velvety-voiced boss sometimes finds his way in there, too.) By the time you finish the series, you won’t even realize you have zero idea what their hoity-toity company actually does.

Gavin & Stacey (2007–2010)

Before James Corden moved Stateside to shepherd The Late Late Show into its newest iteration, he co-wrote and starred in what’s arguably the most popular rom-com to ever emerge from the U.K’s television screens: Gavin & Stacey . (There aren’t that many, but still.) It’s a charming and unpretentious story about the evolution of two people following their hearts with a long-distance courtship — one in Britain, the other in Wales — but not without pitfalls, as anyone involved in long-distance courtships with eccentric families could probably tell you. You’ll be openly aww -ing by minute five, we guarantee it.

The Inbetweeners (2008–2010)

While lads-behaving-badly humor doesn’t suit everyone, The Inbetweeners perfectly captured the Zeitgeist of being a millennial teen — or rather, being an average millennial teen — trying to come of age within the confines of a snoozy London suburb with minimum levels of embarrassment. It’s easier said than done, but at the end of the day our quartet of protagonists — boys of varying degrees of silliness — just want to shout “Bus wankers!” at random people and maybe even seduce a “bird” or two if they’re lucky. They’re harmless, but their terrible decision-making skills might give you flashbacks of your own youth.

Fresh Meat (2011–2016)

In a way, Fresh Meat serves as a natural comedic continuation to The Inbetweeners . (It doesn’t hurt that the shows share the same leading straight guy, either.) A diverse group of “freshers” meet at a university and have the (dis)pleasure of sharing a house with each other as they navigate their way through the dreaded first year. The first year, though, soon turns into the second and third year, and all of their hedonistic hangs and general eschewal of work somehow — unsurprisingly — ends in a ton of debt and a daunting lack of job prospects. There’s poignant commentary about higher education in there somewhere.

Catastrophe (2015–present)

Rob Delaney jumped from Twitter jokester to bona fide acting jokester with Catastrophe , which intimately follows the aftermath of a weeklong bang fest between an American man and Irish woman (Sharon Horgan) due to a pregnancy from their many, many trysts. Surprising: how the man packs up his things and promptly moves across the Atlantic to support his new lady in the concrete jungle of London. Even more surprising: how they’re actually a match made in rom-com heaven, a palatable mix of warmth and bite that makes it easy to imagine them as your personal friends. Hey, that’s realism for you.

Fleabag (2016–present)

On a surface level, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is about a self-professed “greedy, perverted, selfish, apathetic, cynical, depraved, morally bankrupt” woman trying to shag and drink her way through London as she lives out her remaining youngish years with maximum enjoyment, however destructive it might be. (She also, somehow, manages a café.) But through all her fourth-wall-breaking narrations and nods is someone using the noir est of black humor to cope with a profound loss, the loss of which, however voyeuristically, we get to reap the comedic rewards of in its aftermath.

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The Travel Sisters

Best travel shows to watch right now (on tv, netflix, amazon prime & other streaming services).

by The Travel Sisters | Oct 20, 2020 | Travel Inspiration | 3 comments

And if you are looking for more travel related things to watch, here is a list of the best travel movies of all time .

Related: Best Credit Cards to Use for Streaming Services

Best Travel Shows and Series

Pin Best Travel Shows to Watch on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime and More Streaming Services

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

The following travel shows and series are available on Netflix only.

Ugly Delicious

Recommended by Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less

Ugly Delicious is a relatively new food focused travel show that follows celebrity chef David Chang, founder of Momofuku, as he explores both across the United States and internationally. The episodes are loose and casual, showing Chang investigating the history of different regional cuisines and food rivalries. His guests range widely including other chefs, writers, actors, and artists, but they tend to share similar air time to the restaurant owners and people off the street. The focus blurs between culture and personal, feeling like you’re the fly on a wall while interesting people who love food hang out and chat about it. There’s no way to watch it and not be itching to travel to a new region and try some of the foods they highlight!

Travels With My Father

Recommended by Lee from The Travel Scribes

From the moment they touchdown in Bangkok, Thailand and make their way to the famous Khao San Road, the Netflix series Travels with my Father will capture your heart, and tickle your funny bone.

Chronicling the experiences of British father and son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, this laugh a minute series not only showcases some of the globe’s most famous destinations but features the offbeat, slightly sarcastic relationship between Jack, a 30-something comedian still longing for his backpacker days and Michael, his elderly ever-suffering dad. The drama (and the giggles) are mostly driven by the vastly different travel styles of the two: Jack, the singlet and loud shorts-wearing millennial who is most comfortable in questionable hostels and eating street food and Michael, a slightly uptight luxury traveller who insists on wearing his ‘Sunday best’ on the streets of Southeast Asia and checking into five star hotels.

The show, now in its third season, sees the unlikely pair traverse the globe with jaunts in South East Asia, Europe and, more recently, a tour of the USA. This is must-watch viewing for anyone who loves British comedy and travel, in each measure.

Somebody Feed Phil

Recommended by Amber from Food And Drink Destinations

From the creator of the hit comedy series, Everyone Loves Raymond, comes the Netflix food travel series, Somebody Feed Phil. Following the culinary journeys of Phil Rosenthal, Somebody Feed Phil presents food travel from the “average” travelers perspective. Phil is by no means a food professional like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern. Phil is an easy going family man who just happens to LOVE food. Over 2 seasons and 12 episodes, Phil with his mall crew, including his brother, travel to some of the best food destinations around the world. Phil’s childlike enthusiasm for each new destination, cuisine and culinary experience is priceless. His inquisitive nature and ability to connect with people makes Somebody Feed Phil a one of a kind culinary travel show. For those interested in traveling for food, Somebody Feed Phil attempts to alleviate the fear of trying the local food. It’s certainly worth watching. Netflix has also previously announced a season 3 with episodes scheduled to air sometime in 2020.

Dark Tourist

Recommended by Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

Nowadays, travel is often painted as an Instagrammable pastime. Yet, there is a surge of tourists who are looking for quite the opposite and want to see the not-so-glamorous parts of the world. We’re not talking off the beaten path. We’re talking more about what happens behind closed doors and what rumors try to speculate. The trend of traveling and diving into the taboo and unknown comes to life in the Netflix show, “ Dark Tourist .”

Whether it’s visiting radioactive nuclear sites or learning about gruesome assassinations, it’s the sense of forbiddenness or coveted secrets that these tourists ache for. Have you ever wondered why people are so enthralled by serial killer documentaries? The same thrill takes place in these destinations. (Don’t worry, there’s a Jeffrey Dahmer tour for you true crime aficionados.) Dark tourism profits off exposing the occult or veiled history of these locales.

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Our Planet is one of David Attenborough’s latest documentary series and was made directly for Netflix. Like all his other series, this one is beautifully shot, highly informative and well-loved by all the family. What sets One Planet apart from some of the others however is the focus upon how human life and global warming are destroying these natural havens. Attenborough takes us to some of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth before showing us the tragic consequences that have left other, similar areas barren wastelands.

Alternating between land and sea, you’ll go to the desert, the depths of the ocean, the jungles and the coast. This is an important one for avid travellers because it will jointly inspires us to travel more of the world’s secluded locations but also to do so in a way which doesn’t disturb our planet.

Emily in Paris

Recommended by Matilda

Emily in Paris is about a young American woman who lands a job in a Parisian marketing firm. The show was created by the same person as Sex and The City and has a similar vibe only instead of New York heavily features Paris. It is fun, somewhat campy and an easy watch. While I wouldn’t recommend it as an entirely accurate portrayal of French culture, the scenery is absolutely beautiful and reminds me why Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities.

Best Travel Shows on TV, Amazon Prime Video and Other Streaming Services

The following travel shows and series are available on TV, Amazon Prime Video and/or various streaming services (such as Hulu).

Related: Best Credit Cards to Use For Amazon Purchases

An Idiot Abroad

Recommended by Haley Plotkin, Ready Set Jet Set

An Idiot Abroad is a hysterical British travel docu-series following Karl Pilkington, a man that one could call an “idiot savant”. What everyone has to know about Karl is, he really does not like to travel. Knowing this, his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who one may know as famous British comedic actors, send Karl on epic adventures all across the world, with some twists and pranks along the way. These are the kind of trips that most people would kill for, but to Karl, he’d rather be home with a cup of tea. One of the highlights of the show is the Karl-isms along the way, such as: “The Great Pyramid is overrated. It’s a bad design. The lounge is going to be huge, but the bedroom is going to be tiny.” This is really not your typical travel show, and that’s what makes it a must-watch!

Where to Watch: This show is a few years old, so it is not currently airing anywhere in the US (it was created for Sky TV in the UK). In the US, you can buy it digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime , Vudu , and iTunes .

The Layover

Recommended by Paula Morgan from Expert Abroad

The Layover was just one of the many travel shows that featured everyone’s favourite food traveller Anthony Bourdain. It aired for three seasons between 2011-2013 and after watching the very first episode on a 48-hour visit to New York it will likely change the way you travel forever.

No longer will you book the fastest trip to your destination. A stopover is not viewed as a hardship it is now something to embrace. The series covered 20 cities and racing against the clock Bourdain showed the audience the best things to eat, see and do, usually with a knowledgeable local as his sidekick.

The pace at times seems a little exhausting and you may not manage to cover as much in your 24 hours as the pro’s do but they make it easy for you to pick a few things for your next visit.

The team covered almost all of the main transit hubs across Asia, Europe and the USA including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and NYC. Next time you find a cheap flight because of a long stopover check the series list and start making some plans.

Where to Watch: You can watch The Layover on Amazon Prime or The Travel Channel . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Recommended by Arrianne Guzman from Travel Habeat

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is a travel and food show featuring an amazing chef exploring destinations less traveled by. As it inspires you to explore off-the-beaten paths, you’ll delve into intricate cultures, rich history, and beautiful people. You’d realize that a dish is more than what goes in a plate, it’s about tradition, heritage, and way of living. Catch Anthony tries a delectable Filipino dish called sisig and a scrumptious dessert fondly named “halo-halo” while grasping how the Philippines spend an extended Christmas season. Unravel with him the complicated past of Koreatown in Los Angeles and see what it was like to grow up Korean American. Or maybe you’d agree with him how a salad of fermented tea leaves can taste good in Myanmar.

Where to Watch: An original CNN series, it is available in digital media platforms including Amazon Prime , iTunes, and Vudu .

Expedition Unknown

Recommended by Albi from Ginger Around the Globe

Expedition Unknown is a TV show that will sparkle the heart of every traveler, who loves history. Josh Gates will take you around the globe and at the same time, you will see him and other archeologists, solving ancient mysteries. You will get to know about Kruger treasure, where is the tomb of last Inka king and more Indiana Jones mysteries like this. So you will see all kinds of places and at the same time, know their history and local culture. It is very informative, fun and wanderlusty.

Where to Watch: You can watch the show on the Discovery Channel or on the Travel Channel . If you prefer streaming services, you can also find the show on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video .

Rick Steves Travel Series

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

One of my favorite travel shows that turned me onto traveling was watching the PBS travel programs with Rick Steve’s. Primarily focused on travels in Europe, Rick Steve’s showcased an amazing series of places to visit around Europe and each lovely country. He initially visits a destination and hops around with a local expert to show the highlights, enjoy some local food and drink and see some cultural treasures along with connecting with locals, merchants and everyday people. It makes it so fascinating to watch his programs and really shows audiences the connection with people, place, culture and food makes traveling to Europe so wonderful and fun. Rick Steve’s has created a lot of guide books about individual countries that you can purchase or just watch his TV series on PBS for inspiration for planning a trip to a specific country in Europe that has always been on your bucklist of places to visit. So if you are looking for inspiration about a particular country with all the bells and whistles of what makes each area so unique and special, check out any of his programs on TV. You’ll be hooked and wanting to binge watch all of his programs in a row.

Where to Watch: On TV at PBS and Amazon Prime Video

Booze Traveler

Recommended by Megan Starr

One of the best shows to watch for those that love combining travel with beverages and food is Booze Traveler, a show by The Travel Channel that showcases a host traveling around the world in search for special alcoholic drinks in countries that he visits. I actually helped with a couple of the episodes back in the day (Lithuania and Armenia ) and it really brought to light how many unique drinks exist in every place that you travel! They travel across the globe from Hawaii to Armenia to Nepal and beyond. It is a really refreshing show!

Where to Watch: The best way to watch Booze Traveler is to catch reruns on-demand from The Travel Channel in the US. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video .

Recommended by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Three Canadian friends decide to leave the Great White North behind and explore the world. They pack a bag, say goodbye to friends and family, and off they go. The initial plan is to spend a year traveling, but it quickly transforms into three whole years.

They spend a month in India, another in Japan, another in New Zealand. As they start feeling more comfortable on the road, the push their own boundaries and head to tougher destinations, like Libya and North Korea. They explore Greenland during winter, meet ancient tribes in Papua New Guinea and travel across the different scientific bases of Antarctica .

It’s impossible not to get inspired with the tons of wanderlust Departure sends our way.

Where to Watch: Available on Apple iTunes and Hoopla .

