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The Best Time Travel Shows to Watch on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon, and More

We've all dreamed of living in another period

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, Outlander

At this point, there's no shortage of shows that deal with time travel in some capacity. It's a popular subject, and for good reason! Now more than ever you might be looking for an escape from your daily life, or from this era altogether, and no one in their right mind could blame you for that. If you're of the belief that existing in one timeline is overrated, you've arrived at the right list.

Some of the shows here are action-packed dramas, while others take a more whimsical approach to history, but all of them are absolutely binge-worthy masterpieces. Whether you want to travel back hundreds of years or just a couple of decades, you'll find the perfect time travel show recommendation in the list below!

Looking for more recommendations of what to watch next?  We have a ton of them!  And if you're looking for more hand-picked recommendations based on shows you love,  we have those too .

Tom Hiddleston, Loki

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU for short) already know that Loki ( Tom Hiddleston ) is a master trickster. He is literally the god of mischief, and for years his role in these movies was relegated to villain, nuisance, and foil to his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth), but with Loki , he races through time and space in a series that puts him at the forefront of his own story. The series is a crime thriller that follows an alternate version of Loki who stole the Tesseract in  Avengers: Endgame , an event that basically broke reality. And, as these things go, it's now his responsibility to fix what he started. He's recruited by  Owen Wilson 's Mobius M. Mobius at the mysterious Time Variance Authority (TVA) to travel through history and correct the timeline he messed up. The series is the closest thing to putting an actual comic book on screen, full of madcap twists and turns, and seemingly self-contained, without having to place so much emphasis on setting up for future MCU installments. - Allison Picurro   [Watch on  Disney+ ]

Jodie Whittaker, Doctor Who

This one is a gimme, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Doctor Who , and honestly, if you haven't watched this long-running British sci-fi series already, we're not sure you can even call yourself a fan of time travel. Doctor Who follows a centuries-old alien known as the Doctor who has the ability to regenerate and take on different faces (hence the "long-running" bit). The Doctor, currently portrayed by Jodie Whittaker , takes unsuspecting ladies (and a few dudes) on ridiculous trips through time and space. Yep, this one checks the space travel box too! If you do choose to watch Doctor Who though, be warned -- you will end up in a fight with someone on Tumblr about which Doctor is the best. It's unavoidable.  [Watch on   HBO Max ]

Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, and Reilly Dolman, Travelers

Netflix's   Travelers , initially a co-production with Canada's Showcase, doesn't get even half the recognition it deserves for constructing impossibly complex time travel mythology that is still understandable and engaging for its audience, so we're recognizing it by putting it on this list. In the series, squads of elite soldiers travel to the present from hundreds of years in the future in order to change history and save the human race. If that doesn't sound cool enough, let us just add that they do so by sending their consciousnesses into the bodies of people about to die and assuming their identities. So. Freaking. Cool.  [Watch on  Netflix ]

Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull, 12 Monkeys

Based on the 1995 movie with the same name, 12 Monkeys follows a time traveler who travels from 2043 to 2015 to stop a deadly virus from wiping out most of the planet's population. However, what starts out as a simple mission to the past turns into a mind-boggling journey through some of the biggest historical events of the 20th century and a pretty epic love story. This series really digs into the rules of time travel like causation and paradoxes, so while it may give you one of the aforementioned headaches, it's seriously worth it.  [Watch on  Hulu ]

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Caity Lotz, Matt Ryan, Olivia Swan, Dominic Purcell and Nick Zano, DC Legends of Tomorrow 

In a sea of series that focus on saving the world with time travel, DC's Legends of Tomorrow easily could have gotten lost in the shuffle. Luckily, this CW series quickly established itself as one part nonsense, two parts pure fun, which set it apart from all the rest. If you're looking for a lighter series to help you while the days away, this one is definitely for you. The Legends team does end up saving the world quite a few times, but most of the time they just wind up turning themselves into singing puppets or fighting giant stuffed animals.  [Watch on  Netflix ]

If you're looking for something a little more romantic to binge-watch, Outlander is your ticket. This series follows Claire Beauchamp ( Caitriona Balfe ), an English WWII nurse who accidentally travels from 1945 back to 1743 while on a trip to Scotland with her husband ( Tobias Menzies ). Thrown into the past and desperate to get home, Claire finds herself embroiled in a Scottish uprising while slowly but surely falling in love with a ruggedly handsome redhead named Jamie Fraser ( Sam Heughan ).  [Watch on   Netflix ,  Starz ,  Hulu with Starz add-on ,  Amazon Prime with Starz add-on ]

Abigail Spencer, Malcolm Barrett, Matt Lanter; Timeless

Though Timeless was canceled twice , its devoted fanbase, known as Clockblockers, were so passionate that the NBC series ended up getting a two-hour series finale to wrap things up, so you won't have to worry about a cliffhanger ending. The show follows a history professor ( Abigail Spencer ), a soldier ( Matt Lanter ), and an engineer ( Malcolm Barrett ) who use a government-created time machine to track down a mysterious villain who is trying to rewrite American history. This series pairs the whimsy of DC's Legends of Tomorrow with the high stakes of 12 Monkeys , making it the perfect "middle of the road" option for time travel fans.  [Watch on  Hulu ]

Though it was canceled after just one season, we're still including Terra Nova on this list because DINOSAURS. Set in a dying world where overpopulation has humans on the brink of extinction, scientists have found a way to send people back in time to the Cretaceous Period where the air is breathable, food is plentiful, and the human race can start over. Unfortunately, it's also where dinosaurs are hungry for human flesh, so that's a problem. This show wasn't executed very well (hence its cancellation), but it's worth a watch anyway just to see hot people running away from raptors.  [Watch on  Amazon ]

Lost in Austen

Jemima Rooper, Elliot Cowan, Alex Kingston, Gemma Arterton, and Hugh Bonneville, Lost in Austen

When you're ready to take a break from all the action and adventure, Lost in Austen is a great time travel alternative. Rather than traveling through time per se, lead character Amanda Price ( Jemima Rooper ) travels into the world of her favorite novel, Pride & Prejudice . Caught up in the Georgian Era -- and the fictional lives of Mr. Darcy ( Elliot Cowan ) and the Bennet family -- Amanda unwittingly ends up as a character in the story she loves so dearly, and falling in love with Darcy herself.  [Watch on  BritBox ]

The critically acclaimed Netflix series  Dark  is not only a complicated time travel drama, it's also a German series, so get ready to turn those subtitles on! The series, which just wrapped up its third and final season, follows multiple generations of four interconnected families living in the German town of Winden (once you've finished the show, our family tree will help explain how everyone is connected ), which just so happens to be home to an underground tunnel and wormhole. Time travel and family drama make for an extremely complicated series (we don't recommend just having this one on in the background, folks), but once you get into it, you'll never look back.  [Watch on  Netflix ]

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The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

Travel shows, a captivating genre on television, have been inspiring wanderlust for decades. These programs, from educational documentaries to entertaining reality series, transport audiences to various parts of the world right from their living rooms. Through vibrant imagery, engaging storytelling, and charismatic hosts, viewers get to experience the thrill of exploration and discovery without leaving their couch.

More than mere escapism, travel shows celebrate our planet's diverse cultures and stunning landscapes. They offer a plethora of unique experiences, such as savoring the spice-infused dishes of Southeast Asia or exploring ancient civilizations in Europe. Notable shows like " Parts Unknown " and " Departures " epitomize the genre, blending travelogue and documentary elements to captivate audiences with rich narratives and visual allure . Other popular shows, including " An Idiot Abroad ," " Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations ," and " Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern ," offer diverse perspectives and are available on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime​​​​​.

The best travel TV shows provide a passport to the world, highlighting its diversity and encouraging viewers to explore beyond their immediate surroundings. These programs, available on streaming platforms such as Disney+, Paramount+, and Max, offer unique postcards from the farthest reaches of the globe, showcasing both renowned and obscure destinations. Embrace the thrill of discovery and let these travelogues fuel your curiosity​​​​.

Departures is a masterpiece of travel television, immersing viewers in an authentic and raw exploration of various cultures, landscapes, and human connections. The show's hosts, Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach, offer a genuine and relatable portrayal of two friends embarking on a journey around the globe, making viewers feel like they are right there with them. With its brilliant cinematography and engrossing storytelling, Departures  showcases the transformative power of travel, creating an undeniable sense of wanderlust in all who watch. More than just a typical travelogue, this series delves into the heart of cultural experiences, leaving viewers inspired to take their own adventures.

• Premiered : 2008
• Network : OLN
• Genres : Documentary, Reality television

WORTH YOUR TIME?

Parts Unknown

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown remains a trailblazer among travel shows, thanks to its unapologetic and thought-provoking examination of often-overlooked destinations. Bourdain's passion for exploring the world, combined with his innate curiosity and respect for other cultures, truly sets this show apart from its contemporaries. Through intimate conversations with locals and immersive culinary experiences, Parts Unknown  expertly intertwines the themes of food, culture, and travel, revealing the interconnected nature of humanity. With its mesmerizing storytelling and rich cultural insights, this groundbreaking series leaves viewers yearning for a deeper understanding of the world.

• Premiered : April 14, 2013
• Network : CNN
• Genres : Documentary

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

With Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , viewers are treated to a unique blend of culinary curiosity, cultural immersion, and a healthy dose of humor. Bourdain's willingness to jump headfirst into any experience, from sharing a meal with a tribal community to facing his fears in a haunted Romanian forest, highlights the transformative nature of travel. No Reservations  artfully showcases how culture and cuisine inform one another, as Bourdain uncovers the hidden stories and flavors of each destination. The show's marriage of culinary delights and globe-trotting adventure will leave viewers hungry for their own epicurean escapades.

• Premiered : July 25, 2005
• Network : The Travel Channel
• Genres : Cooking, Travel

The Layover

In The Layover , Anthony Bourdain takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of cities around the world, making the most of the limited timeframe a layover provides. By showcasing the best each destination has to offer in just 24 to 48 hours, the show highlights the importance of embracing spontaneity and flexibility in travel. Bourdain's charismatic personality and insider tips make him the ultimate travel companion, proving that meaningful experiences can be had even in the briefest of moments. With its fast-paced adventures and hidden gems, The Layover  inspires viewers to seize every opportunity for exploration, no matter how fleeting.

• Premiered : November 21, 2011
• Genres : Travel

Travels in Europe with Rick Steves

Travels in Europe with Rick Steves stands out as a quintessential travel show that effortlessly transports viewers to the continent's most iconic destinations. Steves' genuine enthusiasm for European history and culture, paired with his expert guidance, helps demystify foreign travel for beginners while also captivating experienced globetrotters. Through engaging storytelling and valuable travel tips, the show encourages viewers to connect with locals and immerse themselves in authentic experiences. Travels in Europe with Rick Steves  is a must-watch for those looking to explore Europe with both reverence and curiosity.

• Premiered : 1991
• Network : Public Broadcasting Service
• Genres : Reality, Travel

An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad offers a refreshingly irreverent take on travel, delivering equal parts humor and cultural insight. Following Karl Pilkington, a reluctant traveler with a penchant for comedic grumbling, the series documents his experiences exploring the world at the insistence of his friends, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show cleverly juxtaposes Pilkington's unconventional perspective with the rich tapestry of global cultures, resulting in a truly unique and entertaining travelogue. With its offbeat humor and endearing protagonist, An Idiot Abroad  showcases the transformative potential of travel, even for the most skeptical of sojourners.

• Premiered : September 23, 2010
• Network : SKYSHO
• Genres : Comedy

Globe Trekker

Globe Trekker has earned its place among the best travel shows, thanks to its engaging hosts, stunning cinematography, and unrivaled cultural insights. Venturing off the beaten path, the series exposes viewers to lesser-known destinations and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of the world's diverse cultures. With its rotating cast of enthusiastic hosts, Globe Trekker  highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and remaining open to learning from others. Packed with adventure, heart, and valuable knowledge, this iconic series leaves viewers eager to embark on their own globe-trotting expeditions.

• Premiered : 1994
• Network : Public Broadcasting Service, Channel 4, nyctv, Israel Broadcasting Authority, OLN

Insomniac with Dave Attell

Insomniac with Dave Attell dives headfirst into the captivating world of nocturnal exploration, shedding light on the unique experiences and characters that come to life after dark. Hosted by comedian Dave Attell, the show unearths the hidden gems of nightlife around the globe, from bustling city centers to remote rural haunts. In each destination, Attell engages with locals and seeks out the bizarre, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious, highlighting the importance of embracing spontaneity in travel. Insomniac with Dave Attell  reveals a world typically hidden from tourists' eyes, inspiring viewers to embrace the unexpected during their own night-time adventures.

• Premiered : August 5, 2001
• Network : Comedy Central

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a tantalizing feast for the senses that takes viewers on a culinary journey unlike any other. Host Andrew Zimmern expertly weaves together the worlds of food and travel, exploring fascinating cultures through their most unusual dishes. Encouraging open-mindedness and curiosity, Zimmern demonstrates that seemingly bizarre foods are often integral to a culture's identity and history. With its mouth-watering cuisine and captivating storytelling, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern  reveals the delicious potential for discovery when travelers venture beyond their comfort zones.

• Premiered : February 26, 2007
• Genres : Travel, Cooking

Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days

Taking inspiration from Jules Verne's classic novel, Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days  chronicles the host's exhilarating attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days – without air travel. Palin's charming wit, affable nature, and determination make him an ideal travel companion, as he explores diverse cultures and overcomes numerous challenges. The series ingeniously marries the thrilling adventure of global exploration with the timeless appeal of a literary classic, encapsulating the true spirit of wanderlust. Around the World in 80 Days  captivates viewers with its unforgettable journey, proving that the spirit of adventure is alive and well.

• Premiered : October 11, 1989
• Network : BBC One

Full Circle with Michael Palin

In Full Circle with Michael Palin , viewers are treated to a breathtaking journey around the Pacific Rim, guided by the inimitable charm and wit of the beloved host. Palin immerses himself in the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of the region, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity along the way. The show excels in showcasing the beauty and wonder of travel, inspiring viewers to look beyond their own borders and embrace the spirit of global exploration. With its captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Full Circle with Michael Palin  provides an unforgettable voyage for all who join the adventure.

• Premiered : 1997
• Network : British Broadcasting Corporation
• Genres : Travel, Documentary

Rick Steves' Europe

• Premiered : September 1, 2000
• Network : PBS

Passport to Europe

Passport to Europe whisks viewers away on an enchanting tour of the continent's most captivating cities and landscapes, guided by the delightful Samantha Brown. With her infectious enthusiasm, Brown expertly navigates each destination's cultural nuances, blending sightseeing highlights with hidden gems and local experiences. The show strikes a perfect balance between practical travel advice and immersive storytelling, inspiring viewers to embark on their own European adventures. Passport to Europe  is a must-watch for those looking to discover the charm and allure of this storied continent with an engaging and knowledgeable host.

• Premiered : 2004
• Network : Travel Channel

As the name suggests, Raw Travel  delivers an unfiltered and authentic look at the world, delving deeper into local cultures and their unique stories. With its focus on sustainable tourism and human connections, the show offers a refreshing departure from the typical travelogue, encouraging viewers to travel with a purpose. By showcasing off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiences, Raw Travel  fosters a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human cultures and traditions. This thought-provoking series is sure to ignite the wanderlust in even the most seasoned travelers, inspiring them to seek out more meaningful and transformative journeys.

