Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Travel docu series challenges stereotypes; war references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure
Parent and Kid Reviews
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?
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
- Premiere date : April 1, 2021
- Cast : Joanna Lumley
- Network : ITV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures , Travel
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 10, 2026
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