James May: Our Man in Japan

Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Top Gear’s James May might seem like a strange choice for a travel show host, but the bumbling Englishman is an endearing host as he takes viewers on a comprehensive trip around Japan from North to South. Always happy to throw himself into any bizarre situation, Our Man in Japan sees May participate in all sorts of activities from dog sledding in Hokkaido to painting Mount Fuji with a renowned Japanese artist. Streaming on Amazon Prime, Our Man in Japan covers a whole lot of unique quirks that make the country a must-travel destination for all kinds of traveller types. Whether you’re a first timer to Japan or a serial visitor, Our Man in Japan will make you all kinds of eager to get back over to the land of the rising sun soon.

Where to Watch: You can watch on Amazon Prime Video only.

Planet Earth

Recommended by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

The award-winning, BBC documentary series, Planet Earth was first shown in 2006. It took four years to film, using 71 cameramen in 64 different countries. The series was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC and the first to be filmed in high definition. The 11 episode series is narrated by David Attenborough and celebrates the natural world in a way you’ve never seen it before. Each episode features a different biome or habitat on Earth and lasts 50 minutes plus an extra 10 minutes of behind the scenes footage showing the challenges of filming the episode.

Ten years after the first series, Planet Earth II was released showing how animals meet the challenges of surviving in the most iconic habitats on earth. A third sequel is planned to air in 2022.

Where to Watch: All 11 episodes of Planet Earth , and all 6 episodes of Planet Earth II are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Samantha Brown: Places to Love

Recommended by Francesca Makana of Homeroomtravel

Samantha Brown has been an icon in the travel world for my entire life. Back in the day, she was best known for her Passport series . Present-day she hosts Samantha Brown: Places to Love. In this show, Brown showcases some lesser-known destinations, like the Texas Hill Country, and covers things to do in that area. Although she does still cover larger, well-known cities, such as Shanghai, she will not just list the main tourist sites. Instead, she interacts with the locals and finds unique things to do in that location.

Where to Watch: Viewers can catch Places to Love on PBS and select episodes on the PBS website .

Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

There are few parts of the world that inspire wanderlust more than Central Asia. In this 2018 miniseries, British actress and supermodel, Joanna Lumley (you may recognize her from the 1990s comedy sitcom Absolutely Fabulous) retraces parts of the fabled Silk Road trading route from the perspective of a tourist.

Over four episodes, she travels from Venice to Uzbekistan via Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, visiting caravanserais, fire temples and bazaars along the way. This series brings to life the cross-pollination of ideas and influences that characterizes this part of the world where East intersects with West.

Lumley’s dry British humor and insatiable curiosity make her a terrific host. Even if you’re never considered visiting Central Asia and the Caucasus before, this series will inspire you to follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on one of the most epic overland journeys of all time.

Where to Watch: Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure is currently available to stream via Amazon Prime UK . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Recommended by Ruby from A Journey We Love

Travel Man is a 30 minute British TV show hosted by Richard Ayoade shown on Channel 4 (UK). Each week, he travels with someone for a quick getaway (48-72 hours) and breaks down tourist sites, what to eat, facts about the city and banters around with his co-presenter for the week. For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . What makes the show interesting is that the host, Richard Ayoade, is not a big traveler nor is he a big fan of trying new things. It makes for a great perspective on how to plan quick weekend getaways for those who are planning trips with people who don’t like to travel and how to make it interesting for them. It also makes the series very funny because watching the host’s reactions and monologues is absolutely priceless.

Where to Watch: For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . You can also find episodes on Amazon Prime Video .

The Amazing Race

Recommended by us

The Amazing Race is our favorite travel show and we have been watching it from the beginning. The American reality competition show has aired 32 seasons on CBS since its premiere in 2001. If you enjoy the drama of reality competition shows and are also a travel lover then you will love The Amazing Race . Each season takes place in a few different countries and in total The Amazing Race has visited over 90 different countries and six continents. Teams of two people (usually couples, friends, or family members) race around the world, solving clues and completing tasks and challenges along the way. Relationships are tested and there are sometimes arguments between teammates and with other teams. The last team to finish each leg is eliminated until three teams race to the finish line in order to win $1 million. Fun fact: We actually applied to be on the show as a sisters team (more than ten years ago and long before we started this blog) but alas we were not chosen!

Where to Watch: You can stream old seasons of the Amazing Race on CBS All Access , Amazon Prime Video and various streaming services such as Hulu .

Did your favorite travel show or series make the list?

Some good recommendations on this list for sure. James May also has some other travel shows that can be found on Netflix, Youtube, etc. Although it’s a Vlog and not a true TV show I would add Kara and Nate’s Vlog show from Youtube. They have visited over a 100 countries and it’s one of the best. If you’ve never watched them, just start with their first show and binge watch it through to today.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will check them out!

I’ll recommend a few new ones. AppleTV has “Long Way Up” from the “Long Way Down” and “Long Way Around” fame. Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman from the tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric Harley Davidson motorcycles. I pretty much hate AppleTV+ but this show is so very good. You might check out Max&Lee on Youtube which has recently continued on with Max&Occy. This is one of many Vanlife travel vlogs but it’s better than most. Start at the beginning with Max & Lee and work your way forward for good binge-watching. I will also add in a bonus travel vlog from YouTube and that is Sergio & Rhoda in Isreal. This couple travels around Isreal and shows details about various historical sites with a local flair. Very interesting for those that enjoy this region.

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From 'Derry Girls' to 'Chewing Gum' and 'Peep Show,' these shows never get old.

Derry Girls characters Claire, Orla, Erin, Michelle and James pose in their green school uniforms

A good dose of British comedy on Netflixnever fails to lift the mood. Thankfully, there’s always a great selection to stream. In fact, British comedies on Netflix are probably top of my most-watched list.

From classic sitcoms like Absolutely Fabulous to sketch shows like Monty Python , and newer favourites, including Derry Girls and Sex Education , Netflix features some of the best British comedies ever made.

In need of something reassuringly familiar to help you switch off? Looking for a few guaranteed laughs? For those times when a good British rom-com just won’t cut it (although there are plenty of those to choose from on the platform, too) – Netflix has curated quite the British comedy library for your amusement.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’m pretty well versed in the best British comedies on Netflix . So, pour yourself a cuppa, sit down, and indulge in some highly therapeutic comedy viewing.

Bad Education

Terrible teachers might make us cringe in real life, when when they’re on TV and at a safe distance, they make for a cracking good watch. Comedian Jack Whitehall plays posh boy Alfie Wickers, “the worst teacher ever to grace the British education system”.

The series even spawned its own film and stars veteran comedians like Harry Enfield and Matthew Horne.

Watch on Netflix

Dark comedy more your thing? After Life is the perfect series for you . Created by Ricky Gervais, After Life follows newspaper writer Tony who is dealing with the recent death of his wife to breast cancer. To cope, he decides to take on “a gruff new persona in an effort to push those away trying to help”, by saying and doing what he wants without thinking about the consequences. Wit and emotion in equal measure.

The IT Crowd

The beauty of British comedy is its intrinsic relationship with the nation. The IT Crowd is a perfect example, where one phrase — “ Have you tried turning it off and on again? ” — is relatable no matter where you live in the UK. Yes, we’ve all spent nights marathoning the show to oblivion on All 4. But, it’s still just as good every watch. Who knew a group of ITV nerds – including Chris O’Dowd, Noel Fielding, and Richard Ayoade – would steal our hearts so successfully?

Chewing Gum

Written by and starring the brilliant Michaela Coe l, Chewing Gum follows the Beyoncé-obsessed 24-year-old Tracey Gordon as she leaves her strict religious past behind and enters womanhood.

Consistently breaking the fourth wall, and seriously demonstrating Coel’s writing and comedic chops, Chewing Gum is a must-see for those who appreciated her work in the BBC drama I May Destroy You .

Sex Education

Everyone loves a teen comedy, and Sex Education delivers on that front. It’s also a show that successfully traverses the awkward sexual awakening all teens experience, and the problems they’d much rather keep to themselves (in a very British way, ofc).

While Sex Education “finds the sweetness in the awkward and under-discussed parts of human sexuality”, and has its fair share of drama, it’s an absolute delight to watch — and is thankfully returning for a third series in the near future .

Derry Girls

Derry Girls has been on the top of my British comedy list since it first debuted. From it’s stellar female cast to the hilariously unique writing and setting, it’s hard to put the humour of Derry Girls into words . It’s one of those series you just have to see for yourself – writing down the lines that these girls come out with doesn’t do them justice.

Man Like Mobeen

One British comedian you should totally be following is Guz Khan. The dude has me in hysterics whenever he does stand-up, and the same goes for his sitcom Man Like Mobeen. While the third series isn’t available on Netflix at the moment (it’s on BBC iPlayer, though), the first two are ready and waiting for you to enjoy.

The Duchess

Comedian Katherine Ryan might be Canadian, but her British comedy is on point. In this comedy-drama she plays a single mum navigating raising a tween daughter while also focusing on a career. Oh, and the fact that she’s considering whether it’s a good idea to have another child with her daughter’s father, a.k.a. her insufferable ex-boyfriend. Trust me, it plays out hilariously.

The perfect follow-up to Bad Education , Fresh Meat focuses on a group of freshers navigating the complexities of uni life. You remember the drill: partying, making friends, maintaining relationships, and trying not to succumb to the pressures of endless essays and exams. It stars Jack Whitehall as lead, aka one of the best British comedians around (see his Brit Awards 2021 hosting skills for evidence of how he’s progressed since).

We know Olivia Colman does surreal comedy well , and Flowers demonstrates her talent perfectly, through the misadventures of a rather eccentric family. Starring alongside Julian Barratt ( The Mighty Boosh ), writer and creator Will Sharpe combines British and Japanese dark humour seamlessly . I’d argue it’s one of the most unique British comedies on Netflix.

Monty Python's Flying Circus

When Netflix announced it would be uploading the entire Monty Python collection to stream in 2018 I, for one, rejoiced . The British comedy collective is probably best known among millennials for its films The Holy Grail, and The Life of Brian – but the group’s foray into television with Monty Python's Flying Circus is definitely some of their best work. If you want to laugh until your sides hurt, half an hour of Flying Circus will certainly do the trick.

The End of the F***ing World

There’s a reason why everyone raves about this show, it’s just so cool. From the American road trip aesthetics to the pretty messed up storyline, everything about The End of the F***ing World screams good television. It’ll have you in stitches one minute, and in tears by the next.

It’s the perfect companion show to Sex Education in terms of setting. Both are definitely based in England, but the settings look so otherworldly that it’s become part of the charm of these shows.

Loosely based on the true experiences of creator and writer Sharon Horgan’s at the school gates, Motherland is an unabridged insight into what it’s really like to have kids.

Cue the chaos of organising a young family, maintaining social commitments, working from home in the school holidays, and all the additional dramas that come with becoming a parent. Quintessential British comedy that’s very IRL – you just have to laugh.

The Windsors

When you want a gripping, quasi-factual retelling of royal history, there’s The Crown . But when you want fiction and farce, The Windsors will satisfy that craving. The series puts a soap-opera-meets-sitcom spin on the lives of the British royals.

Camilla, Diana, Pippa, Kate and even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II all feature in the comedy, which sends up real-life political events like Brexit. If a show can make Brexit funny, you know you need to tune in.

This BBC Scotland sitcom centres on pensioners and best friends Jack and Victor and their hilarious reminiscences about their Glasgow youth. The laughs between the two main characters are enough to keep anyone entertained, making it a good one to watch with the grandparents or on your own.

Long before Olivia Colman was heading for Oscar-winning success (or maybe we knew it all along ), she played Sophie in Peep Show . The cringe-worthy British comedy follows the dysfunctional lives of Mark and Jeremy, through point-of-view shots that give the series its name.

The cult favourite became Channel 4’s longest running comedy after nine seasons, all of which are available on Netflix. So buckle up, and get ready for the awkwardness to sink in.

Manchester-set sitcome Shameless , ran for almost a whole decade. The show focuses on the escapades of a British working-class family, mising comedy and tragedy against the backdrop of the fictional Chatsworth estate. Expect quality telly that explores infidelity, sexuality, and so much more. And once you’ve streamed the UK series, you can check out its US counterpart.

This article was originally published on May 28, 2018

Screen Rant

10 things to watch if you like the it crowd.

The IT Crowd is one of the finest and funniest British sitcoms of all time. Here's what fans of the comedy can check out if they love the sitcom.

The British sitcom has a lot of history. You can look all the way back to black and white TV and find an excellent piece of UK comedy in the same way that you can flick through channels today and stumble across something brilliant. While we skip over the existence of the show’s transphobic creator, it cannot be denied that The IT Crowd is one of the finest and funniest British sitcoms of all time.

RELATED: The IT Crowd: Ranking Reynholm Industries’ Best Employees

The show ran intermittently over seven years, but we haven’t heard a peep out of it for the last seven. As such, we’ve listed ten things that fans of The IT Crowd should check out.

If you’re looking for the show with the closest comedic values to The IT Crowd , then it’s probably Peep Show that will see you through. With nine seasons (of admittedly declining quality) you’ve got a lot to get through in comparison to the often short run of British comedy shows.

David Mitchell and Robert Webb are hilarious in their starring roles as awkward, often very unpleasant friends sharing a flat, while the unique POV filming style gives the show a creative edge.

Toast Of London

Toast Of London is full of the same surreal, strange humour that made The IT Crowd such a hit. While centred on an actor, rather than IT workers, there is a lot of overlap in writing style.

Most importantly, however, is the presence of Matt Berry. Berry is known for his distinctive voice and ability to portrayal loud, brash and over-dramatic characters- this is something he brings to both Toast Of London and The IT Crowd .

The Office (UK)

Of course, one of the greatest (if not the greatest) comedies of all time is the British version of The Office . Ricky Gervais’ two-season run only gave us a few hours with his brilliant characters, but the window into their strange lives during the working week gave a lot of influence to The IT Crowd .

RELATED: 10 Underrated British Comedies On Netflix

Just one look at David Brent can show you how elements of his character have effectively been separated and provided in portions to the various characters in The IT Crowd .

The Office (US)

We can’t mention the UK version of The Office without referencing the American remake. The British version clearly trumps the US version in terms of pure humour, but you just can’t stop the impact of longevity: after nine seasons with over twenty episodes each, you simply come to know and love the characters in the US version far more deeply.

It is the cringe humor that connects the UK Office to The It Crowd , and the US version actually maintains much of this approach very well.

It might be about as different in terms of pure content as you can possibly get, but fans of The IT Crowd and the comedy style of Richard Ayoade will probably be immediately addicted to Travel Man .

The show is simply a series of short documentaries in which Ayoade takes a comedian on a weekend holiday. The awkward, straight-forward humor he injected into the character of Moss is out in spades even when he isn’t playing a character.

Black Books

While we don’t want to advertise the work of The IT Crowd ’s transphobic creator, Graham Linehan, it’s impossible not to connect The IT Crowd to the incredibly underrated Black Books.

The trio of main characters (straight forward, often angry Irish guy; leftfield but lovable nerdy guy; relatively normal but incredibly funny woman) are in many ways carbon copies of each other.

The Inbetweeners

One could argue that The Inbetweeners is geared towards a younger, less mature audience that The IT Crowd as its style of humour is very obvious and in your face, while also centred on children rather than a group of adults.

RELATED: 10 Hilarious British Sitcoms That You Absolutely Need To Watch

Whether or not that’s the case, it’s impossible to ignore the similarities that can be drawn between the characters and the approach to comedic scenarios.

Parks And Recreation

While Parks And Recreation is a little like a toned-down, less funny version of The Office , the scenario is arguably even closer to that found in The IT Crowd .

It forces together a group of contrasting individuals and forces them to work together, with each of their personalities bouncing off of each other both humorously and disastrously.

The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year

Much like Travel Man , it’s impossible to compare the actual content of The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year to The IT Crowd . However, if you’re looking for more great comedy content from the main characters of the show, then a re-watch of each year’ quiz (which has been going since long before The IT Crowd ) will be a treat.

Everyone from Richard Ayoade to Noel Fielding have made regular appearances on the quiz.

The Mighty Boosh

The final entry into this list is the Noel Fielding-starring surrealist spectacular The Mighty Boosh .

Fielding’s underused character of Richmond is one of the highlights of The IT Crowd , so his presence playing a role with a lot of similarities is likely to delight fans of the show they most know him for.

NEXT: Richard Ayoade: 10 Best Doctor Who Casting Rumors (Who Haven't Made It To The TARDIS Yet)

50 Best Travel Shows Of All Time (& How To Watch Them)

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Most of us can't reasonably travel all of the time. Thankfully, we can live vicariously through our screens when we cannot be globetrotting ourselves. Travel shows are a dime a dozen, mainly because many of us would rather explore than deal with our responsibilities. But how do you know which shows are worth your time? That depends mainly on your tastes and interests, but we can provide some solid starting points.

From celebrities heading their own adventurous docuseries to food-loving vagabonds visiting remote destinations, travel shows can show us scenes and cultures we would otherwise have no concept of. In fact, television often inspires travel, and watching world wanderers eat their way through exotic destinations is a great way to help plan your next trip. These 50 series are some of the best TV has to offer, and even if you don't make it through all of them, you may find a gem that piques your particular interest.

50. Nomad with Carlton McCoy

Classically trained chef and expert sommelier Carlton McCoy seeks out the best in international cuisine, music, and art in the CNN series "Nomad with Carlton McCoy." Premiering in May 2022, McCoy travels everywhere in the travel series, from the overlooked pleasures of Mississippi to the corners of Ghana. For McCoy, the show's focus lies in adventures and delights found away from the well-worn paths frequented by tourists. Instead, he enjoys savoring hometown favorites from local populations. What McCoy may lack in experience and poise, he and "Nomad" make up for with its premise to go behind the scenes of some of the world's most recognizable locales.

The first "Nomad with Carlton McCoy" season is available to stream on Prime Video with Discovery+.

49. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

The world is a beautiful place, and it's easy to showcase such on film. This is why a travel show has to be about more than just pretty scenery, and "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" delivers in a big way. The series puts a highly informative spin on the genre by taking viewers on whirlwind journeys worldwide in search of health secrets. We're not talking about avocado toast or juice cleanses, either.

Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien visit destinations to learn about topics like renewable energy, superfoods, and water quality. Have you ever heard of a water sommelier? The experts know a thing or two about what kind of water makes our bodies happy, and a "Down to Earth" episode in France consults one of the few professionals in existence. The series also has episodes on a seed bank stocked for the end of the world, Iceland's Blue Lagoon, and the Amazon rainforest.

Although "Down to Earth" earned Zac Efron a Daytime Emmy, lack of viewership caused the series to be canceled quickly. It had one season at Netflix and was picked up for another at The CW, only to be on the chopping block two episodes later. Lack of quantity does not mean lack of quality, though, and the "High School Musical" star's travel show is a solid viewing.

You can watch "Down to Earth with Zach Efron" on Netflix and The CW .

48. The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, a typical hotel on vacation doesn't cut it, with intrepid travelers opting for more unique and luxurious digs during their stay abroad. The Netflix original series "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" explores everything from treehouses to alpaca farms to rent worldwide. Hosted by Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz, the show reminds viewers that far more than cheap motels and chain hotels are available to make a vacation even more authentic and unique. While some of the rentals visited on the show run on the pricier side, these are balanced out with more cost-effective rentals for travelers not looking to shell out top dollar on accommodations.

"The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" is available to stream on Netflix .

47. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci reconnects with his ancestral roots in the CNN travel series "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." Premiering in 2021, the show has Tucci visit different regions in Italy to learn more about the local cuisine, culture, and history in a sun-soaked tour of the Mediterranean country. Though the major tourist centers of Italy are among the destinations in Tucci's tour, the host takes the time to explore restaurants and locations off the beaten track to reveal a more authentic Italian experience. Buoyed by Tucci's understated yet quietly charismatic presence, "Searching for Italy" has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning two for its achievement in nonfiction television.

Available to purchase and rent through most digital retailers, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" is also available to stream on Discovery+ .

46. Mysterious Islands

Accomplished pilot and explorer Kellee Edwards invites viewers to join her on his globe-trotting adventures with the Travel Channel series "Mysterious Islands." Edwards particularly takes an interest in some of the most remote islands on Earth, visiting them with her private seaplane to examine them from above and by foot. A refreshing contrast to the hustle-and-bustle of travel shows revolving around heavily populated locales, "Mysterious Islands" offers a more serene, nature-focused look at isolated getaways. Before hosting "Mysterious Islands," Edwards hosted and published a travel vlog through her website that catapulted her into the public eye.

"Mysterious Islands" is currently available to stream on fuboTV and Philo .

45. Ride with Norman Reedus

"Cool" is the only way to describe "Ride with Norman Reedus." Cruising on a slew of bikes, "The Boondock Saints" and "The Walking Dead" actor meets up with a different travel partner in each episode to explore the open road of America and international destinations. With six seasons as of 2023, the series has become a lasting one on AMC.

Norman Reedus isn't the first to make a travel show centered on biker culture, so what makes it so unique? His vibe, for one. However, it's also the particular variety that his program offers viewers. Reedus does not stick to just one style or motorcycle manufacturer; he also has many celebrity guests. He has the bikers' seal of approval.

From Dave Chapelle to Keanu Reeves, you'll be surprised that some of your favorite celebrities ride and are just as captivating in an environment you don't usually see them in. Fans of Reedus' work will also be happy to see quite a few familiar faces as his "The Walking Dead" co-stars, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Steven Yeun, join in on the fun.

You can watch "Ride with Norman Reedus" on AMC+ .

44. Epic Drives

Car expert Arthur St. Antoine entered the pole position with the automobile travel series "Epic Drives," premiering in 2010. Backed with a whole fleet of cars, often with some of the world's coolest and fastest sports and luxury automobiles, St. Antoine opens the engine up and cuts loose on roads around the globe. From traversing the Pacific Coast Highway to showcasing winter driving tips on the frozen roads of Scandinavia, St. Antoine guides viewers through truly stunning international roadways. Though "Epic Rides" puts its slick automobiles in the forefront, the travel series is also keenly aware of how to capture the natural beauty of the gorgeous destinations visited.

"Epic Drives" is available to stream on Roku and Prime Video with a MotorTrend extension.

43. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Prolific chef, author, and television personality Andrew Zimmern delves into the off-kilter local cuisine from around the world that outsiders may view as strange in the Travel Channel series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." Running steadily since 2006, "Bizarre Foods" has become a large television franchise in and of itself, spawning spinoff series and specials, while the main series has undergone several rebrands. Later, carrying the subtitle "Delicious Destinations," Zimmern's unique perspective on local cuisine proved as engaging as ever. Traveling anywhere from remote settlements in the untamed wilderness to local gastronomy usually avoided by tourists, Zimmern doesn't just focus on the cuisine and preparation itself but where the key ingredients come from.

A Travel Channel staple for over a decade, "Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern" is currently available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

42. Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Prolific travel television personality Samantha Brown created the acclaimed PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," which premiered in 2018. Markedly different from her previous programming on the Travel Channel, Brown's PBS show offers ways for prospective travelers to blend in more naturally with places they visit rather than disrupt local scenes. Featuring a more subdued approach, Brown presents a more authentic, understated cultural experience in the destinations she showcases. "Places to Love" was widely praised for its approach to travel programming and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for its outstanding achievement.

"Samantha Brown's Places to Love" is available to watch through local PBS outlets.

41. A Cook's Tour

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain's first foray into travel television was on the Food Network series "A Cook's Tour," which was filmed while Bourdain was simultaneously writing a book about his experiences. Running for two seasons from 2002-2003, the show took Bourdain around the globe to sample local cuisine and culture, with Asia being a prominent recurring destination. In Variety's review of the first season, "A Cook's Tour" was praised for focusing on destinations less well-documented by other travel shows while providing a man-on-the-street perspective. The series offers a fascinating look at Bourdain discovering his voice as a television host while still possessing his acerbic wit.

"A Cook's Tour" is currently available to stream in full on Prime Video and Tubi .

40. America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

Notable writer and commentator Baratunde Thurston expanded from his usual political fare to launch the PBS travel series "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston." Thurston travels around the United States, from Death Valley to the Appalachian Mountains, to document America's distinct and immersive outdoor destinations. More than simply hiking and camping, Thurston engages in local activities, including trying his hand at collecting wild rice and surfing, to better appreciate local cultures. Thurston takes the premise behind "America Outdoors" more liberally than most travel shows with similar scopes, with an entire episode reframing outdoor culture in Los Angeles.

An engaging look at the United States' relationship with its outdoor spaces, "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston" is available to stream on Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries and PBS with WOSU Passport.

39. Travel Man

Popular British actor and comedian Richard Ayoade launched the breakneck travel series "Travel Man," blending comedy with hectic itineraries. Paired with a celebrity guest, Ayoade and his travel companion have 48 hours to take in the sights and cuisine in different international cities. Starting with the show's tenth season, Ayoade was replaced by British comedian Joe Lycett, but the overall formula remains largely the same. Buoyed by Ayoade and Lycett's hilarious personalities and its limited-time premise, "Travel Man" is as freewheeling and fun as travelogs get.

"Travel Man: 48 Hours in..." is available to stream on Prime Video and Peacock .

38. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Beloved chef and restauranteur David Chang covers all the most important meals of the day around the world in the original series "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." Joined by different celebrity guest stars in each episode, including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon, Chang learns what constitutes traditional daily meals in major cities from Marrakech to Phnom Penh. Elevated by thoughtful and entertaining discussions between Chang and his guests, the series offers a broader perspective on the meals we take for granted each day. As with Chang's other travel and cooking shows, the international cuisine-driven travel series focuses on authenticity and a society's connection to its defining food.

"Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" is available to stream on Netflix and Prime Video with Fuse+.

37. No Passport Required

With a country as richly vast and varied as the United States, there are plenty of interesting travel spots without ever having to go abroad. This underlying truth provides the basic premise to the PBS travel series "No Passport Required," which is focused on exploring the legacy of immigrant traditions and cuisines within the country. Hosted by noted chef Marcus Samuelsson, six major American cities are showcased as Samuelsson examines the immigrant legacy and food that lovingly define each locale. Going beyond the typical fare that colors each city's perception, Samuelsson meets with everyone from the Armenian community in Los Angeles to the Chinese legacy behind Las Vegas, showcasing some of the cultures that help to make each city great.

"No Passport Required" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, and PBS.

36. Big City, Little Budget

The prospect of living in or visiting major American cities isn't cheap, but host Oneika Raymond guides audiences through more cost-effective approaches to modern metropolises in "Big City, Little Budget." Produced by the Travel Channel, the web series has Raymond visiting cities from sea to shining sea while also providing tips on how to navigate each place without having a robust budget at one's disposal. From frugal dining tips to which neighborhoods won't break the bank, "Big City, Little Budget" offers invaluable advice. With its bite-sized episodes, Raymond offers clear and concise guidance through cities from Miami to New York as she leans into approaching each destination on a budget without compromising the fun.

"Big City, Little Budget" is available to stream through the Travel Channel's YouTube channel .

35. I'll Have What Phil's Having

After helming the long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," prolific television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal turned to travelog hosting, starting with the 2015 series "I'll Have What Phil Is Having." Running on PBS for six episodes, the show follows Rosenthal as he travels around the world to check out the local food scenes. Joined by celebrity guests like Martin Short and Ray Romano, Rosenthal's comedic perspective helps give the usual travel show proceedings a more engaging approach. Though short-lived, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having" provides an early look at the type of travel programming Rosenthal would host to greater success on Netflix.

"I'll Have What Phil's Having" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, Pluto TV , and PBS.

34. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

Even the same iconic locales can offer vastly different experiences depending on the visitor's financial situation, and this dichotomy is explored in the travel series "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost." Hosted by siblings Alex and Marko Ayling, the two showcase how to navigate major travel destinations on a budget or take advantage of the visit when flush with cash. Whether they're discussing different approaches to visiting Hong Kong or trying the varying cuisines of France, the Ayling brothers provide plenty of information and varying perspectives on the same destinations. One of the things that work in favor of "Basic Versus Baller" is that the show's premise isn't necessarily binary, as tourists can mix the frugal and luxurious options provided as they see fit.

A dual-perspective on the travelog formula, "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost" is currently available to stream on Hulu , Prime Video with Tastemade, and Peacock .

33. Ugly Delicious

Chef and author David Chang looks at the cultural history and deeper meaning behind popular cuisine in the Netflix original series "Ugly Delicious." Premiering in 2018, Chang and a group of celebrity guests explore the origins of different foods through extensive interviews and traveling to informative points from the cuisine's origins. A thoughtful discussion about food and its inextricable links to societal identity, "Ugly Delicious" blends serious insight with Chang's quick wit to great effect. Widely acclaimed for its approach to asking the hard questions about cuisine's impact on culture and cultural perception, the series was nominated for an Emmy Award.

"Ugly Delicious" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

32. United Shades of America

The United States is, like any nation, an incredibly complicated and occasionally contentious place to live, from sea to shining sea, across a variety of communities. Comedian W. Kamau Bell spotlights these communities, their traditions, and their struggles in the CNN documentary series "United Shades of America." From speaking with indigenous communities in South Dakota to the extensive Black populations in the Appalachians, Bell provides an all-encompassing tour of the modern American experience. Bell's thoughtful approach to admittedly somber subject matter paints a more complete look at the country and the many voices that bring it to life as he travels nationwide.

The winner of multiple Emmy Awards for its sweeping work, "United Shades of America" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Max and purchase and rent via online retailers.

31. Booze Traveler

A lot can be learned about a culture through its gastronomy, and host Jack Maxwell is determined to get to the bottom of this search for identity – and the bottom of many bottles – in the Travel Channel show "Booze Traveler." Exploring domestic and international destinations, Maxwell reveals how drinking culture informs daily life in places like Seoul and Dublin while partaking in local spirits himself. With Maxwell's easygoing personality at the forefront, "Booze Traveler" looks at how communities bond over their love of drink. As a former South Boston bartender, Maxwell lends an everyday perspective to his global travels. He is more interested in looking for a good time than asking the hard questions as the show breezily chugs along.

A fittingly rambunctious travelog, "Booze Traveler" is available to stream on Discovery+ and rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

30. Street Food

While acclaimed filmmaker and documentarian David Gelb focuses primarily on haute cuisine with his award-winning "Chef's Table" series, his other Netflix original show, "Street Food," takes a different perspective. Rather than spotlight a single cook per episode like his previous work, Gelb examines an entire city's street food scene, exploring the origins of the cuisine that defines it. From the robust marks of Singapore to hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Orleans, "Street Food" and its rotating set of hosts provide an authentic culinary portrait of the show's destinations. Gelb's everyman approach and broader scope per episode, in contrast to "Chef's Table," is an effective change that "Street Food" takes full advantage of.

The first season of "Street Food" is set in Asia, the second in Latin America, and the third in the United States, with the series currently available to stream on Netflix .

29. The Kindness Diaries

Connecting with your fellow humans and experiencing people of different backgrounds and cultures is one of the enormous benefits of traveling; for some, it's their entire purpose. In a way, "The Kindness Diaries" encapsulates the spirit of travel, as host Leon Logothetis traverses the globe depending on the kindness of strangers.

Equipped only with a bright yellow motorbike swapped for an equally yellow vintage convertible in the second season, Leon Logothetis searches for kind-hearted people to supply his needs on his travels. This includes food, accommodations, and gasoline. You'll be pleasantly surprised how far one can get in the world just by simply asking — though, he does sleep in his motorbike's sidecar when necessary. While the destinations range from all over the United States to Europe, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this feel-good travel doc is more about the people we meet along the way. Even though "The Kindness Diaries" only has two seasons behind it, the beautiful souls depicted stay with viewers for the long haul.

You can stream "The Kindness Diaries" on Discovery+ .

28. Gordon's Great Escape

Famous chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay decided to visit the originating countries of some of his favorite cuisines in the British television series "Gordon's Great Escape." In an interview with The Guardian , Ramsay shared his lifelong love of Indian food and chronicled his first trip to India in the show. Beyond his visit to India, Ramsay filmed the second set of interviews exploring other parts of Southeast Asia and its cuisine, including Thailand and Vietnam. Offering Ramsay a chance to escape the limelight he was experiencing in America and the United Kingdom, the show reveals him rediscovering his love of cooking while learning about overseas culinary traditions.

"Gordon's Great Escape" is available to stream through Prime Video , Tubi , Roku , and Fox.

27. Long Way Down

Actors and longtime motorcycle aficionados Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunited for another international motorcycle voyage with the British travel series "Long Way Down." A follow-up to their 2004 series "Long Way Round," the 2007 offering has the two bikers travel from Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Along the way, the pair rides through 18 countries by motorcycle as they traverse Europe and the length of Africa. Even for those not particularly enamored by motorcycles, "Long Way Down" is a fascinating look at life on the open road across two continents anchored by two charismatic leads.

"Long Way Down" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

26. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running travel shows from the United Kingdom is "Globe Trekker," originally broadcast from 1994 to 2016. With a rotating set of hosts for each episode, the British series highlights a different region and provides audiences with a thorough guide to the sights and culture. More than simply presenting the major tourist attractions, the hosts examine local traditions, including interviews with local industries beyond tourism and hospitality. With such an impressive breadth of episodes, "Globe Trekker" set an enduring standard for travel programming in the United Kingdom against which all other travel shows are to be judged.

Unfortunately, "Globe Trekker" is unavailable to stream or purchase in the United States.

25. Man v. Food

Eating challenges can say a lot about a culture, from the type of cuisine competitors consume to the quantity eaten to succeed. Actor and television personality Adam Richman took it upon himself to travel all over the United States to face all manner of eating challenges in the Travel Channel series "Man v. Food." Heading to a different destination each episode, Richman singlehandedly subjects himself to various regional eating challenges, from consuming massive steaks to an entire platter of chili dogs in a limited time. "Man v. Food" gave the Travel Channel its highest-rated debut upon its premiere in 2008 (per the Los Angeles Times ), with the show revived in 2017 and Richman replaced by current host Casey Webb.

An amusing look at different American regions by the eating challenges that help define it, "Man v. Food" is available to purchase and rent through most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

24. Tales by Light

If a vacation isn't documented and shared on Instagram, did it actually take place? Photography in some of Earth's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places is the central premise behind the Australian travel series "Tales by Light." Each episode follows different professional photographers who tell an immersive story about exotic destinations through their pictures and videos. The perfect travel series for the social media-oriented generation, "Tales by Light" delivers truly breathtaking photographs and videos from the overlooked corners of the world.

All three beautifully rendered "Tales by Light" seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix .

23. Conan Without Borders

As an extension of his popular talk show on TBS, veteran host Conan O'Brien took his series on the road on multiple occasions to experience different cultures around the world. These special episodes were compiled in the online "Conan Without Borders," as O'Brien eschewed his typical talk show format. Traveling everywhere from Cuba to South Korea, O'Brien explores the societal morays of each of these destinations with his usual comedic antics and insight. A welcome change of pace from his usual formula, O'Brien blends biting political commentary with a genuine appreciation for local cultures, with "Conan Without Borders" winning an Emmy for its efforts.

"Conan Without Borders" is currently available to stream on Max .

22. The Moaning of Life

When British comedian and actor Karl Pilkington faced something of a midlife crisis, he decided to examine the lives and cultures of others around the world to gain a better sense of perspective (per Cinema Blend ). The resulting international tour was filmed for the British travel series "The Moaning of Life," as Pilkington contemplated love, life, and mortality on the road. To expand his view on the human condition, Pilkington visits drive-thru weddings in Las Vegas, professional mourners in Taiwan, and fertility clinics in Japan. The Hollywood Reporter's review of "The Moaning of Life" complimented the show's existential subject matter and Pilkington's hilarious perspective on the world to make its messaging less somber.

A good-natured look at life, death, and everything in between with an international scope, "The Moaning of Life" is available for purchase and rent on most major digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

21. Long Way Round

The first of a trilogy of documentary series, 2004's "Long Way Round" puts Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in the driver's seat as they ride motorcycles from London to New York City eastward. The 19,000-mile journey is undertaken to promote the international humanitarian causes spearheaded by UNICEF, while McGregor and Boorman endure pitfalls and injuries in their journies around the globe. Inspired by the experience, McGregor and Boorman wrote a book detailing their journey, including McGregor adopting an orphan encountered along the way. The kind of celebrity road trip that doesn't feel overly pretentious or self-indulgent, McGregor and Boorman provide a unique perspective as they embark on a truly epic journey.

"Long Way Round" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

20. Three Sheets

Not all cuisine is solid, which is why the 2008 travel series "Three Sheets" showcased a decidedly liquid diet as it visited drinking cultures around the world. Hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey, the show highlights local alcoholic beverages at a multitude of destinations, learning about their history and cultural impact. Of course, this examination goes beyond a mere history lesson, with Zamprey partaking in the beverages, usually in impressive quantities. Part travel series and part televised pub crawl, Lamprey is often accompanied on his journeys by a group of guests, including his college friend Steve McKenna.

After starting on MOJO HD, "Three Sheets" was broadcast on various platforms before ending its run on Spike in 2011. Most of the series is currently available to buy on Prime Video .

19. Worth It

The popular Buzzfeed series "Worth It" offers three different and simultaneous perspectives on the worldwide dining scene in each episode. The show has the three hosts, Steven Lim, Andrew Ilnyckyj, and Adam Bianchi, order three different dishes from a range of price points at varying destinations. This can entail a cheap cup of coffee or designer espresso costing hundreds of dollars while visiting Tokyo. The underlying question is whether or not the dishes are worth the price. Winning a Streamy Award, "Worth It" has been credited with changing how people approach food criticism online, actively comparing quality with price points worldwide (per SBS ).

Available to stream on Hulu , "Worth It" helps viewers know how best to check out the food scenes and types of cuisine in several countries.

18. Somebody Feed Phil

After getting his start travel hosting on PBS, Phil Rosenthal went bigger and better for the Netflix original series "Somebody Feed Phil" in 2018. While maintaining the broader premise of his previous show, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having," Rosenthal's Netflix series feels like a more personal experience for its host. Occasionally checking in with his brother, parents, and son while he is on the road, Rosenthal continues to sample local cuisine from around the world. As Rosenthal visits major international cities, he spotlights local charities and nonprofit organizations active in the destinations, providing a more community-based scope.

"Somebody Feed Phil" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

17. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Popular British comedian Jack Whitehall and his longtime television producer father, Michael, take their paternal dynamic on the road for the Netflix original series "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father." With a decided focus on familial comedy, the Whitehalls find themselves in countless awkward and hilarious situations worldwide as they bond together over their international trips. The two men learn about the cultures they visit, from Cambodia to Turkey, with the final season bringing the father-son duo back to the United Kingdom. Though Jack and Michael Whitehall's antics are played for laughs, the societies they visit are largely treated with the utmost respect as they travel through the jungle and desert together.

All five "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father" seasons are available to stream on Netflix .

16. Extreme Engagement

Journalists and producers PJ Madam and Tim Noonan decided to put their then-recent engagement to the test around the world for the Netflix original series "Extreme Engagement." The miniseries has the happy couple travel around the globe for over a year to see how their relationship endures. While the premise feels relatively scripted, rather than providing an authentically spontaneous show, "Extreme Engagement" offers a romantic twist on the travelog format. Noonan and Madam visit romantic destinations that keep the focus on love and lasting relationships, from observing ancient fertility rituals to meeting cultural practices promoting romantic love.

A love odyssey that spans the islands of Indonesia to remote villages in Africa, "Extreme Engagement" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

15. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Restauranteur and television host Guy Fieri has become something of a cultural icon himself, and Fieri's flagship series is the enormously popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Premiering in 2006 on the Food Network, the show has Fieri travel across North America, stopping at diners, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and dive bars to sample their signature cuisine. Occasionally joined by an impressive set of celebrity guest stars, Fieri has visited hundreds of locations as part of his cross-country odyssey. Due to the sheer popularity of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," many of these spots have seen a noticeable increase in business following episode airings.