• Premiered : October 2013
• Network : Syndication
• Genres : Travel & Lifestyle

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends offers viewers an engaging and attainable approach to travel, with host Samantha Brown curating the ultimate weekend getaways across North America. Brown's warm personality and keen eye for unique experiences make her the perfect guide, ensuring that each adventure feels both exciting and accessible. The show's focus on shorter trips highlights the importance of seizing opportunities for exploration, no matter how limited one's time may be. With its invigorating mix of exhilarating activities, stunning locales, and valuable travel tips, Samantha Brown's Great Weekends  proves that unforgettable adventures are closer than you think.

• Premiered : May 9, 2009

Travels & Traditions

• Premiered : April 3, 1999
• Genres : Travel documentary, Documentary

The Reluctant Traveler

• Premiered : February 24, 2023
• Network : Apple TV+
• Genres : Comedy,Documentary

Pole to Pole

In Pole to Pole , Michael Palin embarks on yet another extraordinary journey, traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole along the 30-degree East line of longitude. As he traverses an array of countries, cultures, and landscapes, Palin's characteristic wit and warmth shine through, making him an ideal travel companion. The show skillfully demonstrates the diversity and beauty of our planet while highlighting the shared human experiences that bridge geographical divides. With its stirring storytelling and awe-inspiring visuals, Pole to Pole  is a testament to the transformative power and endless wonder of travel.

• Premiered : April 6, 1995

The Thirsty Traveler

The Thirsty Traveler takes viewers on a spirited tour of the world, delving into the history, culture, and production behind various alcoholic beverages. Host Kevin Brauch's engaging personality and passion for libations make for a captivating and informative journey, as he explores the local customs and flavors associated with each drink. Through lively interactions with local experts and immersive experiences, the show highlights the central role beverages play in bringing people together across cultures. The Thirsty Traveler  is a unique and intoxicating blend of travel, history, and culinary exploration, sure to leave viewers thirsting for more.

• Premiered : April 2, 2002
• Network : Food Network Canada
• Genres : Special Interest, Documentary

The Amazing Race

As one of the quintessential travel shows, The Amazing Race  delivers an adrenaline-pumping blend of competition, adventure, and global exploration. The Emmy Award-winning series pits teams against each other in a race around the world, challenging them with physical, mental, and cultural obstacles. The show's breakneck pace and high-stakes challenges offer an exciting, albeit unconventional, look at the dizzying array of cultures, languages, and landscapes the world has to offer. The Amazing Race  ultimately celebrates the spirit of adventure and perseverance, inspiring viewers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

• Premiered : September 5, 2001
• Network : CBS
• Genres : Action,Adventure,Reality

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe transports viewers to some of the most remote and breathtaking locations on Earth, offering a rare glimpse into the stunning beauty and fragile ecosystems of our planet. Acclaimed photographer Art Wolfe's keen eye and passion for conservation make him an exceptional guide, as he captures the essence of each destination through his lens. The show masterfully intertwines adventure, exploration, and environmental awareness, encouraging viewers to appreciate the natural wonders that lie just beyond the beaten path. With its awe-inspiring images and thought-provoking messages, Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe  is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of protecting it.

• Premiered : June 21, 2014
• Network : ARTEFRC

Lonely Planet Six Degrees

Lonely Planet Six Degrees offers a fresh and engaging approach to travel, as hosts Asha Gill and Toby Amies immerse themselves in the local culture and connect with fascinating individuals at each destination. The show's underlying theme - that we are all connected through a mere six degrees of separation - highlights the shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. Through captivating storytelling and insightful interactions, Lonely Planet Six Degrees  encourages viewers to approach travel with an open mind and a desire to forge meaningful connections. With its unique format and thought-provoking premise, this groundbreaking series is a must-watch for those looking to experience the world in a more personal and profound way.

• Premiered : 1999
• Network : Discovery Channel

Long Way Round

In Long Way Round , viewers are taken on an exhilarating and challenging motorcycle journey across continents, as actor Ewan McGregor and his best friend Charley Boorman embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The series intimately documents their trials and triumphs, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of friendship, determination, and the transformative power of travel. As the duo navigates diverse terrains and cultural encounters, the breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences serve as reminders of the boundless possibilities for exploration and personal growth. Long Way Round  is essential viewing for those seeking a compelling narrative of adventure, camaraderie, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Network : Sky1

Dhani Tackles the Globe

Dhani Tackles the Globe combines the worlds of sports, travel, and adventure, as former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones sets out to master various traditional sports around the world. The show offers a fresh and energetic take on global exploration, with Jones' athletic prowess and enthusiasm for new experiences making him an engaging host. Through his immersion in each region's unique sports culture, Jones fosters meaningful connections with local communities and explores the values, traditions, and history that shape these time-honored activities. Dhani Tackles the Globe  is an inspiring celebration of the universal language of sports and the untold stories that unite us all.

• Premiered : 2009
• Genres : Sports, Action/Adventure, Sports film, Adventure film, Documentary

Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler offers viewers an intoxicating blend of travel, history, and culture as host Jack Maxwell embarks on a global quest to uncover the stories behind the world's most iconic drinks. With his affable demeanor and insatiable curiosity, Maxwell expertly showcases the inextricable link between alcoholic beverages and the cultures that produce them. The show skillfully balances immersive experiences, engaging storytelling, and fascinating historical insights, revealing the myriad ways in which alcohol has shaped human civilization throughout history. Booze Traveler  is a spirited journey, sure to delight viewers with its unique perspective on global libations and their storied pasts.

• Premiered : November 24, 2014

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , the world-renowned chef embarks on an exhilarating journey to uncover the globe's most exotic and undiscovered flavors. Ramsay's unparalleled passion for food and bold sense of adventure make him the perfect guide, as he braves remote locations, diverse cultures, and extreme conditions in pursuit of culinary excellence. The show masterfully combines exhilarating adventures, immersive storytelling, and captivating cultural insights, showcasing the transformative power of food as a bridge between people and cultures. With its thrilling escapades and tantalizing tastes, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted  inspires viewers to broaden their culinary horizons and embrace the vast tapestry of global flavors that await them.

• Premiered : July 21, 2019
• Network : National Geographic
• Genres : Adventure,Reality

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure follows the beloved British adventurer as he retraces the footsteps of iconic author Ernest Hemingway, exploring the places and experiences that shaped his life and work. Palin's wit, charm, and genuine interest in Hemingway's story make for a fascinating and enjoyable journey, as he delves into the writer's complex psyche and uncovers the locations that inspired some of his most famous literary works. The show elegantly combines travel, literature, and biography, offering viewers a unique look at the world through Hemingway's eyes. With its captivating storytelling and insightful discoveries, Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure  is a literary pilgrimage that will inspire and enchant viewers in equal measure.

• Genres : Travel, Documentary, Reality television

Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown takes audiences on a thrilling and informative journey through history, mystery, and adventure, with host Josh Gates uncovering the world's greatest legends and forgotten stories. Gates' charisma, humor, and expertise make him an ideal companion on this quest for knowledge, as he ventures off the beaten path to unearth fascinating tales and enduring mysteries. The show brilliantly merges history, archaeology, and travel, providing viewers with a unique and engrossing peek into the past while sparking an insatiable curiosity to learn more. Expedition Unknown  is a compelling, thought-provoking, and entertaining exploration of the unknown, proving that the world is still full of untold stories waiting to be discovered.

• Premiered : January 8, 2015
• Network : The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel
• Genres : Adventure,Documentary,History,Mystery

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...

Travel Man: 48 Hours in... offers a unique and entertaining approach to city breaks, as host Richard Ayoade is joined by a celebrity guest to explore exciting destinations around the world. The show's fast-paced format, dry humor, and quirky insights provide a fresh take on traditional travelogues, proving that meaningful experiences can be had in just 48 hours. Ayoade's keen eye for hidden gems and offbeat experiences encourages viewers to step outside the well-trodden tourist path and embrace the unexpected delights that each city has to offer. With its engaging blend of humor, adventure, and unconventional wisdom, Travel Man: 48 Hours in...  is essential viewing for those with limited time and boundless curiosity.

• Premiered : April 3, 2016
• Network : ITVMNF
• Genres : Comedy,Drama

The Getaway

The Getaway combines the thrill of travel with the allure of celebrity, as famous faces guide viewers on a tour of their favorite global destinations. Each episode features a different celebrity host, offering unique perspectives and experiences tailored to their personal tastes and interests. The show expertly balances cultural insights, local tips, and luxurious recommendations, providing viewers with a distinctive and aspirational look at the world's most desirable locales. With its glamorous spin on travel and insider access to the lives of the rich and famous, The Getaway  is a captivating journey that will leave viewers longing for their next escape.

• Premiered : September 25, 2013
• Network : Esquire
• Genres : Reality

Better Late Than Never

In Better Late Than Never , viewers join four iconic personalities - William Shatner, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw, and George Foreman - as they embark on a whirlwind adventure across Asia. The show's unique blend of unscripted humor, genuine camaraderie, and cultural exploration offers a fresh and entertaining twist on the traditional travelogue. As the seasoned celebrities navigate their way through unfamiliar customs, languages, and experiences, they demonstrate that it's never too late to embrace the unknown and embark on new adventures. With its heartwarming friendships, comedic mishaps, and inspiring ethos, Better Late Than Never  proves that the spirit of discovery knows no age limit.

• Premiered : August 23, 2016
• Network : NBC
• Genres : Adventure,Comedy,Reality

Around The World In 80 Ways

Around the World in 80 Ways follows hosts Robert "Boston Rob" Mariano and Dennis Anderson as they circumnavigate the globe using 80 different modes of transportation. This unique and ambitious journey showcases the incredible diversity of travel methods available, as the duo navigates everything from camelback to hot air balloons. With its thrilling pace, exhilarating challenges, and stunning locales, the show provides a captivating look at the wide world of travel possibilities. Around the World in 80 Ways  invites viewers to open their minds to the myriad ways in which people traverse our planet, inspiring them to seek out their own unforgettable adventures.

• Premiered : October 2, 2011
• Network : History
• Genres : Adventure

Around the World in 80 Treasures

In Around the World in 80 Treasures , host Dan Cruickshank embarks on a fascinating journey to uncover the stories behind 80 of the world's most enigmatic and beautiful artifacts. The show masterfully combines history, art, and culture, offering viewers a captivating and educational look at the objects that have shaped human civilization. Cruickshank's enthusiasm and expertise are infectious, guiding audiences through the complexities of each treasure with clarity and warmth. With its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful insights, Around the World in 80 Treasures  is an awe-inspiring journey through the rich tapestry of human history and artistic achievement.

• Premiered : February 21, 2005
• Network : BBC Two

Journeys In India

Journeys in Africa transports viewers to the heart of this vast and diverse continent, showcasing its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Host Bill Ball explores Africa's most remote and fascinating places, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for the region with audiences. The show's captivating visuals, engaging storytelling, and immersive experiences offer an unparalleled glimpse into the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Africa's ecosystems and communities. Journeys in Africa  is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and anyone yearning to explore the breathtaking wonders of this extraordinary continent.

• Premiered : 2012

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist delves into the intriguing and often macabre world of dark tourism, as host David Farrier explores destinations with morbid, tragic, or controversial histories. The show offers an unflinching look at the darker side of travel, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and question their own fascination with the grotesque and macabre. Through immersive storytelling and candid conversations with locals and fellow tourists, Dark Tourist  examines the ethical implications of dark tourism and the complex emotions such experiences evoke. This thought-provoking series will leave viewers contemplating the limits of their curiosity and the true nature of the human experience.

• Premiered : July 20, 2018
• Network : Netflix

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under takes viewers on a breathtaking adventure across Australia, as the charismatic host explores the country's stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and eco-friendly initiatives. Efron's passion for environmental sustainability and love of adventure make him an engaging and relatable guide, drawing audiences into the natural beauty and resilient spirit of Australia. The show excels in showcasing the importance of conservation and the power of individual action, while also providing plenty of heart-stopping adventures and awe-inspiring sights. With its inspiring message and jaw-dropping visuals, Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under  is an exhilarating and educational exploration of one of the world's most diverse and captivating destinations.

• Premiered : November 11, 2022

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

• Premiered : January 1, 2021
• Network : Starz

Geographically Speaking

• Premiered : 1946
• Genres : Travel documentary

Never Say Never With Jeff Jenkins

• Premiered : July 10, 2023

Billy Connolly: Journey To The Edge Of The World

• Network : ITV

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi is a captivating exploration of American food culture, as the renowned host travels across the country to uncover the diverse culinary traditions that define the nation. Through heartfelt conversations with immigrants, farmers, and chefs, Lakshmi delves into the rich history, stories, and flavors that make up the melting pot of American cuisine. The show expertly weaves together the diverse threads of culture, history, and personal narratives, showcasing the transformative power of food to unite and nourish. With its mouth-watering dishes, enchanting storytelling, and powerful message of inclusivity, Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi  is a feast for the senses, sure to satisfy your wanderlust and your taste buds.

• Premiered : June 18, 2020
• Network : Hulu
• Genres : Docuseries, Food, Travel

In Off Limits , host Don Wildman ventures into the hidden and restricted corners of America, unearthing the fascinating stories and secrets that lie beneath the surface. Wildman's intrepid spirit and insatiable curiosity make him the perfect guide for this journey into the unknown, as he explores everything from top-secret military installations to underground cities. The show challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of familiar locations and uncover the rich, complex history lurking just below the surface. With its compelling storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and intriguing revelations, Off Limits  showcases the boundless potential for discovery in even the most seemingly ordinary places.

• Premiered : 2011
• Genres : Action/Adventure, Live action, Adventure film, Documentary, Action

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy takes viewers on a tantalizing journey through the rich culinary landscape of Italy, as the acclaimed actor and passionate food lover explores the country's diverse regions, flavors, and traditions. Tucci's warm personality, genuine curiosity, and love for Italian cuisine make him an ideal host, guiding audiences through the labyrinth of regional specialties and culinary delights. The show masterfully blends travel, culture, and food, offering a sumptuous tribute to the enduring appeal and timeless appeal of Italian gastronomy. With its stunning locations, engaging storytelling, and irresistible aromas, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy  is a must-watch for food lovers and Italophiles alike.

• Premiered : February 14, 2021
• Genres : Reality, Documentary

You Are Here

• Premiered : June 19, 2023
• Network : AMC

Passport to Latin America

• Premiered : 2007
• Genres : Special Interest, Travel, Documentary

Madventures

Madventures offers a raw and unfiltered look at the world, as Finnish duo Riku Rantala and Tunna Milonoff embark on adrenaline-pumping escapades around the globe. The show's fearless approach to travel showcases the daring and often unconventional experiences that await those willing to venture off the beaten path. With its gritty visuals, engaging storytelling, and genuine camaraderie between the hosts, Madventures  transports viewers into the heart of the action, inspiring them to embrace the thrill of the unknown. This high-octane series is a must-watch for thrill-seekers, globetrotters, and anyone yearning for an authentic and exhilarating adventure.

• Premiered : 2002
• Network : 5*, Travel Channel
• Genres : Travel, Travel documentary, Documentary

Huang's World

Huang's World is a captivating exploration of global cultures through the lens of food, as host Eddie Huang immerses himself in diverse cuisines and communities around the world. Huang's infectious enthusiasm, humor, and genuine curiosity make every episode an entertaining and enlightening journey, as he unearths the stories, histories, and flavors of each destination. By showcasing the power of food to unite, inspire, and inform, Huang's World  highlights the importance of breaking bread and sharing experiences with others. This mouth-watering and thought-provoking series invites viewers to expand their culinary horizons and embark on their own epicurean adventures.

• Premiered : April 28, 2016
• Network : Viceland
• Genres : Food, Travel, Documentary

I'll Have What Phil's Having

• Premiered : September 28, 2015

SmartLess: On the Road

• Premiered : May 23, 2023
• Network : MAXUSOVD

Are You Sure?!

• Premiered : August 8, 2024
• Network : Disney+
• Genres : Adventure,Documentary

The Express Way With Dulé Hill

• Premiered : April 23, 2024

Trippin' with Anthony Anderson and Mama Doris

• Premiered : June 22, 2023
• Network : E!

Around the World in 80 Days

• Network : BBC One, BBC HD
• Genres : Entertainment, Travel, Travel documentary, Documentary

Crossing South

Crossing South takes viewers on a captivating journey through the cultural and culinary riches of Baja California, as host Jorge Meraz explores the region's hidden gems and local stories. With his warm personality, genuine curiosity, and expert palate, Meraz makes each episode a delightful and enlightening experience, showcasing the beauty, history, and flavors of the region. The show's focus on Mexico's lesser-known treasures encourages viewers to venture beyond the familiar tourist destinations and discover the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting just south of the border. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling, and irresistible flavors, Crossing South  is a love letter to all that Baja California has to offer.

• Genres : Travel Show

Bert the Conqueror

Bert the Conqueror combines the thrill of adventure with the hilarity of comedian Bert Kreischer, as he conquers America's wildest and wackiest attractions. From roller coasters to outrageous contests, Bert tackles each challenge with gusto, laughter, and his signature self-deprecating humor. The show encapsulates the spirit of Americana, showcasing the weird, wonderful, and extreme experiences waiting just around the corner. With its contagious enthusiasm and heart-pounding adventures, Bert the Conqueror  inspires viewers to revel in the excitement and eccentricities of their own backyards.

• Premiered : June 16, 2010

Talking Sabor

• Premiered : April 24, 2024

Orlando Bloom: To the Edge

• Premiered : April 18, 2024
• Network : Peacock

Photographer

• Premiered : March 18, 2024

Drive With Swizz Beatz

• Premiered : November 16, 2023
• Genres : Documentary,Sport

Fantastic Friends

• Premiered : June 22, 2022
• Network : CRV1

Only in America

• Premiered : 2005
• Network : CBBC
• Genres : Children's television series, Travel documentary

Life on the Water

• Premiered : April 2, 2023

The Kindness Diaries

• Premiered : 2017

• Premiered : July 24, 2020

101 Places to Party Before You Die

• Premiered : July 14, 2022
• Network : truTV

Beach Bites with Katie Lee

• Premiered : August 19, 2015
• Network : Cooking Channel

• Premiered : August 17, 2015

This Is Life with Lisa Ling

• Premiered : September 28, 2014

Most Terrifying Places in America

• Premiered : October 5, 2008

Cruise Ship Diaries

Cruise Ship Diaries offers viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of luxury cruise liners, revealing the stories and secrets of life at sea. The show expertly balances behind-the-scenes insights with stunning ocean vistas, providing an immersive and entertaining look at the world of maritime travel. With its fascinating characters, dazzling locations, and captivating narratives, Cruise Ship Diaries  is a unique and engaging exploration of a rarely seen side of the travel industry. This series is essential viewing for anyone who loves the open sea, extravagant accommodations, and the thrill of adventure.

• Premiered : 2010

Not Your Average Travel Guide

In Not Your Average Travel Guide , viewers are treated to an unconventional and entertaining look at the world's most popular destinations, as host Karen Schaler provides a refreshing departure from standard travelogues. Schaler's spirited approach, engaging storytelling, and keen eye for unique experiences make every episode an adventure, as she uncovers the hidden stories and lesser-known treasures of each location. By exploring uncharted territory and shining a light on the offbeat and unexpected, Not Your Average Travel Guide  encourages viewers to choose their own path and embark on journeys filled with wonder, discovery, and delight.

• Premiered : 2006

Leguizamo Does America

• Premiered : April 16, 2023
• Network : MSNBC

Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss

• Premiered : May 18, 2023

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

• Premiered : September 22, 2017

Nomad With Carlton McCoy

• Premiered : May 1, 2022

Young Broke & Beautiful

Young Broke & Beautiful proves that unforgettable adventures can be had on a shoestring budget, as host Broke-Ass Stuart explores America's most vibrant cities without breaking the bank. The show offers a refreshing look at travel, showcasing cheap eats, affordable accommodations, and offbeat experiences that cater to the adventurous and cash-strapped. Stuart's charismatic personality and relatable perspective make each episode feel both accessible and aspirational, inspiring viewers to embrace travel regardless of their financial constraints. With its unique blend of budget-conscious insights and irreverent humor, Young Broke & Beautiful  is an entertaining and empowering celebration of the boundless potential for adventure, even on a dime.

• Premiered : June 24, 2011
• Network : IFC

In Tribe , host Bruce Parry immerses himself in the lives of indigenous communities around the world, offering a rare and privileged glimpse into their cultures, customs, and daily lives. Parry's genuine respect and deep connection with each group make him the ideal guide, as he documents the unique practices, beliefs, and challenges faced by these extraordinary people. The show offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the myriad ways in which humans adapt, survive, and thrive, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for our planet's diverse inhabitants. Tribe  is a must-watch for anyone interested in anthropology, human resilience, and the powerful bond between people and the environment.

• Premiered : January 10, 2005

Cup Of Joe follows pop star Joe Jonas as he embarks on a global tour, exploring the culture, cuisine, and customs of each destination he visits. Jonas's affable nature and down-to-earth approach make him an endearing host, offering a refreshing and authentic perspective on travel. The show expertly balances sightseeing, food, and entertainment, providing viewers with a well-rounded look at the unique qualities that define each city. With its engaging mix of celebrity, adventure, and discovery, Cup Of Joe  invites viewers to join Jonas on his whirlwind journey and celebrate the joy of exploration.

• Premiered : April 27, 2020
• Network : ROKUCH

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Down to Earth with Zac Efron takes viewers on an inspiring and eye-opening journey around the world, as the charismatic host explores sustainable living practices and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Efron's genuine passion for conservation and his adventurous spirit make him an engaging guide, while the show's focus on eco-friendly initiatives highlights the urgent need for change. By showcasing the incredible efforts and groundbreaking ideas emerging from communities worldwide, Down to Earth with Zac Efron  fosters a sense of hope, unity, and global responsibility. With its captivating storytelling, breathtaking adventures, and powerful message, this groundbreaking series is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the future of our planet.

• Premiered : July 10, 2020

From the Edge with Peter Lik

From the Edge With Peter Lik showcases one of Australia's most acclaimed landscape photographers as he travels across the United States in search of the perfect shot. Lik's passion for capturing the world's natural beauty is contagious, drawing viewers in with his enthusiasm and awe for the breathtaking landscapes he encounters. The show offers a compelling blend of photography tips, travel insights, and stunning visuals, providing viewers with an intimate and engaging look at the world through the lens of a true artist. From the Edge With Peter Lik  is a captivating and inspiring journey into the heart of nature's splendor, sure to fuel the wanderlust of photography enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

• Premiered : March 31, 2011
• Network : The Weather Channel

Three Sheets

Three Sheets takes viewers on a spirited and intoxicating journey through the world of alcohol, as host Zane Lamprey tours the globe to uncover the drinking customs, cultures, and history of each destination. Lamprey's humor, wit, and enthusiasm make him the ideal guide for this bar-hopping adventure, offering an accessible and entertaining look at the diverse ways in which people imbibe around the world. From local watering holes to ancient distilleries, Three Sheets  showcases the art, science, and rituals of alcohol consumption, proving that there's more to drinking than meets the eye. This lively and intoxicating series is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys raising a glass in the spirit of adventure.

• Premiered : June 18, 2006
• Network : MOJOHD

Conan O'Brien Must Go

On the Roam with Jason Momoa

• Premiered : January 18, 2024
• Network : HBO1

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip

• Entertainment
• Watchworthy
• Places/Travel

Lists for those with wanderlust.

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

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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• User reviews

The Grand Tour

Jeremy, Richard and James embark on an adventure across the globe, driving new and exciting automobiles from manufacturers all over the world. Jeremy, Richard and James embark on an adventure across the globe, driving new and exciting automobiles from manufacturers all over the world. Jeremy, Richard and James embark on an adventure across the globe, driving new and exciting automobiles from manufacturers all over the world.

• Jeremy Clarkson
• Richard Hammond
• 399 User reviews
• 6 Critic reviews
• 2 nominations

Episodes 46

Top cast 84

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• Trivia The opening scene cost 3.4 million dollars to produce. In total 150 cars participated, worth 26 million dollars.
• Connections Featured in Good Morning Britain: Episode dated 18 November 2016 (2016)
• Soundtracks Pumpin' Irony (uncredited) Performed by Blues Saraceno

User reviews 399

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• Apr 7, 2019

September 2024 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates

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• November 18, 2016 (United States)
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From 'Timeless' to 'Quantum Leap': 9 adventurous time travel TV shows worth going back to watch

The time periods might get old, but these shows never do.

Get ready to travel back to 10,000 B.C., because the second half of  La Brea 's sophomore season is here. The first half of Season 2 ended with most of the main cast deciding to return to perhistoric times rather than stick around in the '80s, in the hopes that they might one day be able to return to their correct time period. And, we learned that the cause of all this time travel madness might lie in the future, in the year 2076.

The midseason premiere , which runs a full two hours and airs tonight, Jan. 31, on NBC at 9 p.m. Eastern, will only take place in the year 10,000 B.C., though, as will the rest of the season, according showrunner David Appelbaum . Even if this next string of episodes won't involve any actual time traveling, the occasion of the midseason premiere has us thinking about some of the best time travel TV shows around.

We aimed at time-travel shows that skew more toward letting us explore the past and (recent) present in new ways. So, not a lot of apocalypse action to be had here (though we definitely recommend you binge more apocalyptic/future-y fare like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, 12 Monkeys , and Continuum , too!). Instead, we’re looking at shows with more of a time-travel adventure bent focused on the far-flung or recent past.

From the biggies to deep cuts, these are some great time machines to jump into and distract yourself from reality.

01 . Timeless

If you’re looking for a wild, fun time-travel adventure, look no further than the short-lived Timeless . The series was a modest hit on NBC, inspiring a fervent fanbase, but the love wasn’t enough to extend its run past two seasons (plus an extended special to wrap up the show’s dangling storylines).

The series followed a rag-tag team of heroes as they zipped through time to different periods, trying to avert changes to the timeline and stop a mysterious cabal out to twist time to its own ends. It visited some great periods, from the Alamo to the heart of the space race in the late 1960s. It was smart, fun, and had a ton of heart.

Plus, even though the run was cut short, it actually has a true ending — so no pesky cancellation cliffhangers here.

How to watch: Hulu

02 . Legends of Tomorrow

The CW’s weirdest and wildest superhero show is also one of the most ambitiously goofy time travel exploits ever attempted. The series follows a team of D-list heroes thrown together on a space ship as they fly through time to try and stop "anomalies" in the timeline (they also tackle monsters and evil escapees from Hell along the way, to boot).

The show is just silly enough to work, but features enough seriousness to really make those time travel stories resonate along the way. Even more fun, all that time travel is also infused with tons of nods to decades of DC Comics lore, so there’s something for everybody.

Meet young Obama one episode, then head back to the Wild West (with Jonah Hex!) the next.

How to watch: Netflix, The CW app

03 . Outlander

This is a time travel story that starts in the past then goes way further back, but it’s one heck of a lovely and compelling tale.

The show follows a young woman who is swept from the 1940s all the way back to the 1700s, where romance, intrigue, and fantasy all come into play. It’s a love story at its heart, while also a fascinating exploration of the differences in a life lived across the eras.

How to watch: Netflix, Starz

04 . Quantum Leap

The OG, baby. This beloved late-1980s, early-1990s sci-fi series follows a man out of time, bouncing from body to body as he tries to right wrongs across the time stream.

Starring Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, the show was smart, funny, and ahead of its time in a lot of ways. It also explored a ton of great periods in history, telling small-scale and world-shaking tales from the 1950s to the 1980s. With plenty of buzz about the reboot , it’s the perfect time to go back and enjoy those early adventures.

How to watch: Fridays on SYFY as part of SYFY Rewind.

05 . Making History

There’s a decent chance you missed this one the first go ‘round, and it’d be hard to blame you. The short-lived Fox comedy was burned off with little fanfare, having its initial 13-episode order chopped down to just nine before it was canceled.

But oh, what a fun nine episodes they were.

The show followed a slacker who figures out how to travel through time and does just that with his two pals. Think Doctor Who meets Bill & Ted , kinda? It also had a surprisingly rich pedigree, produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and starring Adam Pally, Leighton Meester, and Yassir Lester.

It was clever, hilarious, and really dug into the question of what you might really do with a time machine.

Watch it on : Amazon Prime (For Purchase)

06 . Doctor Who

The Doctor has been zipping around through history for longer than a lot of us have been alive and knows a thing or two about mucking around in the time stream.

Though the show often veers off into full-on sci-fi and fantasy, the time travel episodes are the meat and potatoes that make up the DNA of Doctor Who . The rotating regenerations of the Doctor have bounced everywhere from Pompeii to a trip back to hang out with Vincent van Gogh. Not to mention the fact that, if you’re looking for a very long binge, there are decades of Doctor Who going back to the early days, plus 12 seasons of the more modern run to keep you plenty busy.

Watch it on:  HBO Max

07 . Life On Mars (U.S.)

This one is based on a British series, but for our purposes, we’ll keep the focus on the U.S. version. The show starred Jason O’Mara as a present-day detective who wakes up in 1973 New York.

It’s a trippy, well-constructed cop and sci-fi series at its core, but more than that, it’s a compelling look at New York City in that much wilder era of the early 1970s. The vibe, the feel, the smell, even — it’s all there.

If you’re looking to disappear to the grittier, bell-bottomed world of NYC’s past, this should do the trick.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime (For Purchase)

08 . 11.22.63

This Stephen King-based miniseries was one of Hulu’s buzzy originals when it was still getting deeper into the original programming arena back around 2016. It follows a man, played by James Franco, who discovers the ability to travel back to the 1960s. So he takes on a mission to try and stop the assassination of JFK, forging a new life for himself in the 1960s in the hopes his efforts will make the world a better place. It also makes for an easy, concise binge, clocking in at eight episodes.

Watch it on: Hulu

09 . Journeyman

This short-lived 2007 series had all the makings of a sci-fi hit, except for the ratings. But despite its short run, the show was a smart, modern-day twist on the Quantum Leap formula.

It followed a newspaper reporter who suddenly starts jumping back in time, where he realizes he needs to help tweak the lives of those he meets for the better (sound familiar). But more than that, we get to see the impact these jumps make on his own life, as he reconnects with people from his past with the perspective and knowledge of his “future” life.

Sadly, it’s a bit hard to find on streaming, but well worth it if you can track it down.

Watch it on: Full series is available on DVD.

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20 Best Time-Travel Shows Ranked

If you could travel back and forth through time, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you talk to? Even better, if you were writing a book, making a movie, or working on a television show about time travel, what would you include? The best TV shows about time travel all feature characters who visit other eras for various compelling (or even life-threatening) reasons. Maybe it's to prevent a coming apocalypse, maybe it's just to save one person's life — but as many of these shows teach, small changes can have big effects, and many of these characters learn that their time-traveling can change the world.  

