Around the World in 80 Days
Around the World in 80 Days
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Around the World in 80 Days, is an epic adventure based on the classic book by Jules Verne. It has some gun violence, drinking, and peril, as well as alcohol and tobacco use by adults. Though it's not entirely true to the original book, there are cultural references that might enrich a younger teen viewer's experience (political issues are brought into play in this version, complete with an assassination attempt on an elitist leader). Peril is part of the charm, as unlikely heroes face challenges.
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What's the Story?
Based on Jules Verne's classic novel, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, this series takes place in 1872 London. Phileas Fogg (David Tennant, Dr. Who, Good Omens) receives an unsigned postcard bearing one word: "Coward." Rattled, he arrives uncharacteristically late to his lunch date at his club in London, where he hears that a stretch of railway in India would make it possible to traverse the world in 80 days. He shows interest in this news, only to be goaded by his friend Bellamy, who bets him 10,000 British pounds that he won't be able to circumnavigate the globe in that time. Determined, Fogg doubles the bet and hurries home, finding a multi-lingual valet named Passepartout (Ibrahim Koma) along his way. Joined by a head-strong female journalist, Abigail (Leonie Benesch, Babylon Berlin), the three race to break the record. But will they be able to leave their failures and demons behind?
Is It Any Good?
There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades -- it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception. This time, though, there's added urgency to the story -- not only are the characters in a hurry to traverse the world in record time to win a bet, but they have demons of their own to overcome. Fogg attempts to overcome his cowardice by taking on a challenge he's sure he cannot face. His fellow travelers are also haunted by inadequacies and regrets, which enriches their bonds as they take on new challenges. Like the reboot of Sherlock, liberties are taken with this remake, which sometimes succeed and sometimes distract (the theme music is nearly identical in both shows, too).
David Tennant , as always, is a pleasure to watch -- without his craft, this series would be less satisfying. His humiliation, his agony, and his experience of pure thrill are engrossing. Teens and adults can watch this one together and speculate the fate of the unlikely trio as they race to circumnavigate the globe in record time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about perseverance in Around the World in 80 Days. How do characters beat the odds by sticking to their ideals?
In the 19th century, water wasn't always safe to drink, so people drank wine or beer regularly. What do you think about drinking as shown in this series? How are things different today?
Abigail is a journalist who checks facts before writing a story. What do you know about fact-based journalism? How does it differ from "fake news?"
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 2, 2022
- Cast: David Tennant, Leonie Benesch, Ibrahim Koma
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, Adventures, Book Characters
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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