As the gold standard among Fieri's travel and food reality shows, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is available to rent and purchase via most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

14. Survivorman

Travel isn't just luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts; for some, vacations involve roughing it in the wild and returning to nature through camping and other immersive experiences. The Canadian travel and wilderness survival series "Survivorman" takes these sensibilities to their extreme as host Les Stroud spends over a week alone in remote locations. With only a handful of tools and the clothes on his back, Stroud has to make do with local flora and fauna to survive these conditions for the allotted time. As a much more stripped-down and extreme approach than "Man vs. Wild," Stroud takes audiences everywhere, from the frozen expanse of Alaska to the predator-filled Amazon rainforest.

For those looking for the ultimate survivalist approach to the world's most unforgiving locations, "Survivorman" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Roku and to rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

13. An Idiot Abroad

When comedian Karl Pilkington's friends and frequent collaborators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant learned he had no interest in world travel, the two created the series "An Idiot Abroad" in response. Capitalizing on Pilkington's often innocently naive worldview, the British travel show is primarily played for laughs as Pilkington makes wry observations about the destinations he visits. Not content to simply let Pilkington take in the picturesque sights, sounds, and cuisine, Gervais and Merchant have Pilkington endure several challenges, including bungee-jumping in New Zealand and swimming with sharks in Australia. MSN's review of "An Idiot Abroad" praised the mishaps for Pilkington's voyages orchestrated by Gervais and Merchant, with Pilkington's odd perspective and observations elevating the entire show.

A humorous look at the most gorgeous international locales, "An Idiot Abroad" is available to purchase and rent on most digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

12. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

After two seasons on the Food Network with "A Cook's Tour," Bourdain made the leap to the Travel Channel to host his popular travel series "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations." Running for nine seasons from 2005-2012, Bourdain upped the scope considerably from his previous series while still retaining its everyman qualities. Backed by a more ambitious production, Bourdain visits a wider range of locales while incorporating his love of pop culture and inviting celebrity guests, including Bill Murray and Sean Penn. One of the more notable episodes sees Bourdain and his film crew trapped in Beirut during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War. "No Reservations" went on to win two Emmy Awards and multiple nominations as a testament to the show's captivating perspective on the world.

"Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" is available to purchase from most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ , Max , and through the Travel Channel website with a linked television provider.

11. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

After exploring and experiencing culinary traditions in Southeast Asia firsthand in his first travel series, chef Gordon Ramsay expanded the scope of his follow-up show " Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted " to encompass the whole world. Premiering on National Geographic in 2019, "Uncharted" has Ramsay visit different countries to learn about their cuisine and cooking techniques and take advantage of local thrills. From white water rafting through Laos to climbing up Alaskan mountains and glaciers, Ramsay showcases a more outdoorsy side of himself beyond the world of restaurants and kitchens. In Forbes' review of the series, Ramsay's genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and destinations he visits was praised for elevating the premise and showing a new side to the temperamental chef.

"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" is available to stream through Disney+ and Hulu .

10. Chef's Table

After directing the universally acclaimed documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" in 2011, filmmaker David Gelb teamed up with Netflix for its original documentary series, "Chef's Table." Premiering in 2015, the show focuses on a different cook for each episode, from a Korean monk renowned for her kimchi to Mexican street food in Philadelphia. With its highly detailed and stylized cinematography and in-depth portraits of its subjects, "Chef's Table" is one of the best documentary series currently on the air. "Chef's Table" brings a global scope to cuisine while never losing sight of the very grounded and human story behind each of the cooks that make every dish possible. The show has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards as it shines a light on everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall dining locations.

The main "Chef's Table" series and its numerous spinoffs are available to stream on Netflix .

9. The Amazing Race

In contrast to "Survivor," which keeps its contestants in a single remote location for an entire season, CBS' long-running reality series "The Amazing Race" takes full advantage of its global scope. Teams of two speed through different legs around the world, following clues and completing challenges to gain an edge. On the air since 2001, "The Amazing Race" has showcased some of the most stunning locales on the planet while pitting its teams in genuinely thrilling competitions each season. With many seasons of "The Amazing Race" offering a journey with contestants circumnavigating the globe, the travel element to the reality competition series is unmistakably at the forefront.

"The Amazing Race" is available to stream on Hulu , Netflix , and Paramount+ .

8. Expedition Unknown

With so many legends and historical mysteries around the world demanding answers, archaeologist Josh Gates sets out to find the truth in the Discovery Channel series "Expedition Unknown." From cryptozoology searches for mythical creatures like Bigfoot to attempting to discover clues linked to the lost city of Atlantis, Gates positions himself as a real-life Indiana Jones. Part globe-trotting history lesson, part debunking widely known myths, "Expedition Unknown" provides a fun twist on international travel off the beaten path. As an immensely popular show, "Expedition Unknown" has spawned several spinoff specials, miniseries, and after shows as Gates widens his worldwide search for truth.

"Expedition Unknown" is currently available to stream on Discovery+ and Max and is available to purchase or rent through most online retailers.

7. Dark Tourist

Not every tourist is going to check out conventional art museums or major family-friendly attractions in their voyages around the world. The Netflix original series "Dark Tourist" offers travelers a chance to check out the more off-beat elements of local cultures, sometimes venturing into the outright macabre. Hosted by journalist David Farrier, "Dark Tourist" visits the purportedly haunted areas of major cities and tourism sites capitalizing on local tragedies and notorious figures around the world. From exploring irradiated sites to touring museums dedicated to infamous serial killers, "Dark Tourist" certainly isn't every traveler's cup of tea by the way it provides a morbid twist on the genre.

"Dark Tourist" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

6. The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Celebrated documentarian Ken Burns, who has crafted documentary series chronicling numerous elements of American culture and history, turned his attention to the country's national parks. The 2009 six-episode miniseries "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" recounts the history behind the parks and how they each capture the stirring beauty of the United States. From the enduring legacy of John Muir to the evolution of the National Park Service, "The National Parks" is a must-watch for anyone planning to visit the natural wonders nationwide. Universally acclaimed, "The National Parks" won two Emmy Awards, with critics praising how the documentary series presented the parks as a gorgeous extension of the national identity.

Released with a companion book expanding its story, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is currently available to stream on PBS with WOSU Passport and Prime Video with PBS Documentaries.

5. The Grand Tour

After being ousted from hosting "Top Gear," Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May took their globe-trotting automobile expertise to Prime Video for "The Grand Tour" (via Variety ). Retaining much of the format from their previous work together on "Top Gear," "The Grand Tour" has participants travel to different destinations using an impressive array of cars. From Cambodia to Madagascar, "The Grand Tour" showcases thrilling routes and cars, backed by the hosts' irascible wit. The Independent's positive review of "The Grand Tour" praised the show as distilling the best elements from "Top Gear" while boasting a significantly larger production budget.

With jaw-dropping destinations and high-octane action, "The Grand Tour" is currently available to stream on Prime Video .

4. Passport with Samantha Brown

Television personality Samantha Brown has built an impressive empire of travel shows on a number of platforms. One of Brown's most enduring lines of programming to date is "Passport," which sees Brown extensively explore different regions around the world for the ultimate experience. Starting with 2004's "Passport to Europe," Brown launched several different shows, taking her informative style to examine Latin America, China, and eco-friendly tourism. Brown's "Passport to Europe" won a Daytime Emmy Award while the subsequent "Passport to Latin America" was nominated for an Emmy, as a testament to Brown's eye for entertainment and educational quality.

Brown's "Passport" series are currently available to stream on Discovery+ .

3. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

As someone who hosted travel shows since 2002, Anthony Bourdain has experienced a lot of extended layovers and quick detours between trips to larger destinations. This premise of enjoying a locale on a tight turnaround time drives the core premise behind his Travel Channel series "The Layover." With only 24-48 hours in each location, Bourdain enjoys as much of the tourist-oriented and locally authentic experiences as he can before departing once more. A more tightly paced approach to Bourdain's usual travel fare, "The Layover" still finds the time to provide an informative look at different city cultures all over the globe.

Invaluable for those looking to make the most of their time on a tight schedule, "Anthony Bourdain: The Layover" is available to stream on Discovery+ , along with purchase and rent options on most digital platforms.

2. Rick Steves' Europe

Perhaps the gold standard in public broadcasting produced travel shows, "Rick Steves' Europe" follows travel author and television personality Rick Steves as he explores cities in Europe. Running from 2000 to 2021, Steves not only shares the biggest cultural landmarks and defining fare in each destination, but he provides audiences with valuable travel tips along the way. More than simply focusing on the biggest tourist spots, like London and Paris, Steves adds plenty of overlooked getaways, including Slovenia and Oslo. With a steady hand and wealth of knowledge, Steves has provided his even-keeled traveler wisdom to those interested in visiting Europe for decades.

"Rick Steves' Europe" is currently available to stream on the show's website , PBS with WOSU Passport, Prime Video , and Tubi .

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Television personality Anthony Bourdain's final travel show was "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which ran for 12 seasons on CNN from 2013 to 2018. Though "Parts Unknown" certainly retains the focus on local cuisine prominent in Bourdain's past travel shows, the CNN series weaves in more sociopolitical commentary in examining its locales. The series came to an abrupt end following Bourdain's tragic death , with the remaining episodes becoming a tribute to the late host and his unique worldview. Led by Bourdain's insightful and incisive perspective on the places he visited around the world, "Parts Unknown” was widely acclaimed and won numerous Emmy Awards across its run. More than just a show about food and culture, "Parts Unknown" examines the overlooked qualities of its destinations and what brings people together on a universal level.

Available to purchase on most digital retailers, "Parts Unknown" is also available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

Our ranking methodology

Everyone has that one show they're connected to, whether popular or not. "Best" is always subjective, and your all-time favorite series may not even be something someone else knows exists. That doesn't mean it's any less valid, though. We've tried to keep our personal opinions from this list and instead relied on more tangible elements when compiling our rankings. You'll find some of the most beloved, compelling, and critically acclaimed travel shows — and some you may have never heard of.

A travel show's host can be as important as the places traveled. There's a reason why Anthony Bourdain will always appear on lists like this one. His captivating storytelling capabilities and genuinely raw nature make for compelling TV that viewers resonate with. This kind of grab power shows up throughout our list of picks, with the face and voice of a program helping to boost some of the programs in our rankings.

We've considered the likability of the shows chosen here by scouring reviews from multiple sources, like Reddit, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb. We've also factored in the number of seasons and any accolades a show may have been given. A lack of awards certainly doesn't dull a hidden gem's luster, though, so don't be surprised that many shows featured here have gone under the award committees' radar.

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The 60 Best British Comedy Shows of all time

A list of the funniest British tv shows of all time (excluding Game shows)

Movies or TV
IMDb Rating
In Theaters
Release Year

1. Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)

TV-PG | 95 min | Comedy

Comedy that follows two brothers from London's rough Peckham estate as they wheel and deal through a number of dodgy deals and search for the big score that'll make them millionaires.

Stars: David Jason , Nicholas Lyndhurst , Roger Lloyd Pack , Buster Merryfield

Votes: 56,484

2. Benidorm (2007–2018)

Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy

British comedy series following holidaymakers at the Solana Resort in Benidorm. Hilarity ensues as guests try to get value for their Euros.

Stars: Jake Canuso , Janine Duvitski , Tony Maudsley , Elsie Kelly

Votes: 7,028

3. Blackadder (1982–1983)

TV-PG | 195 min | Comedy

In the Middle Ages, Prince Edmund the Black Adder constantly schemes and endeavors to seize the crown from his father and brother.

Stars: Rowan Atkinson , Brian Blessed , Elspet Gray , Tim McInnerny

Votes: 40,959

4. Steptoe and Son (1962–1974)

TV-PG | 45 min | Comedy

British sitcom about a father-and-son rag-and-bone business in London. The intergenerational divide between the miserly Steptoe and his ambitious son results in comedy, drama, and tragedy.

Stars: Wilfrid Brambell , Harry H. Corbett , Frank Thornton , Tim Buckland

Votes: 3,406

5. Fawlty Towers (1975–1979)

TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy

Hotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.

Stars: John Cleese , Prunella Scales , Andrew Sachs , Connie Booth

Votes: 99,842

6. Father Ted (1995–1998)

TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy

Three misfit priests and their housekeeper live on Craggy Island, not the peaceful and quiet part of Ireland that it seems to be.

Stars: Dermot Morgan , Ardal O'Hanlon , Frank Kelly , Pauline McLynn

Votes: 43,626

7. Love Thy Neighbour (1972–1976)

30 min | Comedy

A white working-class socialist has his world turned upside down when an educated black man moves in next door.

Stars: Jack Smethurst , Rudolph Walker , Nina Baden-Semper , Kate Williams

8. The Royle Family (1998–2012)

45 min | Comedy

A British sitcom about the everyday life of a working-class family in Northwest England: watching telly, smoking, drinking, and bickering.

Stars: Caroline Aherne , Craig Cash , Sue Johnston , Ricky Tomlinson

Votes: 9,055

9. The Vicar of Dibley (1994–2020)

TV-PG | 60 min | Comedy

A boisterous female minister comes to serve in an eccentricly conservative small town's church.

