Eugene Levy has had a long and prosperous career in television from his early days on SCTV to the more recent fan favorite and critical darling, Schitt’s Creek. In his most recent project, he goes the docuseries route with The Reluctant Traveler. Who wouldn’t want to follow along the adventures around the world with the comedian and actor?
The eight-episode first season of The Reluctant Traveler takes you to luxurious locations across the globe including the rain forests of Costa Rica, the bustling metro of Tokyo, and beautiful beaches of the Maldives. You receive a good sample of what each place has to offer. Some are your touristy affair while others are unexpected and quirky. The accommodations are always world class and lavish. They look like one-of-a-kind experiences with breathtaking views. More enriching are the people you meet along the way. They’re a colorful cast regardless of area, yet they all manage to take Levy out of his comfort zone.
Speaking of, Levy proves to be an amiable companion on this trip. He is a relatable host and it is fun to watch him go through these unique opportunities. Despite the series’ title, he is game with trying new things, and he approaches the people and the cultures with respect. You feel his genuine enthusiasm and joy of taking part.
Maybe it’s because of his character from the American Pie films, but he has serious dad vibes on his journeys. But it makes him even more endearing. He can also inject humor into any situation with his snarky remarks and commentary. Though he doesn’t look like Jim’s dad. Levy has some fashionable threads to match the jet-setting lifestyle.
As with any reality series, some of the circumstances of The Reluctant Traveler are manufactured for the funny visual, gag, or to place its host in a precarious position. Also, some of Levy’s comments at times can seem forced or over exaggerated to play up the title. What’s funny are the times, such as his visit to Utah, are so nice that he doesn’t even bother overdramatizing. Sure, it’s a gimmick premise, but the pleasure and charm are seeing the locations through the star’s eyes.
If you can’t see the world in person, watching The Reluctant Traveler could be the next best thing. It features posh and stunning locales, cool experiences, warm people, and of course, Eugene Levy.
Stream The Reluctant Traveler beginning today on Apple TV+.
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