Now, there are some great time travel-adjacent shows that don't quite fit this list. A fun romp like "Early Edition," for example, utilizes a time-traveling newspaper and potentially a time-traveling cat, but doesn't in and of itself feature a lot of time travel. Likewise, something like "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is rooted in a time travel premise, but stays mostly in one time. With all that said, here's a look at our choices for the 20 best time travel shows on TV.

Save the cheerleader, save the world. That's what future Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) tells present-day Hiro when he appears to him from the future, and that's what establishes "Heroes" as way more than just a superhero show.

The NBC series follows a group of regular people who develop special powers, not unlike mutants in the "X-Men" series, after a mysterious worldwide eclipse. Each character gains their own individual abilities. Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) develops the ability to heal from any injury. Senator Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) gains the ability to fly, while his brother Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) can temporarily absorb others' powers. Still, few of these characters have cooler abilities than Hiro, who can influence the space-time continuum. This means he can teleport, slow down time — and, of course, time travel.   

Understandably, Hiro's power set becomes a serious asset throughout the series, and his path to perfect his abilities is one of "Heroes'" strongest story arcs. The first few times he travels through time don't go as planned, and throughout the series, things can get in the way of him ending up where he wants to go or when he wants to be. While Hiro's time-traveling is just one part of the larger story, it's definitely one of the show's highlights – especially since Oka is so darn charming as the character.

19. 11.22.63

One of the best Stephen King TV series out there, the eight-episode "11.22.63" follows a man named Jake Epping (James Franco). He's a relatively normal guy who receives a chance to change history when his friend Al (Chris Cooper) tells him he's found a way to travel back in time. Al tells Jake that the portal he's discovered goes back to the year 1960 and that he's been working on a plan to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Al's age and advancing cancer diagnosis prevent him from following through on the plan, however, and he asks Jake to take over for him. Jake agrees, but soon his quest is met with pushback from a mysterious source. As it turns out, the past doesn't want to be changed, and every step Jake takes toward preventing JFK's assassination leads to more cracks in the timeline. 

A charming and exciting time travel drama, "11.22.63" is a well-executed, twisty tale that only ranks so low on this list because it's in such great company. If you're looking for a quick, self-contained time travel miniseries that revolves around one of modern America's most notable events, this show is well worth a watch. 

When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crash lands on a deserted island, wacky and scary things start happening to the survivors. ABC's "Lost" deals with flashbacks, flash-forwards, mysterious groups that already have a presence on the island, a black smoke monster — and, as it turns out, an ancient battle between good and evil. One of the great appointment television shows before streaming broke through, "Lost" had fans talking about it and theorizing about its mysteries on a weekly basis.

The sci-fi drama captivated viewers for six seasons, and though time travel is referenced throughout the entire series run, it plays the biggest role in Season 4. As the island itself leaps from place to place and from time to time, the main group of characters jumps with it, encountering previous versions of themselves and island events that occurred in the past, and suffering from the effects of temporal displacement. The most beloved episode dealing with time travel is undoubtedly "The Constant," in which fan-favorite Desmond Hume (Henry Ian Cusick) figures out a way to stop his consciousness from jumping through time by finding his constant — his true love, Penny (Sonya Walger).

Of course, "Lost" is not just a time travel show, and famously covers such a wide variety of mysteries and sci-fi concepts that viewers might find it hard to keep up. As such, it ends up with this relatively low ranking. 

Like "Lost", "Fringe" is considered one of the most binge-worthy sci-fi shows of all time  but the fact that it isn't exclusively about time travel means it lands near the tail end of this particular list. The ABC show revolves around a science-fiction conglomerate that dabbles with interdimensional travel, wormholes, and alternate realities. Anna Torv stars as FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, who heads up the bureau's Fringe Division. With the help of "mad scientist" Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson), and their lab assistant Astrid Farnsworth (Jakisa Nicole), Dunham explores cases involving fringe science — be they about time travel, mind control, experiments gone wrong or any other strange and obscure criminal activity.

Time travel is more of a looming presence early in "Fringe," particularly present in the character of the Observer (Michael Cerveris), a bald, pale, genetically advanced human from the future. While Season 1 and Season 2 deal with the battle between two dimensions and realities, time travel really becomes an element in Season 3. Seasons 4 and 5 then deal with alternate timelines and the Observers that infiltrate the world from the future, intent on wiping out humanity. As you might expect, things can get a bit confusing, but the show sure is fun.

16. The Umbrella Academy

You have to respect a show that's so high-concept that time travel doesn't even get top billing. "The Umbrella Academy" boasts mysterious events, family drama, dance numbers, a talking chimpanzee, some of the cleverest superpowers in superhero shows, and a robot mom — and that's just scratching the surface. Based on "The Umbrella Academy" comics created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame, the Netflix show is a saga that exploits everything from the butterfly effect to the grandfather paradox for emotional and comedic impact.

The central Hargreeves family consists of a group of kids all born on the same day, adopted by the same eccentric billionaire (Colm Feore). He has trained them to protect the world with their various superpowers, but they aren't particularly great at it, and their strict upbringing has left them with a wide array of issues and deep rifts between them. The dysfunctional bunch starts out fairly estranged, but slowly bonds to save humanity from an apocalyptic event ... only to cause another potential apocalyptic event by sprinkling themselves across time.

In between the tears in the space-time continuum, "The Umbrella Academy" is ultimately an ensemble story about found (and re-found) family, as well as a truly unique superhero show where personal failure and the side-effects of costumed crimefighter life play a huge role. However, since Season 1 largely approaches time travel through Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) and the Temps Aeternalis agency, and much of Season 3 focuses on a present-day alternate reality, only the 1960s-themed Season 2 goes truly all in on the concept of sending all main characters to a different era. 

15. Sliders

"Sliders" is a 1990s sci-fi adventure series that features Jerry O'Connell and friends getting lost across the multiverse. O'Connell ("Stand By Me") plays boy genius Quinn Mallory, inventor of the Timer — a device that lets him and his friends "slide" through a wormhole vortex into different versions of Earth. The thing about wormhole vortexes, though, is that they like to misbehave, meaning Quinn and his buds never know where they're headed next on their adventures. This makes their quest to get back home to their own Earth a tricky one.

"Sliders" starts off fun and strong, and is at its best when having bonkers fun — like when Rembrandt (Cleavant Derricks) discovers a world where he could have been Elvis-level famous — and when it's exploring real-world issues in a high-concept dimension, like when the crew visits an Earth that treats men worse than women. Even if you've seen it before, it's definitely worth a re-watch, because "Sliders" is one  TV show that's better than you remember.

14. Continuum

On "Continuum," Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) is a Protector – think futuristic government agent from even more futuristic equipment — from the year 2077. She gets transported to the year 2012 along with a group of murderous terrorists, forcing Kiera to remain in the past as she chases them down. Fortunately, her gadgets and knowledge of the past soon come in handy and she finds loyal allies. Unfortunately, her enemies also know their history and plan on altering it for their own gain. 

"Continuum" milks the premise for all it's worth, while avoiding the pitfall of becoming a run-in-the-mill procedural with an unchanging status quo. While Kiera does handle her share of case-of-the-week story arcs, they're often connected to the group she pursues, and she never lets go of her primary target of stopping the terrorists. In order to avoid disrupting the timeline, she also has to go to great lengths to avoid revealing that either she or her targets are time travelers — and when their actions inevitably end up changing the future, she has to deal with the consequences. 

13. Timeless

If ever there was a time travel show that was canceled too soon, it's Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan's "Timeless." The NBC sci-fi series stars Abigail Spencer as the historian Lucy, Matt Lanter as the soldier Wyatt, and Malcolm Barrett as Rufus, a scientist who makes up a team trying to prevent a mysterious organization from altering the courses of history through time travel. They're up againsts Garcia Flynn (Goran Višnjić), who travels throughout history intending to influence major events like the Hindenburg disaster. However, the team soon realizes that the villain they thought they were fighting is much larger and infiltrates the historical timeline in ways they never imagined. 

Instead of focusing on the usual historical suspects, "Timeless" often highlights forgotten people of color, women, and lesser-known historical figures, giving them their due and celebrating their contributions to society. This element of the show can be seen in the way Rufus, for instance, is reluctant to join the team because he knows how Black people are treated in the eras they visit. 

Despite its intriguing concept, the show was canceled after Season 1, but fans caused such an uproar that NBC reversed the decision of canceling "Timeless"  and renewed it for another season. After Season 2, NBC pulled the plug once more, and again, the fans cried foul. In a kind of compromise, NBC greenlit a special two-hour series finale that ties up loose ends and gives much-needed closure to the story. 

12. 12 Monkeys

The "12 Monkeys" SyFy series is based on the 1995 film of the same name that stars Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt — though the series makes a fair few changes to stretch the plot into a four-season sci-fi drama. The series stars Aaron Sanford as James Cole, a scavenger from the year 2024 who's tasked with traveling to 2015 in order to stop the release of a biological weapon. In the movie, James is helped by a psychologist named Kathryn Railly played by Madeleine Stowe, but here, he befriends a virologist named Dr. Cassandra "Cassie" Railly (Amanda Schull). Pitt's character, Jeffrey Goines, is also gender-swapped here, with Emily Hampshire playing Jennifer Goines.

Like the movie, the series deals with the Cassandra Complex, the idea that we have a hard time believing concerns about the future, no matter how likely and provable they are. It also deals with circular time and the idea that past events can be affected by future ones. If those aspects of the film lift your time travel antennae, the four-season show dives even deeper.

11. Paper Girls

"Paper Girls" is a brilliant time travel show that was canceled way ahead of its time. Based on the comics by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, this Amazon series tells the story of a group of 1990s tween girls who get attacked by futuristic invaders. They manage to escape into the future, where one of the girls, Erin (Riley Lai Nelet ), meets her adult self (Ali Wong).

The show dispenses with grandfather paradox hand-wringing and instead uses the concept of the girls confronting their past and future selves, to brutally honest and hilarious effect. Young Erin is horrified to find out how much of herself she's abandoned by the time she turns into Old Erin, and refuses to let life work out that way. It motivates Erin to want to return to her home time even more — this kid has a clock to beat. However, there are two sides to the coin, and Old Erin is also able to care for her young self in ways she never felt able to when she was younger. It's a beautiful and potent visual metaphor that other characters also make good on. 

All in all, "Paper Girls" is a feast for the eyes as much as its ensemble cast is a feast for the soul. Plus, Jason Mantzoukas playfully chewing scenery as the ominous Grand Father? This show could have lasted until the end of time — or at least until Season 2.

10. Timewasters

"Timewasters" is a time travel comedy about a Black British jazz band that accidentally time-slips back to 1920s London, among other timelines. The quartet stumbles into an earlier time perod via a disgusting elevator that, yes, doubles as a time machine. Once the crew shows up in the past, they're treated like freaks, but they gain some measure of success as musicians. While the crew eventually tries to return to the present, they also have a "Back to the Future" moment when they seemingly get stuck in the 1950s.

"Timewasters" is full of funny jokes and great music, and it's a groundbreaking show in a number of ways. "People like us never get to time travel — it's what white people do, like skiing or brunch," creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor told the Royal Television Society . "For me, race is so important." Taylor also stars in "Timewasters," along with Kadiff Kirwan ("Slow Horses"), Adelayo Adedayo ("Some Girls"), and Samson Kayo ("Our Flag Means Death"). The show is also an excellent destination if you're into spotting a variety of British actors and comedians ... including Joseph Quinn, who went on to rise to fame as Eddie Munson on "Stranger Things."

9. Outlander

Based on the series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, Starz's "Outlander" follows the story of a World War II nurse named Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who finds herself thrown back in time after visiting a circle of mysterious Druid stones. She arrives in 18th Century Scotland and, after being taken in by a band of gruff Scots, she marries the dashing young Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in order to avoid being taken prisoner by her real husband's (Tobias Menzies) apparent evil ancestor, Black Jack Randall (Menzies). Claire lives through a time of great upheaval in Scotland when tensions with British control are rising and history-making battles loom in the near future. Despite being initially reluctant to stay, she and Jamie fall deeply in love, and their romance remains the backbone of the series.

The entire "Outlander" timeline  takes some time to explain, what with several 20th-century characters taking the trip to the 18th century and the show covering versions of notable real-world historical events. Without further spoilers, all there is to say is that if you enjoy time travel shows that lean heavily toward historical drama, "Outlander" is where it's at. Also, if you view Tobias Menzies as an incorrigible dweeb due to his performance as Edmure Tully on "Game of Thrones," his monstrous "Outlander" villain is guaranteed to erase that image.

8. Quantum Leap

"Quantum Leap" stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist who invents a way to travel through time. When the corporation funding his project threatens to shut it down, Sam uses himself as a guinea pig to test out the method. He finds himself thrown back in time, but in another person's body. The only other entity aware of his 'leap" is a hologram of his colleague and best friend, Admiral Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell). Al tells Sam that he must correct things that went wrong in the past before being allowed to leap back to his own time and body, and can only use the resources of the project's supercomputer, Ziggy.

With Sam leaping back and forth into different bodies at different times, the show uses a variant of the traditional procedural set up. New characters turn up to guest star and Sam gets to save the day, have a fling, and learn something new before leaping to the next destination, which just might be home one of these days.  

The series ran on NBC from 1989 to 1993, but its combination of time travel and case-of-the-week antics has proved enduring enough that "Quantum Leap" even gets a shout-out in "Avengers: Endgame." Despite being over three decades old, it remains a cool time travel series worth checking out.

7. The 4400

In the opening scenes of "The 4400," an enormous ball of light drops 4,400 people at the foot of Mount Rainier in Washington. They soon realize that they were all taken from some other point in time and deposited into the year 2004, unaged and without any memories of where they'd been. At first, everyone assumes that these people have been abducted by aliens. However, it soon turns out that the truth is far more time travel-related.

The returned people soon start developing "Heroes"-style powers that range from telekinesis to telepathy and super-strength, which people from the future have entrusted with to prevent various catastrophic events that they want to avoid in their timeline. Unfortunately, the 2004 government considers the powered folks a threat, and inhibits their powers with a neurological drug. 

The stories that unfold from this setup are exactly as complex and entertaining as you'd imagine, with various members of the titular group treating their powers in different ways and society having a hard time dealing with them. Unfortunately, "The 4400" ended abruptly after four seasons on a somewhat ambiguous note, but even so, it's a fun show to revisit.

6. Travelers

In Netflix's "Travelers," time-traveling operatives from a post-apocalyptic future are tasked with preventing certain events that have led to the downfall of society in their own present day of 2018. The travelers' consciousness takes over a person in the desired time who's just about to die, and the operative then lives out the rest of that person's days though with the mission in mind ... and a strict set of rules they must follow. Apart from a list of ways they're not allowed to interact with the past, they're also strictly forbidden from communicating with other known travelers outside their team, save for special circumstances dictated by the Director, who communicates by temporarily taking over children. 

It's a unique and complex premise, and the way the travelers scope out potential targets for takeover and learn to live as them is as timely as it comes — they use social media, GPS locations, and other readily available online information for their time-travel tricks. This adds a layer of present-day dread to the show's fascinating take on time travel. 

Loki Laufeyson (Tom Hiddleston) meets his match when he comes up against the Time Variance Authority in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most ambitious Disney+ shows, "Loki." The TVA is so dedicated to maintaining a particular sacred timeline that they purge all alternate realities where someone made a choice they deem wrong, which might not always make sense, but precision isn't the point here. It's the idea of playfulness versus control. 

The Loki we see here is an alternate-timeline variant of the one the audiences are familiar with, and thus starts the show in full "The Avengers" villain mode before life — and time — starts grinding him down. Working with TVA agent Mobius M. Mobius (Owen Wilson), he starts redeeming himself by tracking down an apparently evil version of himself, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) ... and ultimately tackling the biggest challenges time can offer.  

The God of Mischief's surprisingly human path of reckoning is the heart of a show that's deliciously stylish, silly, and sometimes scary. "Loki" takes a cops-and-robbers crime caper into time travel territory and explores hefty themes with a light touch, from mindless compliance to self-serving overseers to criminalizing anyone deemed different. "Loki" isn't just a time travel show — it's a show about everything time can offer and more, with characters dancing between eras as you might step from room to room. Also, it has Alligator Loki, who's objectively the best Loki of all. 

If "Loki" is too light-hearted for you, Netflix's "Dark" might be your jam ... provided you can make sense of its incredibly convoluted time travel storyline. Four families weave a tangled web of time travel in this German-language psychological thriller about missing kids, a rotten town, and how almost all of our secrets come out in time. In other words, it's a good time travel show, but it's definitely not a feel-good time travel show. 

"Dark" follows its many characters over the course of their lifetimes and, at one point, has three timelines going at once. Part of the intrigue and challenge of watching the show is trying to understand how (and when) each timeline threads into the other. If you decide to watch it, it's best to have an evidence board and plenty of red yarn ready to chart the relationships and betrayals the town of Winden sees over the years.

While "Dark" is as much a show about human connection and how frayed it can become as it is about time travel, it's also the MVP of using as many time travel paradoxes as possible during its three-season run. "Dark" is also an innovator in the field of wormhole placement. Wormholes are already not to be trusted, but a wormhole underneath a nuclear power plant? No, thank you.

3. Beforeigners

What happens when a bunch of Viking-era warriors, 19th-century figures, and Stone Age people pop up in modern-day Oslo? "Beforeigners" attempts to answer that question while navigating twisty murder mysteries with such efficiency that the Norwegian series may be best described as "crime travel." Adding to the intrigue is the way it focuses more on the present-day relationship between the time refugees and their modern counterparts than on how they showed up in the first place.

"Beforeigners" centers around the odd-couple partnership between hardened police detective Lars Haaland (Nicolai Cleve Broch) and eager new Viking police recruit Alfhildr Enginnsdóttir (Krista Kosonen), who investigate things like the murder of a Stone Age victim and even look into crimes with possible ties to Jack the Ripper.

The metaphor of time migration is an apt one for immigration, and this sci-fi show explores tricky real-life issues with plenty of scope. Creators Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin got their start in comedy writing, and their commitment to the bit is evident in the show, including the language used. "Early on, I contacted researchers, professors who helped us. We also constructed the language that Stone Age people spoke, and even with the language from the 19th century: We worked on it to make it sound right," Bjørnstad told Variety . "Why not invest in language, which is such a big part of a person's identity?"

2. Russian Doll

"Russian Doll" could be pitched as "Natasha Lyonne's 'Groundhog Day,'" but that still wouldn't hint at half of the show's charm and emotion. This Netflix offering is a mind-bending time loop dramedy that's a stylish and surreal exploration of life, death, and all the trauma in between. Season 1 of "Russian Doll" features Nadia (Lyonne) stuck reliving her 36th birthday until she inevitably dies and resets back to her friend's bathroom. Later in the season, she discovers a fellow time traveler (Charlie Barnett). They quickly realize that the way out of their dead ends and into a new life is through helping each other.

Season 2 takes some departures from the recursive reality set up in the first season, bending viewers' minds even more thoroughly. "Russian Doll" goes deep, but keeps a sense of humor even as it twists the knife in its characters' hearts — and their timelines. The show keeps audiences just oriented enough by linking its time loops to recognizable spaces and sound cues. You will never look at the subway the same way again, and you will probably never get Harry Nilsson's "Gotta Get Up" out of your head.

1. Doctor Who

Really, could any other show top a list like this?  The untold history of "Doctor Who"  goes all the way back to 1963, when the show premiered on the BBC. The series follows the adventures of a Time Lord who calls themselves the Doctor — an alien being from the planet Gallifrey who travels through space and time on a craft called the TARDIS, which is charmingly disguised as an old-fashioned British police call box and is famously bigger on the inside.  Every Doctor has their own companions  – humans who follow the Doctor throughout space and time, helping people, battling new and recurring villains, and dealing with the assorted wibbly-wobbly stuff on the Doctor's timeline .

The original series ran from 1963 through 1989 and established the neat trick of recasting the Doctor every few years or so, thanks to the premise that the character has multiple lives and can reincarnate himself into different physical bodies. The modern series was revived in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, and talented actors like David Tennant (twice), Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whitaker, and Ncuti Gatwa have followed in his footsteps. Even without the fact that no other show has time travel quite as integrated into its very premise as "Doctor Who," the show's sheer longevity and cultural impact are more than enough to make it the king of the time travel hill. 

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7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

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Most avid travelers experienced a decline in their favorite hobby last year. But exciting adventures, new cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are still accessible to us all via our favorite travel shows. Explore the world from the comfort of your couch with these travel shows you can stream right now.

1. Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Hulu, cnn on demand.

Take a guided tour of Italy with host Stanley Tucci as he travels from Naples to Rome, sampling cuisine and learning about Italian history and culture along the way. The Devil Wears Prada and Hunger Games actor takes on a new role as host, telling personal stories as he is joined by his wife and friends. Inspired by his own Italian heritage, Tucci is so passionate about his journey through the country and the food that he’s tasting, viewers will feel like they’re on the Amalfi Coast themselves. Season one is currently airing on CNN and available on Hulu . A second season has already been planned for 2022.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

While Zac Efron’s adventure show may not be the ultimate in high-brow entertainment, the High School Musical star’s charisma and enthusiasm make Down to Earth an incredibly fun watch. The actor, joined by wellness guru Darin Olien, travels the globe, attempting to learn about sustainability and the environment. He also samples local cuisines and shamelessly indulges in the local tourist activities. All of season one is available now on Netflix, and filming for a second season has already begun.

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney + . In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge. Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and impressed by every meal he tries. Each episode features a new location and new group of welcoming locals excited to share the history of their food. There are two seasons available already, with season three set to air in mid-2021.

4. Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix’s Our Planet offers an in-depth exploration of the world’s habitats, focusing on the effects of climate change and global warming. While the thesis of the documentary is science-based, the creators’ clear passion for nature shines through. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the show itself is self-reflective and inspirational. With footage from 50 countries, episodes cover jungles, deserts, forests, and virtually every landscape imaginable, virtually guaranteeing a deep dive into any viewer’s favorite destination.

5. Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Explore the United States with Food Network personality Padma Lakshmi as she seeks to understand the connection between U.S. food and U.S. culture. Every episode features a different American city, where Lakshmi meets with immigrants from around the world, seeking to understand how the diversity of the country’s chefs has shaped what we define as American cuisine. This one-season series is a moving, emotional exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, available for streaming on Hulu .

6. Long Way Up

Reunited for their third joint travel adventure show, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman go on an ambitious motorcycle ride in Apple TV’s Long Way Up . Starting in Ushuaia, a city at the tip of South America, the two friends ride for more than 100 days and 13,000 miles, crossing borders and country lines, making their way into Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all the way up to Central America and Mexico. Fans of Long Way Round and Long Way Down will love this third installment, all of which is available for streaming.

7. Street Food

For another food-based travel show, try Netflix’s Street Food , and its two available seasons, Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America . Each episode takes place in a different city, with interviews of three to four street food chefs and their featured dishes. This show takes a deep dive not only into the cuisine, but primarily into the people who make it, emphasizing the journey of the individual cooks. The featured dishes are often region-specific and emblematic of the conditions and circumstances of both the city and the chef. The show focuses on the vendors’ backstories, teaching viewers about local poverty, history, culture, and identity.

These are just a starting point; there are a lot more shows out there worth a look. All you have to do is go on a surf vacation from the comfort of your couch.

Editor’s Note: Can’t get enough virtual travel? Jordan Palmer has more on Beeyonder , the new travel company created so anyone can travel the world.

Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

The Best Travel Shows Of All Time (TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More)

If you are like me and always yearning to travel, then one of the best ways to do this from home is to watch amazing travel shows on TV.

Over the years I have spent way too much of my spare time consuming every travel show under the sun. And, I thought it was high time I shared some of them with you.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best travel shows on TV – whether it be DVD, Netflix or Amazon.

1. Long Way Round

I remember watching the Long Way Round years ago (2004), which is still clear in my memory. The world-famous Ewan McGregor and one of his best friends Charlie Boorman, pursue their passion for BMW motorbikes and adventure travel and head east from London, as far as possible.

The journey was nearly 19 thousand miles (33,000 kms) and took them through Europe, overland through Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia) to the USA and New York.

Of course, they do take a crew with them, but this is hardcore overland travel at its best. No script, all the hardships are shown. Boy, they had a difficult time in some parts of Asia!

Update: They have the latest episode in this series, Long Way Up, which features the boys riding from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles. This is more or less the classic Pan-American Highway route that travelers love!

2. Long Way Down

Following on from the 2004 success, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman set out again in 20017. This time North to South from Scotland to Cape Town in the Long Way Down . This is yet another infamous overland route and also not a simple one.

Many of the roads and countries in Africa are not in the same state as their European counterparts, so they had some challenges with their suspension. They also had quite some adventures and exciting visits, even with presidents!

If you liked the first one of the series, then this is an equally good follow-up.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Below is a quick intro to the show. It’s worth taking a look.

3. Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, A Cook’s Tour & The Layover)

With the sad news of his recent passing, how can I not include one of the food travel show classics from Anthony Bourdain and his team at CNN? This series was still being filmed at the time of this death, and they have since tried to finalise it without being able to use him for voiceovers. However, there is so much material in this series, you won’t be stressed looking for things to watch.

Anthony was actually made famous by his book, Kitchen Confidential , where he revealed how things work in the restaurant business. I actually read this book over 20 years ago, long before I even realised he was on TV.

Parts Unknown is a unique take on travel from Anthony where he visits various countries around the world that interest him and explores all the great food they have on offer. But, he does not go for the classy restaurants and showy food, he looks for the best of what locals enjoy.

And dives right in himself! It’s super-inspiring to see someone so famous get down and dirty and have absolutely zero pretence. He loves food. He loves people. And he loves to travel. What more could you ask for in a TV Show.

Some of the series from Parts Unknown is available on Amazon .

As are some of his older series like No Reservations , A Cook’s Tour , The Layover

And here is a quick preview of season 7 from CNN.

4. Departures – with Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach

Two best friends from Canada decide they need a little excitement in their lives and head off for a year of adventure.  They end up exploring vast areas of the world and looking for as many unique experiences as possible.

The series is quite in-depth, covering 43 episodes , and almost as many countries. And by the time you have finished it, I will be surprised if you don’t just get up and go traveling yourself.

You can grab it on Bluray on Amazon.

Here is a quick intro to the series.

5. Simon Reeve Travels

I absolutely love to watch Louis Theroux on TV. His bumbling, almost nerd-like charm somehow disarms all the crazy nut-jobs that he interviews.

Simon Reeve, at least to me, seems like his equal in the BBC travel world. He is not a gung-ho daring, Tom Cruise look-alike. He is a down-to-earth, easy-to-like, bumbling reporter who takes to the most interesting places on earth. And makes you fall in love with them all as much as he does.

We have started watching some of his earlier shows. We have started with his crazy trip around the Equator. But some of the others are available on the BBC (if you live in the UK) including such trips as: the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Colombia and many more.

Here is a quick intro to the Caribbean series.

6. Rick Steves Travel Series

Another prolific traveler and creator of travel-related content both on and offline is Rick Steves. If you type in many European-related travel searches in Google, you will often find his website in the top ten.

He seems to have been everywhere worldwide and made a TV show about most of it. He appeals to an older demographic in my opinion, as his commentary is a little stiffer, but you can certainly learn a lot from this guy.

You can check them out on his website.

And below is an intro to Season 9 of his European series.

7. Michael Palins (Various Adventures around the world)

Michael Palin, a former Monty Python member and Jon Cleese, has been producing top-notch travel series for years and is a little more old-school than Rick Steves. His shows focus on longer adventures, similar to A Long Way Round, although perhaps not as challenging.

They are fun to watch, and you certainly get to see some of the lesser-explored regions of the world. Although some of these series will be a little dated by now – I remember watching some decades ago!

And just as I said that I took a look and saw he has since made some new series on Channel 5 in the UK, including a trip into the forbidden land of North Korea !

Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days

8. An Idiot Abroad

Venturing into a little bit of Travel Comedy, An Idiot Abroad is the brainchild of the creator of the British (original) The Office, along with a few co-creators. The idea is to send someone who has almost never left their town, let alone lifestyle and send them to some very foreign destinations.

Along the way, they experience some extremely challenging destinations and situations all in the name of broadening their horizons. Karl Pilkington will never be the same again, and maybe neither will you.

You can grab Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon.

Here is a quick Best Of from the China episode to give you a taste of the show.

9. Travel Man with Richard Ayoade

Another long-running comedy travel show from the UK, Travel Man is very short episode focused on 48 hours in various cities, mainly in Europe. Of course, now that he is on about his 10th season, he has started to venture a little further afield. Apart from his sarcasm, one of the best things about the show for me is the wacky things he (or his team) finds in every location. Not your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

Each episode is extremely sarcastic and accompanied by another usually British comedian, so people outside the UK may have trouble laughing or even understanding what he is saying. His accent is strong and his vocabulary is broad. You might have seen him as one of the wacky IT experts in t he IT Crowd (which you can see on Netflix ), a little like the British version of Silicon Valley, albeit filmed years before.

There are various seasons up for grabs on Amazon .

If you want to see if it’s up to your alley, here is a quick taste of Richard with some of his fellow comedians on the show.

10. Top Gear

Intended as a bit of a petrolhead’s show about cars, Top Gear has also done a significant amount of travel-related shows over the years too. From the drives down the most dangerous roads in the world to almost killing themselves in places like Switzerland. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will show you a great time on the road and while traveling.

You can check out Season 1 here on Amazon and other seasons that follow.

11. Joanna Lumley’s Travel Series

Joanna Lumley became famous back in the 70s, but for me, she became even more famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Since then, she has traveled and filmed it all for us. She has also done a “making of” series that I enjoyed. She may seem very posh and British when you first see her shows, but if you love sarcasm and comedy then just wait a bit and she will deliver!

Here is a list of her extensive travel shows you can catch on BBC or other online streaming services:

• Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean
• Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
• Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley: The Quest For Noah’s Ark
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

The Best Travel Shows On Netflix

Netflix is a bit of a special category in this post because they don’t have many of the more famous shows above at the moment.

12. Dark Tourist

One of the more recent and perhaps more infamous trends in travel right now is called Dark Tourism. With the recent airing of the series about Chornobyl, it seems to have accelerated even more.

One wacky New Zealand traveler, David Farrier heads to some quirky and sometimes dangerous locations in eight episodes of Dark Tourist , which sees him head to most continents. From the recent Japanese nuclear disaster to perhaps shooting a cow in Cambodia, he tries it all.

13. Street Food: Asia

If you like to combine mouth-watering food and travel, a popular past-time, then this is a recent addition to Netflix that I am currently devouring. It shows you some amazing chefs who are almost always out on the street and serving the locals with something of an obsession. From Thailand to India, you get to see it all – no-frills cooking from some of the best street food vendors in the world.

14. Tales By Light

Another show I have been checking out lately is Tales By Light , a travel and photography-based series up to season 3. It follows a famous Australian photographer all around the world, delving into the lives of the people he meets and how he experiences travel through the lens.

15. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

A show I have not had a chance to see, but it certainly looks like a travel comedy worth checking out. It involves a comedian and his stuffy father taking far-flung adventures to foreign lands and trying to teach each other a thing or two.

16. Somebody Feed Phil

A more modern version of a travel & food show, Somebody Feed Phil , is about exploring the places and food no one talks about. Phil is quite the quirky and loveable character, so you will either love him or loathe him. I watched half the first season and did not fall in love with it. However, given that Netflix has commissioned 6 seasons of the show, there must be a lot of people who love it.

17. Conan Without Borders

Following famous TV night show host Conan O’Brien to some adventurous destinations around the world, this is yet another travel and comedy combination you won’t want to miss. From Haiti and Cuba to K-Pop in South Korea this is as wacky as it is travel.

18. Restaurants on the Edge

“Restaurants on the Edge” is a Canadian reality TV series premiered in 2020. It showcases chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato assisting struggling restaurants in scenic, remote locations like seashores, lakes, and mountains. This is a little like Gordon Ramsay’s old show Kitchen Nightmares, but more travel related.

The goal of the visits on this show is to rejuvenate these places by integrating them with the local culture. Additionally, the show offers a travel experience, with episodes featuring the experts exploring local areas, meeting artisans, and tasting authentic local foods.

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About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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7 best time travel shows to watch right now

Time flies when you're having fun watching these shows

I’ve always enjoyed a good time travel story, and that makes sense considering "Back to the Future" is one of my favorite movies. The idea of jumping between different eras, and the possibilities it brings, is very intriguing and somewhat mysterious. 

While time travel movies are great, shows offer more compelling viewing over the span of several episodes. However, with so many shows available right now, it’s hard to know what to watch . Therefore, I've put together a list of the top seven time travel shows that you simply have to check out on some of the best streaming services . 

Whether you’re into mind-bending sci-fi dramas or lighthearted time-hopping adventures, these shows are sure to fascinate and entertain you. 

'Doctor Who'

What kind of list would this be if I didn’t include "Doctor Who" as the first option? As such an iconic well-known show, most people won’t need an explanation, but for those who have somehow never watched (or even heard of) "Doctor Who," I will happily provide a brief overview of what it’s about. 

"Doctor Who" is a British sci-fi TV series that began in 1963, centering on the Doctor, an enigmatic Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a ship resembling a British police box. The Doctor can regenerate, allowing for multiple actors to portray the character. For example, the show was relaunched in 2005 and continued the "rule" of getting a new Doctor every season. Christopher Eccleston assumed the role in season 1 before David Tennant took over in the next. 

Accompanied by human companions, the Doctor goes on so many different adventures, solving problems and battling iconic villains like the Daleks, Cybermen and the Master. "Doctor Who" remains a significant and beloved part of global pop culture, and perhaps the best time travel show ever.

Watch on Max

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'Life on Mars'

"Life on Mars" brilliantly combines science fiction, crime drama and mystery while bringing something new to the table of time travel. The show follows Detective Chief Inspector Sam Tyler (John Simm), who, after being struck by a car in 2006, wakes up in 1973. Confused and disoriented, Tyler finds himself working for the Manchester and Salford Police, living in a world vastly different from the one he knows.

In 1973, Tyler must adjust to outdated policing methods, a more chauvinistic workplace and a society with different social norms. His new boss, Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), embodies the rough and ready policing style of the era, often clashing with Tyler's more modern sensibilities. As Tyler works on solving crimes, he also tries to understand his predicament, questioning whether he has traveled back in time, is in a coma or is experiencing some form of psychological breakdown. However, all he knows is that he must find a way to return to his own time.

Watch on BritBox

'Russian Doll'

One of my colleagues actually recommended "Russian Doll" by saying it’s a "razor-sharp, wickedly funny, time-bending trip of a series." It follows the story of Nadia Vulvokov (Natasha Lyonne), a cynical New Yorker who finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving her 36th birthday party over and over again. Each time she dies, she inexplicably returns to the party, starting the night anew.

As Nadia repeatedly experiences her death and the re-set of the night, she goes on a journey to understand what is happening to her. Along the way, she meets Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett), who is also trapped in a similar time loop. Together, they try to figure out how to break the cycle and unravel the mysteries behind their predicament.

Watch on Netflix

"Dark" is a German thriller series that intricately weaves together time travel, family secrets and existential questions that will probably blow your mind. The story is set in the small town of Winden and begins with the mysterious disappearance of two children, which exposes the hidden connections and dark pasts of four interconnected families: the Nielsens, Dopplers, Tiedemanns and Kahnwalds.

As the series progresses, it reveals a complex narrative involving time travel across several generations, spanning from 1888 to 2053. The discovery of a wormhole in the town's caves allows people to travel between different time periods, leading to a series of events that impact the town's history and future.

"Timeless" happens to be another well-loved show about time travel. It follows a history professor named Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), a soldier named Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter) and a scientist named Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett), who are recruited to travel through time to stop a mysterious organization called Rittenhouse from altering history for their own gain. 

Using a stolen time machine, the team goes through different historical periods, trying to prevent changes that could have catastrophic effects on the present and future. It’s a very interesting time-traveling show that blends action and historical drama, if you’re into that.

Buy or rent on Amazon

'Outlander'

Now we have a slightly more romantic show, "Outlander", which is actually based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon. It centers around Claire Randal (Caitriona Balfe), a World War II nurse who is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. 

There, she becomes entangled in the Jacobite risings and meets Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a dashing Highland warrior. The series explores Claire's struggles to understand and navigate the dangers of the 18th century while grappling with her divided loyalties between her life in the 20th century and her love for Jamie. If you’re in the mood for a time-traveling show with a bit of juicy romance, "Outlander" is definitely the one for you. 

'Time Bandits'

The 2024 reboot "Time Bandits" is a comedic adventure series that reimagines the 1981 cult classic movie. The show follows 11-year-old Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), a history enthusiast, who finds himself joining a group of time-traveling thieves on a thrilling and humorous quest. This ragtag team, led by Penelope (Lisa Kudrow), goes on crazy adventures across different historical periods, aiming to save Kevin's parents and thwart the schemes of the villainous Pure Evil (Jemaine Clement).

With a talented cast including Taika Waititi as the Supreme Being and a blend of fantasy, history and comedy, "Time Bandits" brings enjoyment to both new viewers and fans of the original movie. You’ll not only see the chaos and fun of time travel but also the importance of friendship and bravery in the face of danger.

Watch on Apple TV Plus

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 best time travel movies on Netflix to stream right now
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Alix is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer for Screen Rant and Bough Digital, both of which sparked her interest in the entertainment industry. When she’s not writing about the latest movies and TV shows, she’s either playing horror video games on her PC or working on her first novel.

New on Paramount Plus in September 2024 — all the movies and shows to watch

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

>>Next: Around the World in International Films

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AIRS SEPT 7 & 8: Rob gets an opportunity to be embedded in a training program for soldiers heading to the front. He then meets other soldiers who have sacrificed mightily to protect their homeland

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The camera follows Executive Producer and Host, Robert Rose , as he navigates through the unpredictable realm of adventurous travel to on and off-the-beaten-path locations all over the world. Raw Travel invites viewers to get rid of their fears, break out their passports and take a journey to “meet the neighbors”. No celebrities, no gimmicks, silly contests, or games, just ordinary people having transformative, life-changing encounters through thoughtful, real, and raw travel

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The 18 Best TV Shows for Vicarious Travel Thrills

Circle the globe with these international thrillers, comedies, dramas and documentaries.

By Jason Bailey

There’s no getting around it: Most of us won’t be traveling for a good, long while. There are certainly more pressing concerns — personal health, supply lines, stocking the pantry, caring for the children — but the anticipation and inner peace of an upcoming vacation, a family gathering, or a trip abroad have now disappeared, and who knows for how long. It’s neither safe nor (increasingly) possible to visit Norway or Brazil or France or anywhere else when you’re stuck in your home.

But maybe it is. One of the genuine delights of the streaming era is the degree to which it has made international television available, and readily too — with scores of shows streaming on Amazon, Hulu, HBO and (especially) Netflix . Sprinkle in an assortment of travelogues and you can go all over the world, from the comfort (and confines) of your couch. Here are some of the best shows for treating cabin fever:

‘Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations’

Streaming on Hulu .

Any respectable world television tour should begin with Anthony Bourdain’s globe-trotting food and travel docu-series, in which the late, great celebrity chef visits places large and small, from Singapore to Saudi Arabia to Sweden, taking in the local cuisine, culture and citizens. (And he doesn’t slouch on the scenery, either — the series twice won the Emmy award for Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming.) Over the course of its nine-season run, it became clear that Bourdain wasn’t just out to see sights or swipe recipes; the show seemed like his personal mission to correct the Ugly American stereotype, and to remind us that when we’re abroad, we should aim to be travelers rather than tourists. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Somebody Feed Phil’

Streaming on Netflix .

“Food is the great connector,” says Phil Rosenthal, “and laughter is the cement.” This Netflix original often plays like a comic riff on “No Reservations” (though that show is frequently funny itself), as the nebbish “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator travels to Lisbon and Buenos Aires and other places around the globe, in an attempt to “go to the source” of some of his favorite foods — and take in the world in the process, with most of the show’s laughs generated by the incongruity between his markedly urban American persona and the kind of “roughing it” often required by these locales.

‘Travel Man: 48 Hours In …’

There’s a long, rich tradition of British comedians “presenting” travel programs, from Michael Palin’s marvelous BBC docu-series (“Around the World in 80 Days,” “Pole to Pole,” “Full Circle,” etc.) to the ongoing “Trip” series (to northern England, Italy, Spain and Greece) with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon to this Channel 4 treat, in which the comic actor and director Richard Ayoade (“The IT Crowd”) visits the great cities of the world for 48 hours with a celebrity guest. The results are enjoyable as both a travel series and a parody of them; Ayoade and his friends hit the must-see sights and capture the beauty of these hot spots, but also detour to goofier locations, indulging in wry commentary and awkward interplay.

‘Our Planet’

Narrator David Attenborough and the team behind his acclaimed BBC series “Planet Earth” spent four years crafting this eight-part Netflix original with two purposes: to celebrate the world we inhabit, and to note the disruptions and dangers that have entered its ecosystems. That message remains vital, but the show’s sense of wonder and powerful visuals are not to be denied and, as the entire series was shot with 4K cameras — taking in images of Indonesian jungles, Central African Deserts, the forests of Madagascar, the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic on a big flat screen — this is about as close as you’re going to get to the real thing. ( Read The New York Times review . )

From “The Matrix” trilogy to “Cloud Atlas,” the Wachowskis have never lacked in ambition, and their two-season Netflix series has exotic locations built into its premise, which connects eight strangers in eight cities with each others’ lives and worlds. In telling that story, they covered as much ground as any travel show, with breathtaking photography in Mumbai, London, Seoul, Nairobi, Mexico City, Berlin, Naples, Malta, Amsterdam, São Paulo and many, many more places. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘The Night Manager’

Streaming on Amazon Prime .

When the screenwriter David Farr and the director Susanne Bier adapted John le Carré’s 1993 spy novel for television, they not only updated the time period, but tweaked the locations — shooting the sleek, glossy tale in Switzerland, Marrakesh and Spain (of particular note: a gorgeous Spanish villa for the villain Hugh Laurie). The le Carré purists may object, but the rest of us will be too busy luxuriating in the Continental flavor and sun-soaked photography. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Killing Eve’

Spy shows and films generally hopscotch around the globe, which makes them especially ripe for wanderlust viewing, and though the smash BBC America adaptation of Luke Jennings’ “Villanelle” novels is, in many ways, a subversion of the spy series conventions, one must often embrace those tropes to send them up. So the MI6 agent Eve Polastri must trek from London to such locales as Tuscany, Berlin, Bucharest, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and other places in her pursuit of the high-level assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Wallander’

Streaming on Hulu and BritBox.

Henning Mankell’s series of detective novels, previously adapted into films and a series for Swedish television, are here dramatized by British TV with the quintessentially British actor Kenneth Branagh in the role. But the series keeps the original Swedish setting, and to great effect; Times critic Mike Hale praises the show’s use of “the stark, flat expanses of the southern Swedish coast, with their shimmering fields and lonely trees outlined against big blue-gray skies.” ( Read The New York Times review . )

And from here our world tour takes us to Norway, for this ongoing series from the minds behind such archetypal Scandinavian crime films as “Insomnia” and “Headhunters.” This fast-paced political thriller, in which high-minded Norwegian government officials cease production of oil and gas in the face of climate change, only to find their country occupied by Russian forces, offers up not only the snowy landscapes we’ve come to expect, but plenty of urban portraiture as well. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Babylon Berlin’

Next stop: Germany, for this extravagantly mounted, neo-noir series, set during the city’s pre-Hitler, Weimar Republic era. The production — reportedly the most expensive in German TV history — leans heavily on a giant, permanent standing set at the Babelsberg Studio, but also uses copious locations throughout the city (and country), including the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm, the Berlin City Hall, the Protestant Church of the Redeemer, and the Bavarian Railway Museum. ( Read The New York Times review . )

On the other hand, if you’d like to visit small-town Germany in the present day (sort of), we can pay a visit to the forest village of Winden, the setting for this dizzyingly complicated and moodily atmospheric Netflix original. Winding together four families and three generations of tragedies — kidnappings, suicides, murders — that often converge in the dark and scary woods, this one is frightening enough to make you feel all right about staying indoors. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Call My Agent!’

The French film industry gets the “Curb Your Enthusiasm”/“Extras” treatment with this inside-showbiz satire, mixing real stars of their big and small screens with the fictional exploits of a rapidly splintering and highly dysfunctional talent agency. The takeaway is that the machinery that keeps things running behind the scenes is far from glamorous (it’s petty, gossipy and back-stabbing), but there’s still plenty of screen time for the glam, and many opportunities to gawk at the Parisian scenery and high-powered red carpets. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘My Brilliant Friend’

Streaming on HBO .

Some series float through their locations, only making fleeting connections. But HBO’s ongoing adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels isn’t just set in Italy in the 1950s; it’s dug in there, intimately aware of every stairwell, courtyard and apartment in its working class neighborhood. It’s a setting, James Poniewozik writes, “where everyone is packed close and prying eyes and whispers are inescapable.” But the series also offers gorgeous glimpses of the world outside that neighborhood, of an upper-crust area of Naples, or a resort island. It’s a welcome reminder that even when things are bleak, escape is still possible. ( Read The New York Times review . )

Streaming on Netflix.

And on we travel, both around the globe (to South Korea) and back in time (to the 16th century) for this Netflix original, gleefully mixing historical drama, zombie horror, swordplay, political satire and (gulp) contagion thriller — and mounted on a grand scale, with big, colorful action sequences carefully choreographed in gorgeous forests and rolling vistas. Mike Hale picked it as one of the best international shows of the decade, and praised the “rousing” series for its “rich production values.” ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Giri / Haji’

And we land in both London and Tokyo for this recent Netflix addition (a pickup from BBC Two), a cross-cultural story of a Tokyo detective (Takehiro Hira) attempting to track down his gangster brother in the criminal underworld. Aiding him in the search — as best she can — is a London police detective (Kelly MacDonald), whose perpetual mood seems to take its cues from the city: cold and gray. But the show also beautifully captures the neon glow of these cities at night, when the respectable citizens clear the streets, and things start getting interesting.

‘Outlander’

Streaming on Netflix and Starz .

There’s a strange circularity about watching (or, likely, rewatching) Starz’s adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s books for the scenery — since a fair number of its enthusiastic viewers have gone to central Scotland for the primary purpose of visiting its locations . And they’re gorgeous, rolling hills and venerable castles and foggy marshes and leafy forests, offering even more escape than we were already enjoying from this tale of a 1940s woman inexplicably zapped into 18th-century Scotland. And she does what we’re all trying to do: she makes the best of it. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Black Sails’

By the time this thing is over, we may not even want to be landlocked anymore — and there’s no better show for taking to the high seas than Starz’s four-season pirate adventure/drama, presenting the origin story of Long John Silver. Though set in the West Indies circa 1715, the series was shot in South Africa, which convincingly doubles for the region; the blue waters are crystal clear, and the beaches would be irresistibly inviting were it not for all those pesky pirates. ( Read The New York Times review . )

‘Fortitude’

And finally we land at the top of the world — well, close to it, on the Arctic island of Fortitude, setting of this Sky Atlantic mystery/thriller series. Fortitude, however, is a fictional location (that’d be just a bit too nice and neat), so the three-season series was shot in Iceland and Norway; its icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains could come in handy if we’re still indoors this summer. ( Read The New York Times review . )

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHY? WHEN? HOW?

Remember when you were a child and you were  curious about  everything ? Curious Traveler takes you to explore the world  with a childlike curiosity.

Who  tore down Paris in the 1800s, and why?

What   was the Pantheon’s oculus originally used for?

Where  do the heavens orbit the earth in Venice?

Why  was Copenhagen’s Kronborg Castle the setting for Hamlet?

When  was the Madonna of Bruges stolen? And why?

How  did Leonardo da Vinci transport the Mona Lisa to France?

Curious Traveler asks and answers your curious travel questions.

This isn’t your typical what-to-do-on-vacation travel show. It’s your all-access pass to a deeper understanding of the world’s great art and architecture, people and places, and hidden history all around us.. Curious Traveler takes you to get Curious about Paris, Rome, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Brussels, Edinburgh, Bruges, Montenegro, Ghent, Cardiff, Wales, London, Salisbury, Montreal, Bordeaux, Stockholm, Venice, Oslo, the Loire Valley, Dublin, Vancouver, Sussex, Sorrento, Victoria BC, NYC, Manchester, Asheville NC, and some curious French Villages. Join us as we explore the rich culture and untold histories of the most fascinating places on earth.

Christine van Blokland is a 3-Time National Daytime Emmy Nominee, 3-time Society of American Travel Writers Honoree and multiple Regional Emmy Award Winner. In addition to Curious Traveler, Christine also has a monthly series on USA Today Travel called ‘Take Me Away’. She also gives travel lectures with the Smithsonian Associates program, and appears on national and local stations as a travel expert, including HSN. She is also a proud member of Mensa.

Before Curious Traveler, Christine spent 20 years as a feature reporter at ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, PBS and Tribune stations across the country. She covered everything from Broadway shows to Disney World to American Idol to the Grammy Awards. Her favorite celebrity interviews are: Bill Murray, Julie Andrews and Kermit the Frog.

Christine caught the travel bug early on. Born in Scotland, she traveled across Europe, Canada and parts of Africa by the age of 16. She has a degree in Broadcast Journalism with concentrations in Religion and Fine Arts from the University of Florida, and studied Classical Animation at Vancouver Film School. Her travel motto is: Never Stop Learning, although she’ll never learn how to pack light.

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Stockholm Palace

Roman Baths – Bath, England

Walk on Water in Bordeaux

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Fan favorite travels.

Château de Chambord – Loire Valley, France

Who built a giant château in the middle of the Loire Valley, and why? And what does Leonardo da Vinci have to do with it? Watch & learn in this clip from our ‘Curious Loire Valley’ episode!

Doge’s Palace, Venice

Where is one of the largest oil paintings in the world? Watch & learn in this clip from our ‘Curious Venice’ episode!

Sorrento, Italy

How did the Greeks leave their stamp on lovely Sorrento, Italy? Watch & learn in this clip from our ‘Curious Sorrento’ episode!

Vienna, Café Sperl & Linzertorte!

Why is Vienna so known for its coffee culture? Watch & learn in this preview of our ‘Curious Vienna’ episode!

Stave Church – Oslo, Norway

What looks like a cross between a Gothic cathedral and a Viking ship? Watch & learn in this clip from our ‘Curious Oslo’ episode!

Why do we call it Bluetooth?

Bet you’d never guess where we got the name & the symbol for our Bluetooth technology… Watch & learn in this clip from our ‘Curious Copenhagen’ episode!

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To Catch a Killer

Baltimore. New Year’s Eve. A talented but troubled police officer (Shailene Woodley) is recruited by the FBI’s chief investigator (Ben Mendelsohn) to help profile and track down a disturbed individual terrorizing the city. more

Baltimore. New Year’s Eve. A talented but troubled police officer ... More

Starring: Shailene Woodley Ben Mendelsohn Ralph Ineson

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Baltimore. New Year’s Eve. A talented but troubled police officer (Shailene Woodley) is recruited by the FBI’s chief investigator (Ben Mendelsohn) to help profile and track down a disturbed individual terrorizing the city.

Starring: Shailene Woodley Ben Mendelsohn Ralph Ineson Jovan Adepo Marcella Lentz-Pope

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• Fill out your form online and print it
• Submit your most recent passport
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• Enroll in email updates

Getting a New Passport for a Child : You cannot renew a passport for a child under age 16. You must apply again in person using Form DS-11. 

Renewing a Passport Outside the United States : Learn how to renew your U.S. passport if you live in a foreign country.

Renew Your Passport Online

Eligible U.S. citizens who are applying for routine service can now renew their passports online. To get started, go to our  Renew Online page . 

Watch this video to learn if you can renew your passport by mail.

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:

• Can be submitted with your application,
• Is not damaged (other than normal  wear and tear ),
• Has never been reported lost or stolen,
• Was issued within the last 15 years,
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older, and
• Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)

If you want to renew a limited validity passport that is valid for less than the normal period of 10 years, you must meet these requirements:

• One of your previous passports must have been issued for 10 years,
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve lost multiple passports, and
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve had multiple damaged passports

If you do not meet these requirements to renew, go to one of these pages to learn how to apply:

Adult Applying

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Fill out your form and print it

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Tips to complete your form:

• Complete all parts of the form.  Sign and date your form  before you mail it.
• Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms. 
• Check your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
• You can renew a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• Use Form DS-82 to apply for your first passport book if you only have a passport card, or to apply for your first passport card if you only have a passport book.  
• If you travel many times each year, get a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost.  Check the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-82.
• If renewing from Canada, do not include your Canadian Social Insurance Number on the form in place of your U.S. Social Security number. 

Submit your most recent U.S. passport

When you renew by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. We will return your most recent passport book or card in a separate mailing. The most recent passport may not arrive for up to 8 weeks after you get your new passport. Learn below what document to submit based on what you want to renew:

Submit other documents if you are changing your name

If the name you are using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a  certified copy of the legal name change  document. Examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered name change document

We will return your name change document in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Tips for renewing from Canada :

• If your Canadian divorce decree does not show that you are returning to your maiden name, you must provide proof of your birth or maiden name. Examples include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

You must provide one photo with your application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:

• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

Other reminders

• You must staple your photo to the application. Follow the instructions on the application. Use four staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges of the photo as possible.
• Do not bend the photo.

Pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash.

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $21.36 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  
• Go to our  Passport Fees  page to learn more about how much it costs to apply for a passport and how you can pay.
• Please write the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check* or money order.
• Renewing from Canada? Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. Acceptable U.S. checks and money orders must have a 9-digit routing number. Do not include 1-2 day or express delivery fees with your payment. These services are not available to U.S. residents in Canada.

*How to fill out your check 

Submit completed application and documents

Get My Passport Fast :  If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center. Your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your travel date. 

If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, mail your completed application and documents to one of the addresses below. 

Where you mail the application depends on where you live, and how fast you need your passport. 

If you live in the  United States ,  use the United States Postal Service (USPS) . If you live in  Canada , use Canada Post. 

Where to Send My Application and Supporting Documents

Want Faster Delivery?

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster delivery. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with pre-paid postage. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings.

If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card only applications.

Outside the United States (any country besides Canada):  Contact your  U.S. embassy and consulate .

Track your application status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” 

What is normal "wear and tear" of a passport?

Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport does not count as damage. Normal wear includes:

• The bend of a passport after you carry it in your pocket
• Fanning of the visa pages after opening and closing the passport 

If your passport is damaged, you cannot renew it and must apply for a new passport.

Damage includes:

• Water stains
• A significant tear
• Unofficial markings on the data page
• Missing visa pages (torn out)
• A hole punch, or other injuries

Can I renew at an acceptance facility?

No. If you are renewing your passport with Form DS-82, acceptance facilities will not take your application. Acceptance facilities should never charge you a $35 fee for renewing your passport. These locations should only charge you a $35 fee if you are applying using Form DS-11.

You must mail in your renewal application (Form DS-82) yourself. Mailing your Form DS-82 can be confusing since some post offices are also passport acceptance facilities. Postal employees should not review your form and supporting documents before you mail it.

Send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method.

Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL since the address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box. 

If I already have a passport book or card, can I use the DS-82 to get the other document?

If you have a passport book  and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first  passport card .

If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport book as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport book. 

Can I send multiple renewal applications in one envelope?

Yes. If your family member or spouse is also renewing a passport, you may want to send multiple applications in the same envelope. You can pay for the applications using one check or money order. Make sure to add up the correct fees for multiple applications. 

How will you send my passport and supporting documents?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

I got a letter requesting that I resubmit my Form DS-82. What should I do?

When you renew by mail, our intake facility will review your application and supporting documents.

The intake facility will send you a letter if there is a problem with your application. The letter may include a QR code with a link to our website. Common reasons for getting this letter include:

• No signature or date on your form
• Bad or missing photo
• Pages of your form are missing
• Wrong or missing fees
• Most recent passport is missing
• Most recent passport issued over 15 years ago

Follow the instructions in the letter. You must include the letter we sent you when you resubmit the new application. 

When your application is at the intake facility, your application status will show as "Not Available" if you check our Online Passport Status System . Your application will be "In Process" once a passport agency or center begins processing your new application. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

External Link

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• HISTORY & CULTURE

The real history behind the legend of Sun Wukong, China's Monkey King

Video game “Black Myth: Wukong” is introducing an entirely new audience to the star character from 16th century classic “Journey to the West.”

Sun Wukong, a monkey with human characteristics and abilities, is one of the best loved and most enduring characters in Chinese literature. Armed with a staff and extraordinary abilities, Sun Wukong, aka The Monkey King, comes from the 16th-century classic Journey to the West .

In the centuries since his literary debut, Sun Wukong has been the subject of movies, TV shows, and games across both the East and the West. Most recently, his story inspired the video game Black Myth: Wukong , introducing new audiences to the beloved character.      

The seed of Sun Wukong’s story lies in a real-life pilgrimage  

The story of Sun Wukong begins with history, not myth. In 629, Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk in China, began a 16-year, 10,000-mile journey to track down holy texts in India. Xuanzang’s account of his journey, Records of the Western Regions , became so ingrained in the Chinese imagination that they served as the basis for the novel Journey to the West , which first appeared in print in the 1590s.

The novel, attributed to writer Wu Cheng'en, fictionalizes Xuanzang’s journey, transforming the historical figure into the fictional monk Tang Sanzang. He is joined by three mythical helpers who protect him on his pilgrimage, including a monkey called Sun Wukong.

Birth of the Monkey King

Scholars can’t say for certain where the character of Sun Wukong came from, but Journey to the West likely borrowed from existing myths and legends. Some possible sources of inspiration for the character include Wuzhiqi, an ape-like figure in Chinese mythology, and Hanuman , a Hindu god with a monkey’s face.

Despite unresolved questions about the character’s roots, there is no ambiguity surrounding Sun Wukong’s origin story in Journey to the West : A stone gives birth to an egg , which transforms into Sun Wukong. He likely appears as a macaque , a kind of monkey that lives throughout Asia.

He soon earns the title “Monkey King” through a daring act of courage. While living with fellow monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain, they stumble on a waterfall. Sun Wukong volunteers to jump across the stream of water to see what is on the other side. He discovers a cave, and the monkeys reward his bravery by naming him their king.

  Sun Wukong has superhuman abilities and plays by his own rules

Sun Wukong possesses extraordinary powers . Among them: 72 Transformations, which enable him to shape-shift. Space is no obstacle for him, and one story recounts how he travels thousands of miles with a single somersault.

Journey to the West also extols Sun Wukong’s martial skills, aided by his strength, staff, and ability to fly.

Sun Wukong embodies many of the characteristics people associate with monkeys, including mischievousness. As a trickster figure, he shares attributes with other fixtures of myth and legend, such as Loki , Reynard , and Brer Rabbit .

The Monkey King bristles against authority, and he is troubled by the fact that there is one thing he’ll never be able to conquer: death. So he sets out to gain immortality, spending years wandering the world in search of it.  

His journey to find immortality takes him all the way to heaven, the realm of the Jade Emperor. The Monkey King gets into all manner of mischief there, including sneaking into forbidden parts of the palace. In another incident, he gorges on special peaches and spoils a royal banquet.

Sun Wukong even proclaims himself the Jade Emperor’s equal. The Jade Emperor seeks help from the Buddha to punish him, and so he imprisons the Monkey King in a mountain. He remains incarcerated there for 500 years, until an unexpected opportunity for redemption arises.

Sun Wukong’s great journey  

When Tang Sanzang begins his travels in Journey to the West , he comes across Sun Wukong, still imprisoned in the mountain. The monkey agrees to protect him on his pilgrimage so that he can win his freedom.  

On the road, Sun Wukong proves to be a formidable bodyguard for the monk as demons and spirits pursue the travelers . Some of them hope to prevent Tang Sanzang from collecting the holy texts; others believe they can become immortal by consuming the monk’s body . None of these villains are successful, thanks to Sun Wukong’s powers. In thanks for this, Sun Wukong is elevated to become an honorary Buddha.

Though Journey to the West was technically about Tang Sanzang’s pilgrimage, readers embraced Sun Wukong, and he became the most popular character in the novel.

Sun Wukong spent parts of Journey to the West searching for immortality, and he eventually found it in the real world: in literature and pop culture. In this rich afterlife, Sun Wukong has inspired films, plays, television series, video games, and comic books, ensuring that this enduring character will continue to embark on new adventures with future generations.

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No. 23 Southern Cal downs No. 13 LSU

📺 TV schedule

🐶 No. 1 Georgia bests No. 14 Clemson

No. 23 USC downs No. 13 LSU 27-20 winning the Kickoff Classic

Colleges with the most overall No. 1 picks in NFL draft history

17 of the best walk-ons in college football history

The longest college football field goal: What we know

Here are college football's 9 all-time winningest teams

College football national championship history

Follow fbs football.

• Oldest First

🤯 USC completes two-minute drill, beats LSU 27-20

With less than two minutes to go in regular time and one timeout remaining, most teams would prepare for an additional five minutes of play in overtime. 

Not USC. Coach Lincoln Riley had different plans for his offense. The Trojans charged down the field on eight plays for 75 yards and scored on a 13-yard rush by Woody Marks — no timeout needed.

LSU got the ball back with eight seconds left, but any hope for the Tigers was smothered by USC linebacker Mason Cobb's interception on the first play. Coach Brian Kelly is now 0-3 in season openers since coming to LSU in 2021. 

Moss shined in his second career start, going 27-36 for 378 yards and a passing touchdown, while Marks rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns in his debut for the Trojans. USC's offense finished with 447 yards to LSU's 421.

🍿 LSU ties it with 1:47 left

The Tigers can't capitalize off of Nussmeier's 41-yard pass to Aaron Anderson, leading to a 31-yard field goal by Damian Ramos.

LSU-USC are tied at 20 with less than two minutes remaining in regular time. 

🔥 USC regains lead on free play

USC quarterback Miller Moss noticed he had a free play after LSU safety Major Burns' offsides. 

And the redshirt junior took advantage of the opportunity, fading up wideout Ja'Kobi Lane down the right sideline for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Trojans retake the lead with less than six minutes left in the contest.  

Fightin' On! Miller Moss hits Ja'Kobi Lane in stride for 6 ... & the lead! Q4: 5:44 @uscfb 20 @LSUfootball 17 #VegasKickoffClassic #FightOn #GeauxTigers @ModeloUSA pic.twitter.com/mx5rtlAcbO — Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) September 2, 2024

👀 LSU defense forces turnover on downs

USC quarterback Miller Moss was carving up LSU defense during the Trojans first drive of the fourth quarter. Following running back Woody Marks' rush for a negative yard, Moss completed four straight passes for 49 yards. USC worked its way to LSU's 37-yard line six plays into the drive.

Out of nowhere, though, the Tigers' defense came alive, deflecting two of Moss' passes and pushing Woody back three yards on a rush. The second deflection by Sai'vion Jones came on 4th and 9 to give LSU's offense the ball back and chance to extend their lead.

Big 4th Down Stop 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/UgflsoqUoV — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 2, 2024

😤 Nussmeier-Anderson connect for six

LSU's seven-play, 75-yard drive is capped off with a 13-yard pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to wide receiver Aaron Anderson to give the Tigers the lead. 

LSU leads 17-13 with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Nussmeier to Anderson to give LSU the lead! 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/XM2Baxqt5J — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 2, 2024

🔴🟡 Lantz gets redemption, puts USC up three

After missing a 29-yard field goal attempt just before halftime, Michael Lantz kicks a 35-yard field goal to redeem himself and give the Trojans a three-point lead.

13-10 USC with 7:13 left in the third quarter.

❌ Lantz's field goal NO GOOD, 10-10 at the half

With USC's Lantz missing his second field goal attempt wide right, LSU-USC enter the break knotted up at 10 apiece. 

Both teams have produced over 200 yards of offense, particularly carried by Moss and Nussmeier's arms — 176 passing yards for USC and 191 for LSU. Each offense seemed to gain momentum as the half continued, as the Tigers put points on the board on the last two drives while the Trojans did the same on two of their final three drives.

Tigers and Trojans Even At Half pic.twitter.com/UDHjmGCuwd — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 2, 2024

🐯 LSU's Ramos ties it at 10

The Tigers even it up at 10 following Damian Ramos' 45-yard field goal.

USC gets the ball back with just over a minute left before halftime. 

We're knotted up, once again. @lsufootball 's Damian Ramos drills a 45-yarder to even it up! 2Q: 1:08 Trojans 10 Tigers 10 #VegasKickoffClassic #FightOn #GeauxTigers @ModeloUSA pic.twitter.com/cUiGSuctNs — Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) September 2, 2024

🎯 USC tacks on three more

Behind 38-yard and 19-yard catches from wide receivers Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch, respectively, the Trojans regained their lead with Michael Lantz's 22-yard field goal.

USC leads 10-7 with less than five minutes remaining before the half.

. @uscfb reclaims the lead with a 22-yard FG from Michael Lantz. 2Q: 4:51 Trojans 10 Tigers 7 #VegasKickoffClassic #FightOn #GeauxTigers @ModeloUSA pic.twitter.com/z4QCikn1VF — Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) September 2, 2024

🥊 LSU punches back to tie it

The Tigers didn't waste much time bouncing back from USC's rushing touchdown. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led LSU's offense on nine plays for 75 yards, connecting with wideout Kyren Lacy in the top left corner of the end zone for a 19-yard receiving touchdown.

Lacy has quickly become Nussmeier's favorite target with five receptions for 60 yards alongside the touchdown grab.

pic.twitter.com/AZRgaTlBP1 — no context college football (@nocontextcfb) September 2, 2024

🔴🟡 USC scores first

Building off of LSU's pass interference by safety Ryan Sage that moved the Trojans to the two-yard line, USC running back Woody Marks punched it in moments later for the game's first points. 

The Tigers lead 7-0 nearing the 10-minuter mark of the second quarter. 

There goes @JoquaviousMarks 💪 📺 ABC 📱 https://t.co/M1RwFNxzJl pic.twitter.com/jAeQP6nzpB — USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) September 2, 2024

🫨 OH. MY. GOODNESS. KYRON HUDSON

Although on USC, Trojans wide receiver Kyron Hudson did his best Odell Beckham Jr. impression on his 24-yard reception.

At LSU's 41-yard line, USC quarterback Miller Moss took a chance on the redshirt junior in double coverage. With his right hand, Hudson reached up and made a one-handed snag. After further review of the catch, the ruling on the field stood.

The reception moved USC into the red zone.

THIS ANGLE OF KYRON HUDSON'S ONE-HANDED GRAB 😳😱 pic.twitter.com/lrnVSFKuCV — ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 2, 2024

✋ USC defense gets stop on 4th and goal

LSU offense and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a head full of steam to start the game, marching down the field and into USC's red zone in nine plays. By the 13th play, coach Brian Kelly decided to let his offense go for it on 4th down at the Trojans' three-yard line.

However, the USC defense held firm, blitzing and forcing a Nussmeier incompletion to keep the game at 0-0.

Las Vegas 🎰 is known as a gamblin' town ... sometimes you win & sometimes you lose. @uscfb takes over on downs, stopping @LSUfootball 's opening drive on 4th down near the goal line. #VegasKickoffClassic #FightOn #GeauxTigers @ModeloUSA pic.twitter.com/sR81B1PQIq — Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) September 2, 2024

👀 LSU-USC starting soon

No. 13 LSU and No. 23 USC are readying to square off in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. It’s the third-ever meeting between the two schools — the first time in 40 years. The series is tied at 1-1.

Losing both starting quarterbacks from 2023 and introducing revamped defenses and staffs, the Tigers and the Trojans look to begin their journeys toward the expanded College Football Playoffs on a high note.

. @ModeloUSA pregame vibes 📈 #VegasKickoffClassic | #FightOn | #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/NOn0avg6is — Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic (@LasVegasBowl) September 1, 2024  

📺 How to Watch

• 🗓️ Date: Sunday, Sept. 1
• ⏰ Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• 💻 Stream: ESPN+
• 📍 Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

👉 Click here to follow live

Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-warnings-from-democrats-about-project-2025-and-donald-trump

Fact-checking warnings from Democrats about Project 2025 and Donald Trump

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

Project 2025 has a starring role in this week’s Democratic National Convention.

And it was front and center on Night 1.

WATCH: Hauling large copy of Project 2025, Michigan state Sen. McMorrow speaks at 2024 DNC

“This is Project 2025,” Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said as she laid a hardbound copy of the 900-page document on the lectern. “Over the next four nights, you are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has warned Americans about “Trump’s Project 2025” agenda — even though former President Donald Trump doesn’t claim the conservative presidential transition document.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country backward,” Harris said July 23 in Milwaukee. “He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like, we know we got to take this seriously, and can you believe they put that thing in writing?”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, has joined in on the talking point.

“Don’t believe (Trump) when he’s playing dumb about this Project 2025. He knows exactly what it’ll do,” Walz said Aug. 9 in Glendale, Arizona.

Trump’s campaign has worked to build distance from the project, which the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, led with contributions from dozens of conservative groups.

Much of the plan calls for extensive executive-branch overhauls and draws on both long-standing conservative principles, such as tax cuts, and more recent culture war issues. It lays out recommendations for disbanding the Commerce and Education departments, eliminating certain climate protections and consolidating more power to the president.

Project 2025 offers a sweeping vision for a Republican-led executive branch, and some of its policies mirror Trump’s 2024 agenda, But Harris and her presidential campaign have at times gone too far in describing what the project calls for and how closely the plans overlap with Trump’s campaign.

PolitiFact researched Harris’ warnings about how the plan would affect reproductive rights, federal entitlement programs and education, just as we did for President Joe Biden’s Project 2025 rhetoric. Here’s what the project does and doesn’t call for, and how it squares with Trump’s positions.

Are Trump and Project 2025 connected?

To distance himself from Project 2025 amid the Democratic attacks, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he “knows nothing” about it and has “no idea” who is in charge of it. (CNN identified at least 140 former advisers from the Trump administration who have been involved.)

The Heritage Foundation sought contributions from more than 100 conservative organizations for its policy vision for the next Republican presidency, which was published in 2023.

Project 2025 is now winding down some of its policy operations, and director Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official, is stepping down, The Washington Post reported July 30. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita denounced the document.

WATCH: A look at the Project 2025 plan to reshape government and Trump’s links to its authors

However, Project 2025 contributors include a number of high-ranking officials from Trump’s first administration, including former White House adviser Peter Navarro and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

A recently released recording of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 author and the former director of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, showed Vought saying Trump’s “very supportive of what we do.” He said Trump was only distancing himself because Democrats were making a bogeyman out of the document.

Project 2025 wouldn’t ban abortion outright, but would curtail access

The Harris campaign shared a graphic on X that claimed “Trump’s Project 2025 plan for workers” would “go after birth control and ban abortion nationwide.”

The plan doesn’t call to ban abortion nationwide, though its recommendations could curtail some contraceptives and limit abortion access.

What’s known about Trump’s abortion agenda neither lines up with Harris’ description nor Project 2025’s wish list.

Project 2025 says the Department of Health and Human Services Department should “return to being known as the Department of Life by explicitly rejecting the notion that abortion is health care.”

It recommends that the Food and Drug Administration reverse its 2000 approval of mifepristone, the first pill taken in a two-drug regimen for a medication abortion. Medication is the most common form of abortion in the U.S. — accounting for around 63 percent in 2023.

If mifepristone were to remain approved, Project 2025 recommends new rules, such as cutting its use from 10 weeks into pregnancy to seven. It would have to be provided to patients in person — part of the group’s efforts to limit access to the drug by mail. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to mifepristone’s FDA approval over procedural grounds.

WATCH: Trump’s plans for health care and reproductive rights if he returns to White House The manual also calls for the Justice Department to enforce the 1873 Comstock Act on mifepristone, which bans the mailing of “obscene” materials. Abortion access supporters fear that a strict interpretation of the law could go further to ban mailing the materials used in procedural abortions, such as surgical instruments and equipment.

The plan proposes withholding federal money from states that don’t report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention how many abortions take place within their borders. The plan also would prohibit abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid funds. It also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the training of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, omits abortion training.

The document says some forms of emergency contraception — particularly Ella, a pill that can be taken within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy — should be excluded from no-cost coverage. The Affordable Care Act requires most private health insurers to cover recommended preventive services, which involves a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception.

Trump has recently said states should decide abortion regulations and that he wouldn’t block access to contraceptives. Trump said during his June 27 debate with Biden that he wouldn’t ban mifepristone after the Supreme Court “approved” it. But the court rejected the lawsuit based on standing, not the case’s merits. He has not weighed in on the Comstock Act or said whether he supports it being used to block abortion medication, or other kinds of abortions.

Project 2025 doesn’t call for cutting Social Security, but proposes some changes to Medicare

“When you read (Project 2025),” Harris told a crowd July 23 in Wisconsin, “you will see, Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

The Project 2025 document does not call for Social Security cuts. None of its 10 references to Social Security addresses plans for cutting the program.

Harris also misleads about Trump’s Social Security views.

In his earlier campaigns and before he was a politician, Trump said about a half-dozen times that he’s open to major overhauls of Social Security, including cuts and privatization. More recently, in a March 2024 CNBC interview, Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, “There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” However, he quickly walked that statement back, and his CNBC comment stands at odds with essentially everything else Trump has said during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump’s campaign website says that not “a single penny” should be cut from Social Security. We rated Harris’ claim that Trump intends to cut Social Security Mostly False.

Project 2025 does propose changes to Medicare, including making Medicare Advantage, the private insurance offering in Medicare, the “default” enrollment option. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks and can also require prior authorization, meaning that the plan can approve or deny certain services. Original Medicare plans don’t have prior authorization requirements.

The manual also calls for repealing health policies enacted under Biden, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The law enabled Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers for the first time in history, and recently resulted in an agreement with drug companies to lower the prices of 10 expensive prescriptions for Medicare enrollees.

Trump, however, has said repeatedly during the 2024 presidential campaign that he will not cut Medicare.

Project 2025 would eliminate the Education Department, which Trump supports

The Harris campaign said Project 2025 would “eliminate the U.S. Department of Education” — and that’s accurate. Project 2025 says federal education policy “should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated.” The plan scales back the federal government’s role in education policy and devolves the functions that remain to other agencies.

Aside from eliminating the department, the project also proposes scrapping the Biden administration’s Title IX revision, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also would let states opt out of federal education programs and calls for passing a federal parents’ bill of rights similar to ones passed in some Republican-led state legislatures.

Republicans, including Trump, have pledged to close the department, which gained its status in 1979 within Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s presidential Cabinet.

In one of his Agenda 47 policy videos, Trump promised to close the department and “to send all education work and needs back to the states.” Eliminating the department would have to go through Congress.

What Project 2025, Trump would do on overtime pay

In the graphic, the Harris campaign says Project 2025 allows “employers to stop paying workers for overtime work.”

The plan doesn’t call for banning overtime wages. It recommends changes to some Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regulations and to overtime rules. Some changes, if enacted, could result in some people losing overtime protections, experts told us.

The document proposes that the Labor Department maintain an overtime threshold “that does not punish businesses in lower-cost regions (e.g., the southeast United States).” This threshold is the amount of money executive, administrative or professional employees need to make for an employer to exempt them from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In 2019, the Trump’s administration finalized a rule that expanded overtime pay eligibility to most salaried workers earning less than about $35,568, which it said made about 1.3 million more workers eligible for overtime pay. The Trump-era threshold is high enough to cover most line workers in lower-cost regions, Project 2025 said.

The Biden administration raised that threshold to $43,888 beginning July 1, and that will rise to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. That would grant overtime eligibility to about 4 million workers, the Labor Department said.

It’s unclear how many workers Project 2025’s proposal to return to the Trump-era overtime threshold in some parts of the country would affect, but experts said some would presumably lose the right to overtime wages.

Other overtime proposals in Project 2025’s plan include allowing some workers to choose to accumulate paid time off instead of overtime pay, or to work more hours in one week and fewer in the next, rather than receive overtime.

Trump’s past with overtime pay is complicated. In 2016, the Obama administration said it would raise the overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,476 a year, about double the exemption level set in 2004 of $23,660 a year.

But when a judge blocked the Obama rule, the Trump administration didn’t challenge the court ruling. Instead it set its own overtime threshold, which raised the amount, but by less than Obama.

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