Stars: Dawn French , James Fleet , Trevor Peacock , Gary Waldhorn

Votes: 15,411

10. The Young Ones (1982–1984)

TV-14 | 35 min | Comedy

The crazy and sometimes surreal comedic adventures of four very different students in Thatcher's Britain.

Stars: Rik Mayall , Adrian Edmondson , Nigel Planer , Christopher Ryan

Votes: 16,380

11. Gimme Gimme Gimme (1999–2001)

TV-14 | 34 min | Comedy

Raucous 90s sitcom starring Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus as awful flatmates. Tom is an out-of-work actor with a sharp tongue, and Linda La Hughes is his dysfunctional friend.

Stars: Kathy Burke , James Dreyfus , Beth Goddard , Rosalind Knight

Votes: 3,154

12. On the Buses (1969–1973)

Jack-the-lad bus driver and conductor Stan and Jack enjoy the female employees more than their work and Inspector Blake is relentless in his attempts to make their lives a misery.

Stars: Anna Karen , Bob Grant , Stephen Lewis , Reg Varney

Votes: 2,638

13. Till Death Us Do Part (1965–1975)

A working-class Cockney bigot with a biased and experienced opinion of everything shares them bluntly and carelessly.

Stars: Warren Mitchell , Anthony Booth , Una Stubbs , Dandy Nichols

Votes: 1,003

14. Dad's Army (1968–1977)

30 min | Comedy, War

A ragtag group of Home Guard volunteers prepare for an imminent German invasion during World War II.

Stars: Arthur Lowe , John Le Mesurier , Clive Dunn , John Laurie

Votes: 7,193

15. 'Allo 'Allo! (1982–1992)

45 min | Comedy, History, War

In France during World War II, René Artois runs a small café where Resistance fighters, Gestapo men, German Army officers and escaped Allied POWs interact daily, ignorant of one another's true identity or presence, exasperating René.

Stars: Gorden Kaye , Carmen Silvera , Vicki Michelle , Richard Marner

Votes: 26,952

16. Porridge (1974–1977)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Crime

The prison life of Fletcher, a criminal serving a five-year sentence, as he strives to bide his time, keep his record clean, and refuses to be ground down by the prison system.

Stars: Ronnie Barker , Brian Wilde , Fulton Mackay , Richard Beckinsale

Votes: 6,794

17. My Family (2000–2011)

TV-14 | 50 min | Comedy

Ben Harper, a misanthropic dentist, has little time for most people, including his wife Susan, and their children Nick, Janey, and Michael.

Stars: Robert Lindsay , Zoë Wanamaker , Gabriel Thomson , Daniela Denby-Ashe

Votes: 10,511

18. Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012)

TV-14 | 45 min | Comedy

The wild misadventures of Edina "Eddy" Monsoon and her best friend Patsy Stone, who live in a nearly constant haze of drugged, drunken selfishness.

Stars: Jennifer Saunders , Joanna Lumley , Julia Sawalha , June Whitfield

Votes: 21,454

19. Bottom (1991–1995)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy

Two perpetually bored and broke flatmates waste their days in a futile struggle to get laid, earn cash, and not kill one another.

Stars: Adrian Edmondson , Rik Mayall , Steven O'Donnell , Christopher Ryan

Votes: 14,098

20. Mind Your Language (1977–1986)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy

A diverse group of immigrants and foreigners learn English at an adult education school in London.

Stars: Barry Evans , George Camiller , Jacki Harding , Zara Nutley

Votes: 9,685

21. Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (1973–1978)

Accident-prone Frank Spencer fails to navigate the simplest tasks of daily life, while also trying to look after his wife and baby.

Stars: Michael Crawford , Michele Dotrice , Jessica Forte , Dick Bentley

Votes: 4,156

22. One Foot in the Grave (1990–2001)

TV-PG | 90 min | Comedy, Drama

Victor Meldrew is a retiree who attracts bad luck. If he's not driving his long suffering wife Margaret crazy with his constant moaning, he's fighting with neighbours.

Stars: Richard Wilson , Annette Crosbie , Doreen Mantle , Owen Brenman

Votes: 7,296

23. Are You Being Served? (1972–1985)

TV-PG | 28 min | Comedy

The misadventures of the staff of a retail floor of a major department store.

Stars: Mollie Sugden , John Inman , Frank Thornton , Wendy Richard

Votes: 9,183

24. Gavin & Stacey (2007–2024)

TV-14 | 29 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Gavin and Stacey have been continuing their romance on-line and by telephone for the last six months. Now they want to be together but will their friends and family let them?

Stars: Joanna Page , Mathew Horne , Alison Steadman , Ruth Jones

Votes: 22,582

25. The Green Green Grass (2005–2009)

50 min | Comedy

Shifty car salesman Boycie and his wife Marlene leave their council estate in Peckham, London to start a new life in a rambling farmhouse in Shropshire.

Stars: John Challis , Sue Holderness , David Ross , Jack Doolan

Votes: 1,161

26. Still Game (2002–2019)

TV-14 | 29 min | Comedy

Cult Scottish comedy about the lives of two OAP's Jack and Victor and their views on how it used to be in the old days and how bad it is now in the fictional area of Craiglang, Glasgow.

Stars: Ford Kiernan , Greg Hemphill , Paul Riley , Mark Cox

Votes: 9,214

27. Open All Hours (1976–1985)

Arkwright is a miserly and eccentric shopkeeper with a stammer, who longs to marry his lifelong love Nurse Gladys. He runs a small town grocery store along with his errand boy and nephew, Granville and a particularly dangerous till.

Stars: Ronnie Barker , David Jason , Lynda Baron , Barbara Flynn

Votes: 5,922

28. Last of the Summer Wine (1973–2010)

Three old men from Yorkshire who have never grown up face the trials of their fellow town citizens and everyday life and stay young by reminiscing about the days of their youth and attempting feats not common to the elderly.

Stars: Peter Sallis , Jane Freeman , Kathy Staff , Robert Fyfe

Votes: 3,632

29. Red Dwarf (1988– )

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

The adventures of the last human alive and his friends, stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf.

Stars: Chris Barrie , Craig Charles , Danny John-Jules , Robert Llewellyn

Votes: 37,189

30. Man About the House (1973–1976)

Sitcom exploring the trials and tribulations created by one man and two women flat-sharing in the 70s.

Stars: Richard O'Sullivan , Paula Wilcox , Sally Thomsett , Yootha Joyce

Votes: 1,570

31. In Sickness and in Health (1985–1992)

Alf and Else are getting old, Rita's left home, Else's confined to a wheelchair. Alf must now do battle with the Social Security system.

Stars: Warren Mitchell , Carmel McSharry , Arthur English , Ken Campbell

32. George & Mildred (1976–1979)

George and Mildred Roper have just moved into a middle-class neighborhood.

Stars: Yootha Joyce , Brian Murphy , Norman Eshley , Sheila Fearn

Votes: 1,702

33. Still Open All Hours (2013–2019)

Having inherited the shop from his uncle, it's business as usual for Granville at Arkwright's corner shop.

Stars: James Baxter , David Jason , Stephanie Cole , Brigit Forsyth

Votes: 1,857

34. Bless This House (1971–1976)

Sid and Jean struggle to understand their teen kids' progressive ways. The couple lives in London with protest-loving son Mike and trendy daughter Sally.

Stars: Sidney James , Diana Coupland , Robin Stewart , Sally Geeson

Votes: 1,047

35. Rock & Chips (2010–2011)

89 min | Comedy, Drama

Tells the story of Del Boy's youth, growing up in Peckham in the 1960's.

Stars: Nicholas Lyndhurst , Kellie Bright , Phil Daniels , Shaun Dingwall

Votes: 1,561

36. Just Good Friends (1983–1986)

92 min | Comedy

A bittersweet sitcom about a couple who meet again five years after he jilted her at the altar.

Stars: Paul Nicholas , Jan Francis , Sylvia Kay , John Ringham

Votes: 1,132

37. Rising Damp (1974–1978)

Popular sitcom set in a seedy bedsit lorded over by the mean, vain, boastful, cowardly, racist landlord Rigsby. In each episode, his conceits are debunked by his long-suffering tenants.

Stars: Leonard Rossiter , Don Warrington , Frances de la Tour , Richard Beckinsale

Votes: 2,794

38. Extras (2005–2007)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

Andy Millman is an actor with ambition and a script. Reduced to working as an extra with a useless agent, Andy's attempts to boost his career invariably end in failure and embarrassment.

Stars: Ricky Gervais , Ashley Jensen , Stephen Merchant , Shaun Williamson

Votes: 60,244

39. Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

A snobbish housewife is determined to climb the social ladder, in spite of her family's working class connections and the constant chagrin of her long suffering husband.

Stars: Patricia Routledge , Clive Swift , Geoffrey Hughes , Judy Cornwell

Votes: 17,796

40. The New Statesman (1987–1994)

TV-14 | 70 min | Comedy

The ultra right-wing Alan B'Stard, the most selfish, greedy, dishonest, sadistic and sociopathic Conservative MP of them all, plots to achieve his meglomaniacal ambitions.

Stars: Rik Mayall , Michael Troughton , Marsha Fitzalan , Terence Alexander

41. Yes Minister (1980–1984)

The Right Honorable James Hacker has landed the plum job of Cabinet Minister to the Department of Administration. At last he is in a position of power and can carry out some long-needed reforms, or so he thinks.

Stars: Paul Eddington , Nigel Hawthorne , Derek Fowlds , Diana Hoddinott

Votes: 16,466

42. Brush Strokes (1986–1991)

NORTHERN IRELAND
TRAVEL TIPS

34 Best travel TV Shows to Binge watch this year!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for some amazing travel TV shows to feed your wanderlust?

There is nothing better than watching inspiring travel TV shows when you don’t get to travel. They are entertaining, helpful to plan your travels and open your mind (and heart) to new places.

I absolutely love watching travel shows on TV. While it’s true that I prefer doing the actual travelling, I’m like everybody else and I also enjoy staying at home and dreaming of my next destinations.

I spend a lot of time watching travel shows and find it to be not just entertaining, but enlightening!

Sometimes you will discover underrated places that you would have never thought of going. And that’s the great thing about it, you don’t only get to learn about the places you want to go. You discover new places!

It’s also a very good way to learn more about the culture of these places.

As you may know, I love discovering new cultures. I find all of them so incredibly interesting. Foreign languages, food, history… there is just so much to discover. It’s so interesting and exciting!

Here are some of the best travel TV shows to watch now!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my father

Jack Whitehall is a famous British comedian. He is mainly known to be the posh lad in Fresh Meat (filmed in Manchester by the way 😉 ).

In real life, Jack Whitehall actually is a very posh Londoner. He comes from a wealthy family and never got the chance to go backpacking as many young people do.

On top of that, he always had quite a difficult relationship with his dad, who is 79.

This is why, in 2017, Jack Whitehall invites his dad, Michael, to go backpacking with him in Asia for a Netflix original series .

By that, I mean proper backpacking. Sleeping in hostels, taking cheap transportation, carrying a backpack… and guess what, his dad said yes!

This show is absolutely hilarious and a perfect mix between comedy and travel. If you need something to cheer you up and make you dream of foreign lands, it’s the perfect choice!

In the first season, they travel through countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

It’s so funny to watch as the dad is quite a character. He is a very posh person and obviously not quite happy about the lack of comfort.

If you like British humour, Jack and Michael Whitehall will crack you up!

The show had so much success that it was renewed for a second season in Europe . A continent that Michael famously voted to leave! In the third season, they go to America and here again, it takes a whole new dimension.

Give it a try, you will be hooked straight from the first episode! It’s so funny and arguably the best travel reality show on Netflix!

2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

You may know Anthony Bourdain as a chef but did you know that he had a few travel shows as well?

My favourite is Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown .

This American food and travel show was produced by CNN and ran from 2013 to 2018. Sadly, Anthony died while working on a show about Strasbourg, France on the 8th of June 2018.

In this show, he travels the world and focuses on the lesser-known and underrated places.

He goes to pretty much any country you can think of and explores the culture and cuisine with locals. Very often he goes around with local guides, sometimes he also gets to meet famous personalities.

In his episode about Lyon in France, he goes for dinner with Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef.

Bourdain has this very unique way to explore the world. He sees the beauty in everything and always makes sure to be in perfect sync with local cultures.

He had this unique ability to see the world as the absolute beauty it really is and through Parts Unknown, shares his vision of the world’s cultures.

It’s not a show that I would categorise as funny, although there are some quirks. But it’s definitely the most interesting and passionate one of this list!

3. Down to Earth

Seasons: 1

This is a fun travel show / documentary to watch. It stars Zac Efron who travels around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien.

The goal of these travels is to discover more sustainable ways to live. They go everywhere around the world including Iceland, Sardinia and South America.

Each destination highlight a specific sustainable lifestyle. For example, Sardinia in Italy is known as a blue zone. A blue zone is an area with more people reaching the age of 100 than the average.

When they get to Sardinia, they meet with locals and experts to try to understand how the way people live and eat has impacted their health.

Darin Olien is known to be big on super foods so you will also learn plenty about that when they go to South America.

All in all, this is a great show to watch as it perfectly mixes together fun and education.

4. BBC Race Across the World

Even though the Amazing Race is a concept available in almost all countries, it doesn’t exist in the UK.

But don’t you worry, the BBC thought that through and created its own program!

