14 November 2018

Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (Series 1 and 2)

DVD: Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (Series 1 and 2) (2015 – )

First shown on Channel 4 in 2015, Travel Man: 48 Hours in… has currently run for eight series, was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Features in 2017 and won the Best Factual Programme RTS Midlands awards from 2015 -2017.

Hosted by Richard Ayoade, he is joined by a different celebrity co-host in each episode as he takes them on a 48 hour whistle-stop tour of a cities various culinary delights (and some not so delightful!), plus weird and wonderful things to see and do while visiting. All of this accompanied by some razor-sharp wit from both Richard and his guests.

For those of you (like myself) who grew up watching ‘Wish You Were Here’ with Judith Chalmers, this is the antithesis…and all the better for it.

While definitely showcasing a variety of locations and events that would be worthwhile you visiting while at that particular city, Travel Man: 48 Hours in… should be viewed more as a comedic entertainment show than a travelogue. There are far more laughs than noted places to put on your ‘to visit’ list. That said, also be ready to make some notes of the odd unusual place that comes up that you may not previously have heard of and looks interesting to you.

Richard’s lack of commitment to many of the places they visit makes for some fantastic viewing as he does things that are clearly uncomfortable for him. Though watch out for the glint in his eye when he will not give-up trying to knock down all 9 pins in an indoor game of bowling in Berlin.

Succinct and and very entertaining, Travel Man gives an alternative travellers viewpoint to many cities around the world.

Series 1 locations and guests: