Parents' Guide to The Reluctant Traveler

The Reluctant Traveler TV show poster: Eugene Levy walks with blue winter coat and suitcase in snow.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

Eugene Levy roaming the world has luxury, humor, cursing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE RELUCTANT TRAVELER stars Schitt's Creek actor Eugene Levy visiting unique and exotic locations around the world. The 75-year-old Levy doesn't like traveling, but admits that he should see some of the world before it's too late. He nervously travels to some of the world's most wondrous destinations, including the jungles of Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle in Finland, and an animal preserve in South Africa. While there he participates in activities designed to help him learn more about the area's culture, traditions, and people. To help Levy cope with the experience, he also gets to stay at one of each destination's most unique and luxurious hotels, where he has the opportunity to sample local gourmet food and drink, and enjoy spectacular views.

Is It Any Good?

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

The lighthearted travel series features an anxious Eugene Levy going outside his comfort zone, to locations that require him to go to airports, fly, and do things that he wouldn't normally do at home. Much of each 30-minute episode showcases his unique and luxurious accommodations, which includes the Gritty Palace in Venice, the Kruger Shalati "Train on the Bridge" hotel in South Africa, and the $3000 per night Amangiri Hotel in Navajo Nation, Utah. He also meets some of the local residents, who happily show him around, introduce him to their traditions, and offer him insights and perspectives that make each trip worthwhile. It's a fun TV series, and Levy creates fun moments with his signature wit and dry humor. The humor doesn't go far enough, though, and the neurotic fun that The Reluctant Traveler promises is minimal. Nonetheless, like many other celebrity-led travel shows, it does a good job entertaining audiences by showing them where the wealthy stay when they go on vacation.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about traveling. What is the benefit of going to places that you've never seen or know much about? Do you need to leave your country, or even your home town, to discover new places and have new experiences?

  • The Reluctant Traveler showcases unique and expensive hotels and resorts to stay in while visiting each location. What kind of message does this send? Is it necessary to stay in expensive places or spend a lot of money to enjoy these parts of the world?

TV Details

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The Reluctant Traveler TV show poster: Eugene Levy walks with blue winter coat and suitcase in snow.

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