The concept of the Race across the world is a bit different though. In this show, you will follow 5 pairs of travellers on an epic race across the world.

In the first season, their mission is to go from London to Singapore without taking a single flight.

They are being given a bit of money, the equivalent of a flight ticket from London to Singapore ie about £1000. With this money, they have to go to Singapore without flying.

This means they have to find transport, accommodation and food for a month within that £500 budget per head. Each pair adopts a different strategy.

They take all sorts of transportation. Some hitchhike, some take the bus…

It’s a very entertaining thing to watch. You will surprise yourself trying to plan that trip as well!

5. Somebody Feed Phil

Seasons: 4

This Netflix Original is an excellent thing to watch if you love both travelling and food.

You will follow Philip Rosenthal on his trips around the world and discover the local delicacies.

There is no better way to understand the local culture than eating local dishes with the locals themselves and that’s what Phil is doing here.

From the floating markets in Thailand to the classic Mexican cantinas, he tries it all!

The best thing about this show is that you will discover so much more than just food and drinks.

He really tries to understand the local culture and why things are the way they are.

It’s also worth noting that Phil is a very happy and funny guy which makes it very pleasant to watch.

6. Instant Hotel

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality show that follows several teams of homeowners.

Each duo owns a holiday rental in Australia and will host the other contestants for a day and a night.

It’s a nice thing to watch if you love Australia or would like to visit one day.

You will get to see several states including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory.

Not only will you see some very famous locations such as Bondi Beach but will also get to discover some hidden gems.

There are 2 seasons available on Netflix.

7. Ugly Delicious

This is another food and travel TV show on Netflix. In this one, you will follow chef David Chang on his journey around the world.

A bit like Anthony Bourdain used to do, Chang is using food to tackle misconceptions and break down cultural barriers.

Food is a powerful way to experience a country and learn more about the local culture. Chef Chang knows that and he shows you exactly how to!

He is also joined by guests including other chefs, artists, activists and plenty more. With him, you’ll discover many different regions including the USA, Asia and Europe.

8. Dark Tourist

In Dark Tourist, the journalist David Farrier focuses on something rarely talked about: Dark Tourism. Dark tourism is the fact of travelling to places associated with death or tragedy.

This type of travel is getting more and more popular and that’s why David Farrier goes to experience it and share with us his journey.

Dark Tourist is a very interesting show to watch as clearly, he is immersing himself into some culture and believes that you probably never even heard of before that.

Secondly, it can get quite funny and that Kiwi accent is always so cute!

Lastly, let’s be honest, it’s bloody weird! And clearly extremely interesting. I had no idea most of these things existed and although it can be creepy at times, it is quite interesting to know more about them.

9. Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is a Netflix Original TV Show that was released in 2020. It was created by Darren Star (best known for “Sex and the City”).

It’s the story of Emily Cooper, an American girl, who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing agency.

Although it was argued that the show was full of clichés, it is still a very cool thing to watch. As a French person, I loved it!

It may not quite be representative of what a normal french life is but it highlights the most magical aspects of Paris! It will make you dream!

Emily Cooper is played by Lily Collins (British-American actress) but most of the other main characters are French which makes the show even better!

They all speak English (some with a better accent than others).

It’s a feel-good travel show that will make you want to visit Paris straight away!

And if you do, you will be able to visit Emily in Paris filming locations!

10. Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip

Looking for a travel show about Australia? Here you go!

This 2020 docuseries is one of the best things to watch before going to Australia.

Here you will see Griff Rhys Jones, a Welsh comedian, taking on an amazing train journey from Perth to Sydney and Darwin to Adelaide.

Not only is it a great way to see what the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains are like but you will also get to learn so much about the Australian outback and culture.

You can tell that Griff is truly fascinated by Australia and he will definitely make you want to jump on a plane straight away!

11. The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries is one of the best travel programmes if you also love motorbikes (don’t worry if you don’t though, it’s fun either way but if you do like motorbikes, this is the ultimate best travel series for you).

You will follow the adventures of Leon who travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle relying solely on the kindness of strangers for accommodation, food and even petrol.

This is an extraordinary travel tv program. Not only is it interesting and fun but seeing the kindness of people all around the world is simply the most moving thing you can see.

It will leave you quite emotional on a few occasions!

12. James May: Our man in Japan

You may know James May as one of the presenters of Top Gear. But he’s got way more in store than you’d think.

In this Amazon Prime original , James May goes to Japan and experiences many aspects of Japanese Culture.

He goes to all the main cities including Tokyo and Kyoto but also some more remote places in the Japanese countryside.

James May is a typical British guy and definitely knows how to come up with the best comments!

Just picture him, in Japan, not speaking a single word of Japanese, clueless about the culture… and yet going for it!

It’s a very interesting mix of fun and culture.

If you love Japan, you will definitely like it but even if you don’t have any specific interest in this country, you will still enjoy it, I promise!

You can watch this amazing show on Amazon Prime.

Click here to check it out and get a free trial!

13. Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip

If you are looking for comedy travel shows, look no further! This one will make you laugh out loud!

This 2-season show features 3 famous chefs in the UK: Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, and Fred Serieix.

Just picture it for a moment, we are putting together a British man, an Italian man and a French man, in a same place and make them travel the world to discover the best foods.

The result? One of the best celebrity travel shows we can think of!

It is a very cool show and you get to discover their home countries of Italy , France and Scotland but also some other destinations such as Texas or Mexico.

14. By Any Means

Seasons: 1 (6 episodes)

This one is for all the adventurers out there! Unlike some of the shows out there that are quite commercialised, this one is very pure and honest. You will be following Charley Boorman, an Irishman who decides to go from his small hometown in Ireland all the way down to Australia without flying.

Charley is not doing all of that on his own. He is with a team which makes it even more entertaining.

In the first episode, you will see how they went about planning the trip itself which was pretty challenging back in 2008. After that, the good stuff starts and you follow them on this incredible journey.

It’s a great way to learn more about hidden gems and underrated travel destinations.

Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

15. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is British motoring show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Although it is known for cars, it’s also an excellent travel TV show to watch.

The famous trio used to present Top Gear for BBC. In 2015, BBC didn’t renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

At this point, his friends decided to follow him and they signed a contract with Amazon Prime . The Grand Tour was born!

On the Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May embark the most incredible vehicles and set off to explore some of the most beautiful countries in the world!

They visit some famous places but also adventure themselves in very remote, off-the-beaten-path, locations. This includes Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Italy and many more!

The Grand Tour is available on Amazon Prime . There are several seasons and some specials!

Click here to watch The Grand Tour.

16. Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is an American reality TV show. I’ve watched every season of the French equivalent, Pekin Express.

As much as I would love to talk about this show, I appreciate that watching a show in french might not be of your liking!

But it’s ok because the Amazing Race is pretty much the same thing. There is an American and Canadian version.

The concept is simple. There are several teams of two racing around the world. In each episode, they have to go to a certain destination with no money.

Therefore their only option is to hitchhike and get locals to accommodate them for free.

Along the way, other missions are given to them. These can be hikes, riding… all sorts of things.

It’s the perfect show to discover many countries in a different way. The Amazing Race has it all: competition, culture, landscapes, fun… A must see!

And there are over 30 seasons available so plenty to binge-watch!

Click here to watch the Amazing Race.

17. Travel Man

If you are looking for another funny British travel show, Travel Man is for you!

In this channel 4 show, the host Richard Ayoade explores all major cities around the world. The goal? Visiting as many tourist spots in the minimum amount of time.

When I say that, don’t get me wrong. He is very well organised and makes sure to go on a guided tour most of the time.

This means he actually embeds himself very well in the culture of the place he is visiting.

But where loads of travel shows focus on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel Man does the opposite. He goes for the most famous landmarks!

And it’s a good thing because even though these places are touristy, they are famous for a reason!

Richard Ayoade is a very funny man and will make you laugh out loud quite a few times!

Somehow, he always does his best not to enjoy himself which makes the whole show absolutely hilarious!

This show is perfect if you are planning city breaks or are into architecture.

If you are an adventure and after nature discovery, it won’t be what you are looking for.

Click here to watch Travel Man.

18. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

The late Anthony Bourdain was famous as a celebrity chef. But he gained an army of new fans with his excellent travel series, Anthony Bourdain: The Layover .

Showcasing Bourdain’s swift visits to various cities around the world, the show aired on the Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013.

It focused on how to make the most of a short layover or brief stopover in a city.

Each episode featured Bourdain spending 24 to 48 hours in a featured city, providing viewers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to experiencing the best food, culture and attractions a place had to offer.

He often sought the help of local experts and friends, including chefs and celebrities, to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots.

Visiting everywhere from New York City to Istanbul, the show is renowned for Bourdain’s candid and unfiltered commentary, his willingness to try exotic and unconventional dishes and his deep appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered.

19. All Joanna Lumley’s Shows

Joanna Lumley is a famous British actress. You may know her from The New Avengers or more recently The Wolf of Wall Street.

She is also well known for her travel documentaries.

She has done quite a few of them over the years and they are all fantastic things to watch. The most recent one was released in 2020 and is called Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti.

If you love the Caribbean and want to learn more about this part of the world, watching Joanna Lumley’s TV show will be the perfect thing to do.

It is considered a documentary but like most travel shows, it’s quite funny on top of being interesting.

In this one, she goes to Cuban and Haiti. Local culture, quirky situations, funny humour… it has it all!

You should also consider watching the other ones as they are all fantastic:

Joanna Lumley’s Nile
Joanna Lumley’s Japan
Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure
Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures
Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey
Joanna Lumley’s India
Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home: Travels in My Own Land
Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure
Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

Most of them are available on Amazon Prime as well as ITV Hub and BBC Select.

20. Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad

This one is very similar to Jack Whitehall Travels with my father. On paper at least.

In this case, the dad is the celebrity. Bradley Walsh is a famous British comedian and presenter. If he never particularly wanted to travel, his 21-year old son, Barney, decided otherwise!

Together they go on a road trip in America in an RV. The series started in 2019 and can be watched on Amazon . There are 2 seasons, 10 episodes in total.

In this case, they don’t go for a budget-travel version. They keep their comfort but try very unexpected activities in the States.

It’s more about the contact with the locals which is quite interesting.

As you would expect from the Walsh’s, it’s also very funny!

They go from the Florida Keys up to Georgia. So if you are interested in knowing more about Florida and the east coast states, this one’s for you!

You can watch this amazing show on ITV (eligible for a free trial as well!).

21. An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is one the quirkiest travel show that you can find.

Here is the plot: the main person, Karl Pilkington has never wanted to travel and will be forced to.

Basically, at the beginning of the episode, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who created the show) send Karl abroad with instructions. They put together a bucket list and he has to do everything.

It’s so funny! I promise, this British show will crack you up!

The thing that makes it so entertaining is the fact that Karl Pilkington has no interest in travelling and ends up doing all these things while the other two stay in the UK!

If you want to have a good laugh, An Idiot Abroad is the way to go!

22. The Americas with Simon Reeve

If you are looking for the best travel shows on BBC iplayer, this one is for you!

It features Simon Reeve, a famous British adventurer, exploring the Americas.

The first season includes 5 episodes during which you discover some of the most famous places in the Americas such as Machu Picchu in Peru but also some very remote places in the Amazon rainforest.

If you’d like to learn more about Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, this is the travel show for you.

There is a lot to love about the Americas. Between the ancient Maya heritage and the beautiful national parks in the USA, there is so much to discover.

That’s exactly what you will do if you want “The Americas with Simon Reeve”.

You will follow him on his incredible journey and learn more about the local culture as well as sustainable ways to live. From planting trees in Costa Rica to hiking the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect mix between adventure, culture and sustainability.

This TV show was produced by BBC and available on BBC iPlayer.

23. Men in Kilts

If you’d love to learn more about Scotland , then Men in Kilts is the perfect travel show for you!

Here you will follow Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the stars of Outlander, around Scotland and discover plenty about the local culture.

This includes whisky, bagpipes and of course, stunning landscapes.

Not only is it a very interesting show to watch but the hosts are so funny and it’s so great to see them in another context than Outlander.

24. Long Way Up

Premiering in 2020, Long Way Up is part of the Long Way series of documentary travel TV shows, which follows motorcycle journeys led by longtime actors and friends Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor.

In Long Way Up , Charley and Ewan embark on an epic adventure, riding electric Harley Davidson LiveWire motorbikes from the southern tip of South America in Argentina to Los Angeles in the USA.

The journey covers over 13,000 miles and 13 countries, taking them through Chile, Bolivia, Peru , Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and Mexico between their start and finish points.

Some of the most memorable moments include navigating challenging terrains like the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, dealing with extreme weather conditions, and experiencing the cultural diversity of the countries they visit.

The duo also encounter unexpected obstacles, like charging their electric motorcycles in remote locations with limited infrastructure, which adds an extra layer of adventure to their trip.

25. Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler was a popular Travel Channel television series from 2014 to 2018. Its host was the effervescent Jack Maxwell – a well-known Boston-born actor and television personality.

Each episode featured Maxwell embarking on a worldwide adventure to learn about different cultures through their alcoholic beverages and drinking customs.

The series took viewers to various destinations, including Mexico, India, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.

In each place, Maxwell immersed himself in local customs, tried traditional drinks and interacted with the locals to understand the importance of alcohol in their culture better.

In doing this, he often tried unique and sometimes unusual alcoholic drinks, such as snake wine in Vietnam and fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.

