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Parents' Guide to

Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure

By Kat Halstead, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Travel docu series challenges stereotypes; war references.

TV ITV Reality TV 2021
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure: Two people stand against a countryside backdrop, Joanna Lumley on the right with a bird of prey perched on her wrist.
  • Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure: Joanna Lumley holds a silk scarf over her head, with colorful scarves hung in the background.
  • Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure: Joanna Lumley stands holding a parasol, with ancient ruins behind her.

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What's the Story?

In JOANNA LUMLEY'S SILK ROAD ADVENTURE, the actress and presenter follows the ancient trade route. From Venice to the Chinese border, she walks in the footsteps of those who shaped the modern world, bringing silk, spice, gunpowder, and an array of other new discoveries to the West.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Actress and presenter Joanna Lumley has become quite the pro at finding the perfect balance between warmth, humor, openness, and respect in her travel documentaries. Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure is no exception and makes sharing her journey a familiar pleasure. Lumley's authentic interest in the places she visits comes across alongside her irreverent humor. This includes the occasional slip into her infamous role as Absolutely Fabulous character Patsy -- a few extra sips of wine here, a Lacroix scarf there.

The four episodes don't dig too deep. But they do offer a beginner's guide to the history of the Silk Road, as well as the development of various destinations along the way, linking East to West in a way that goes some way to challenging Western stereotypes -- particularly of the Middle East. It's breathy and awestruck at times, but always gracious and heartfelt, making this an experience well worth the visit.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure challenges Western stereotypes. Can you think of times the presenter was surprised by a location based on the way it is portrayed in the Western media? How do stereotypes in movies and on TV impact kids' development?

  • In what ways did Joanna Lumley demonstrate good communication skills? How did she show curiosity? Can you think of any times when you've showed these character strengths?

  • Talk about gender and the different customs and laws that affect men and women in the destinations visited.

  • How did the show balance education and entertainment? Did you think it leaned too heavily in either direction, and how did it compare to similar travel series?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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