Overall, the show explored the cultural and historical significance of alcohol, revealing how it has shaped societies and brought people together.

Sadly, the show was not renewed for a fifth series because Maxwell was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while filming the last few episodes of this travel series.

26. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

Considered one of the best travel TV series out of the UK, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby debuted in 2017 and quickly became popular amongst those who aspire to the finer things in life.

Giles Coren, a British food and travel writer and Monica Galetti, a renowned chef and restaurant critic, host the show.

The series explores some of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotels, delving beyond their opulent lobbies to uncover the behind-the-scenes operations and extraordinary experiences they offer.

In each episode, Coren and Galetti visit a different exceptional hotel, often located in stunning and remote locations.

They meet with the staff, from chefs to concierges, to understand the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication required to maintain these extraordinary establishments.

The show highlights the environmental and sustainability efforts of these hotels where possible.

Over the years, Amazing Hotels has featured various destinations, including the Fogo Island Inn in Canada, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Giraffe Manor in Kenya and the Treehotel in Sweden.

27. Iain Robertson Rambles

If you watch Iain Robertson Rambles , you’ll see one of the most fascinating documentary travel TV shows ever.

As its name suggests, this captivating series is hosted by Iain Robertson, a Scottish presenter and broadcaster widely recognised for his love for nature and the outdoors.

The show focuses on Robertson’s expeditions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote terrains and the UK.

During each episode, viewers accompany Robertson on his long walks and hikes across breathtaking landscapes.

The show offers a unique blend of travelogue, natural history, and personal storytelling.

Robertson’s passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation are central to the series.

Throughout the series, Iain Robertson explores various destinations in Scotland and the UK, including the rugged Highlands , the serene islands of the Hebrides, and the lush woodlands of Wales.

Whilst watching him do this, viewers feel like they are alongside him – trekking through the picturesque landscapes he explores.

28. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan

If you are looking for funny travel shows, look no further than The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan .

The show, a travel documentary series starring the British comedian, first aired in 2018.

It follows Romesh as he embarks on journeys to various destinations worldwide, often focusing on places considered off the beaten path or challenging for tourists.

Throughout the series, Romesh immerses himself in the local cultures and traditions of the places he visits.

He often seeks unique and authentic experiences, interacting with locals and trying his hand at their customs and activities.

Some places he visits include Ethiopia, Haiti, Albania, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, and Bosnia – locations known for their rich history, distinctive cultures, and, in some cases, reputations for being less frequented by mainstream travellers.

As Romesh offers humorous and self-deprecating commentary while navigating unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, the show provides a fresh perspective on travel.

His witty observations and genuine reactions to the places he goes to make for entertaining viewing.

29. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown

Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown is one of several TV travel shows that hit our screens from the Travel Channel.

The show ran from 2004 to 2006 and was hosted by the American television personality and travel expert known for her engaging and relatable approach to travel.

In the series, Samantha Brown explores various European destinations, providing viewers with insider tips, cultural insights and travel recommendations.

She regularly immersed herself in the local culture, trying regional foods, experiencing traditions, and interacting with locals.

Some of the destinations she went to included Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Vienna and Barcelona.

The show captures each location’s iconic landmarks, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods while highlighting their unique charms during her visits.

It was known for dishing out practical travel advice and inspirational exploration of European cities and cultures.

It encouraged viewers to embrace the adventure of travel and discover the beauty and diversity of Europe’s many destinations.

30. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running TV travel shows was the incomparable Globe Trekker , which aired for 17 seasons and well over 200 episodes from 1994 to 2010.

The show features trekkers who embark on journeys to destinations worldwide, providing viewers with insights into different cultures, traditions and experiences.

Over the years, it has had a rotating cast of hosts, including Ian Wright, Megan McCormick, Zay Harding and one Bradley Cooper – who went on to achieve international fame as a Hollywood superstar.

These hosts have travelled to various destinations around the globe from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco to the serene landscapes of New Zealand and the untouched beauty of Bora Bora.

The show’s format combines travelogue-style storytelling with practical travel tips, making it entertaining and informative for viewers interested in exploring the world.

31. Conan Without Borders

For those wanting the best travel shows streaming right now, it’s hard to go past Conan Without Borders.

Hosted by the famous comedian and talk show, the show debuted in 2015.

It featured Conan travelling to various international destinations, often to engage with local cultures, traditions and humour.

Celebrity guests, friends, and local personalities join Conan O’Brien in exploring the destinations throughout the series – including former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Jack Black and comedian Jordan Schlansky.

The show has taken viewers on hilarious and insightful journeys to destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Ghana.

It typically blends travelogue-style segments with Conan’s trademark comedic sketches and interviews.

While watching his attempts to immerse himself in cultural practices (such as learning traditional dances or trying regional cuisine), Conan presents us with his comedic take on each destination’s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

In doing so, the show entertains and fosters a sense of global connection and curiosity.

32. Tales by Light

Combining breathtaking imagery, storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s wonders, Tales by Light is a must-watch travel TV series for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the world’s most extraordinary and untamed places.

The show is a documentary television series that delves into the world of photography and the experiences of renowned photographers as they capture compelling images from around the globe.

It explores the stories behind these captivating photographs and the photographers’ journeys to catch them.

The series has featured various acclaimed photographers, including Art Wolfe, Darren Jew and Krystle Wright, who each provide insights into their unique approach to photography.

They usually travel to remote and exotic destinations – including the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, India and the Arctic Circle – often pursuing wildlife, nature and indigenous cultures.

Overall, the show provides viewers with a visually stunning and educational experience, showcasing the photographers’ dedication to their craft and deep respect for the natural world.

33. Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown

If you have yet to see it, Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown is one of the most compelling travel-related shows you can watch.

Hosted by British adventurer and explorer Ed Stafford – known for being the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River – the show illustrates the spirit of human exploration and resilience.

It highlights the former British army captain’s quest for adventure by journeying to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Throughout the series, Ed Stafford travels solo to destinations like Venezuela, Mongolia, Ethiopia and Peru. He has close encounters with grizzly bears in Alaska and tracking elusive snow leopards in Mongolia.

In every episode, Stafford immerses himself in the local culture and landscapes, often relying on his survival skills to navigate the wild and unfamiliar terrains.

The show combines elements of exploration, adventure and survival as Stafford pushes himself to his physical and mental limits.

34. Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown, a popular adventure and travel documentary television series, premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015.

The show’s presenter is Josh Gates, an explorer and adventurer who takes viewers on a quest to uncover mysteries, legends, and secrets from around the world.

During the series, Gates travels to a wide range of famous and obscure destinations to investigate historical enigmas, treasure hunts, and unsolved mysteries.

He often collaborates with experts, historians, and local guides to gather clues and solve puzzles related to each episode’s theme.

Some places he visits include Egypt, South America, and the Caribbean, where he seeks hidden treasures and solves perplexing mysteries.

His adventures involve investigating Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, searching for Atlantis, and pursuing the elusive Yeti in the Himalayas.

Ultimately, the show is known for its blend of adventure, history and exploration, making it entertaining for viewers interested in the thrill of discovery and the fascination of uncovering the world’s hidden secrets.

How to watch travel TV shows?

There are many places where you can find travel TV shows, but these would be the best places to start! I use all of them and love them! They are very complementary!

You can create an account and start watching Netflix here. This is where you will find most of the shows about travel.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video comes with your prime subscription. There are many things to watch on Prime and it’s very good value. You can get a free trial for Amazon Prime Video here.

BBC iplayer

BBC offers some of the best UK travel shows including Race Across the World and The Americas with Simon Reeve.

ITV channel

ITV Channel offers some amazing TV shows such as the Bradley Walsh one or Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip. You can get a free trial for ITV here.

Disney + / Hulu

Although these are no TV shows, I’d recommend you to watch some Disney movies . Loads of them are perfect to discover new places.

We don’t always realise it but they are very good to embed yourself into a foreign culture.

For example:

France: Aristocats
UK: Mary Poppins
China: Mulan

I thought I’d put it in there as clearly, Disney is always a good idea !

Channel 4 is a free-to-air television channel in the UK. You can go to their websites and watch everything for free.

There are some ads but they are pretty short.

I hope you will enjoy these amazing travel shows! If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments as I would love to discover more myself!

BBC viewers threaten to cancel licence fees after another hit comedy axed

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Diane Morgan and Anna Maxwell Martin in Motherland

Motherland fans have been left fuming after claims it has been axed by the BBC .

The comedy series, starring Cunk On Earth’s Diane Morgan, followed the trials, tribulations, and generally cut-throat world of middle-class motherhood .

Written by Sharon Horgan , the series landed three seasons and two Christmas specials on BBC, first airing in 2016, and scoring a Bafta for best scripted comedy in 2022.

However, it’s now come to an end with Liz actress Diane revealing: ‘I hate to say it, because I still get women running up to me with prams in the street asking me when it’s coming back.’

She did however tease a spin-off involving Lucy Punch’s character Amanda, adding to The Times : ‘Yes. It’ll live on through her. The ladies with the prams will be pleased, hopefully.’

Fans have been left devastated at the news, taking to X to share their anger.

@lydrogerss said: ‘BBC cancelling Motherland and they still expect me to pay a license fee.’

‘They’ve cancelled Motherland?! The BBC really has lost the plot in so many ways,’ @frozenwarning wrote.

@Victoria_Vol added: ‘Not a good start to the Easter weekend to discover that @bbccomedy @bbc have axed the brilliant #Motherland. One of the best comedies of the past decade. Why oh why would someone deem this a good decision.’

bbc cancelling motherland and they still expect me to pay a license fee — ð¥ð²ðð¢ðð§ð¼ââï¸ (@lydrodgerss) March 29, 2024

Theyâve cancelled Motherland?! The BBC really has lost the plot in so many ways. — Frozenwarning ðºð¦ (@frozenwarning) March 29, 2024

I need to know who is at fault for cancelling #motherland @bbc ? So I can either hunt them down or cancel my licenceâ¦ ð¡ ð — Jamie (@jam3z27) March 29, 2024

I’ve just read that the BBC has decided to cancel Motherland. Absolutely fuming. pic.twitter.com/TnNXLFFkWo — Adam (@AdamWebb1994) March 29, 2024

So, the BBC decide to cancel Motherland but keep on recommissioning Mrs Brown’s Boys! What exactly am I paying my license fee for!!!? @GaryLineker @Lord_Sugar @realDonaldTrump @TVNaga01 #RAGE #BBC #Sitcom — Noble Locks (@Bogota_Bracelet) March 29, 2024

@BBC Hey, BBC! What the heck are you doing cancelling #motherland one of the best shows ever! I can’t believe it! Please reconsider! â¹ï¸ — Sophieâ (@Sophiedt70) March 29, 2024

Not a good start to the Easter weekend to discover that @bbccomedy @bbc have axed the brilliant #Motherland . One of the best comedies of the past decade. Why oh why would someone deem this a good decision. — Victoria (@Victoria_Vol) March 29, 2024

Alongside Lucy and Diane, Motherland also stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Peep Show’s Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Philippa Dunne.

The cancellation comes after a string of axed shows, including Paddy McGuinness’ gameshow Catchpoint and Alison Hammond-starring I Can See Your Voice.

David Jason’s Still Open All Hours has also been axed , as has gameshow Unbeatable in recent months.

Top Gear has also been taken off air after Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash , while A Question of Sport – both of which star McGuinness – has come to an end after 53 years.

The BBC is not the only broadcaster to have made cuts recently – with ITV also axing two celebrity-fronted gameshows , and popular comedy programmes .

The BBC declined to comment when approached by Metro.co.uk.

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The 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked

Fawlty Towers

Only Fools and Horses

Monty Python's Flying Circus

Keeping Up Appearances

The IT Crowd

The Inbetweeners

Are You Being Served?

The Two Ronnies

The Young Ones

Yes Minister

The Vicar of Dibley

Open All Hours

'Allo 'Allo!

One Foot in the Grave

Black Books

Absolutely Fabulous

The Good Life

Yes, Prime Minister

Steptoe and Son

Not The Nine O'Clock News

Men Behaving Badly

Clunky title aside, 'Cunk on Earth' is a mockumentary with cult classic potential

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The best British comedy TV shows

Here are the best British comedy TV shows...

'Only Fools and Horses'

'The Office'

'Absolutely Fabulous'

'Derry Girls'

'The Thick of It'

'The Inbetweeners'

'Motherland'

'The Royle Family'

'The IT Crowd'

'The Vicar of Dibley'

'This Country'

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The Definitive Guide to British Comedy TV Since Fawlty Towers

Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)

‘Allo ‘Allo! (1982–1992)

Blackadder (1983–1989)

Mr. Bean (1990–1995)

Jeeves and Wooster (1990–1993)

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012)

The Vicar of Dibley (1994–2007)

The Day Today (1994)

Father Ted (1995–1998)

I’m Alan Partridge (1997–2002)

Spaced (1999–2001)

Black Books (2000–2004)

Coupling (2000–2004)

The Office (2001–2003)

Peep Show (2003–2015)

Little Britain (2003–2007)

The Mighty Boosh (2004–2007)

The Thick of It (2005–2012)

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Gavin & Stacey (2007–2010)

The Inbetweeners (2008–2010)

Fresh Meat (2011–2016)

Catastrophe (2015–present)

Fleabag (2016–present)

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