Celebrities Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and others hit the road, and TV cameras follow suit.

   Embark on a captivating journey through Mexico with Eva Longoria in her CNN series "Searching for Mexico."

Yearning for the joy of travel, countless Americans resorted to virtual exploration through their television screens during the pandemic. A wave of reality shows emerged, featuring random celebrities as tour guides, aiming to captivate audiences with glamorous escapades to dream destinations. However, the result often felt contrived and detached from the true essence of travel, lacking the genuine experiences that come with visiting new places. Instead, the focus shifted primarily to the celebrity figures themselves, neglecting the authentic soul and heartfelt connection that accompanies exploring the world.

My heart aches for the absence of Anthony Bourdain, whose unparalleled presence in the realm of travel was deeply profound. I vividly recall our initial conversation, during which he expressed discontent rather than pride over the outcome of a particular show. Bourdain was a perfectionist, a revered figure, and a poetic soul, and traversing the globe provided him a medium to express his profound musings. However, the burden of hosting a meticulously crafted travel show took a toll on his emotional well-being. Extensive teams of producers and researchers would meticulously plan and scout locations well in advance, sometimes disregarding the impact it had on the show's sensitive host.

Join Anthony Bourdain as he explores the Congo in his captivating CNN series, capturing the essence of this remarkable destination.

During our conversation, Bourdain recounted a distressing incident where a segment for the camera was fabricated, sending him spiraling into a profound state of melancholy. He candidly shared his perspective, stating, "I possess a distinct point of view, and I am acutely conscious of the manipulative nature of television production. I wanted to evoke specific emotions in people as they watched these shows. For years, my intention was to make viewers feel a deep sense of hunger when they witnessed the diverse array of foods I consumed. The careful selection of accompanying music and strategic editing decisions played a pivotal role. It's a form of storytelling, but not journalism in its purest form."

 The journey of filming often left Bourdain in a state of emotional turmoil—heartbroken, bewildered, and yet somehow motivated to persist in his quest for inspiration and genuine human bonds. Reflecting on the paradoxical nature of his shows, he candidly expressed, "There's a dangerous duality at play throughout the years, where producers grasp that when things go terribly wrong, it can be comedic gold for the audience. But for me, it's not enjoyable. I don't set out with the intention of creating a humorous spectacle."

    Embark on hilarious and heartwarming adventures with Jack Whitehall and his father in the delightful series "Travels With My Father."

In the aftermath of Bourdain's tragic passing, networks and streaming platforms scrambled to fill the void he left behind. While some celebrity travel shows met an early demise after just one season, others were bound by contractual obligations, clinging onto high-paid talent, albeit with dwindling audience interest. Even the Travel Channel, with its apt name, shifted its programming focus away from travel shows, opting instead for sensational tales of extraterrestrial enigmas and supernatural escapades. However, the allure of free globetrotting remains irresistible for celebrities, and streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+, and Hulu eagerly capitalize on this trend. According to the ratings compiled by ShowBuzzDaily, most travel shows find themselves languishing at the bottom of the list, while crowd favorites like House Hunters, Naked and Afraid, Food Wars, The UnExplained, Gold Rush, and RuPaul's Drag Race consistently secure spots among the top 50. Nevertheless, an unwavering fan base remains fixated on celebrities voyaging, indulging in culinary delights, honing their cooking skills, and embarking on audacious adventures.

Join the star-studded cast of "Better Late Than Never," including William Shatner, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman, and Jeff, on their unforgettable journey.
I have vivid memories of sharing a delightful lunch with esteemed actors William Shatner and Henry Winkler, discussing their NBC show "Better Late than Never." This unique series took viewers on a whimsical journey around the globe, transcending the boundaries of a traditional travelogue and embracing the comedic essence of a sitcom. Shatner enthusiastically shared, "We embark on this extraordinary trip, exploring unknown territories, witnessing remarkable architectural wonders, and encountering remarkable individuals. It's truly indescribable. This is a life-altering experience for us, and we hope it resonates deeply with the viewers."

In contrast, the recent arrival of Eugene Levy's "The Reluctant Traveler" boasts polished, high-quality production value. However, it merely showcases a lackluster celebrity, out of their comfort zone, reluctantly engaging in comedic antics for the camera while yearning for the comforts of home. Devoted fans of the beloved "Schitt's Creek" star may remain loyal to the show, but I can't help but imagine that others, myself included, are swiftly losing interest and disengaging.

     

Embark on a comical adventure with Eugene Levy in the Apple TV+ series "The Reluctant Traveller."

Stanley Tucci and his CNN series "Searching for Italy" hold a special place in my heart, primarily due to Tucci's undeniable charm and affability, even if at times he exudes a hint of smugness. While the travel discoveries and his exaggerated enthusiasm for every meal may not captivate me entirely, it's his genuine adoration for Italian culture and his heartfelt love for the country and its people that truly resonate.

The realm of celebrity travel shows continues to thrive, with numerous projects in the works and currently in production. One such example is Eva Longoria's recently premiered CNN series, "Searching for Mexico." In this captivating show, the acclaimed actress embarks on a journey across Mexico, unveiling its vibrant and diverse culinary traditions. Serving as a spinoff of Stanley Tucci's beloved program, Longoria not only takes on the role of host but also assumes the position of co-executive producer, adding her own touch to the production. Longoria eagerly expressed her excitement, stating, "I can't wait for viewers to tune in and witness firsthand what captivates me about Mexico—the food, the people, and the rich tapestry of cultures. This extraordinary journey allowed me to deepen my appreciation and rediscover my love for my heritage. I feel incredibly honored that CNN entrusted me with this unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience."

    

Indulge in the culinary delights of Italy as Stanley Tucci takes you on a captivating journey in the CNN series "Searching for Italy."

Certain shows have amassed devoted followings, with fans eagerly tuning in to experience thrilling adventures alongside their favorite celebrities. Norman Reedus's "Ride" takes viewers on exhilarating motorcycle journeys, while Michael Palin's captivating "Around the World in 80 Days" captivates audiences with its grand exploration. Richard Ayoade's "Travel Man" offers a delightful blend of comedy and travel escapades, and Jack Whitehall's hilarious Netflix series, "Travels with My Father," chronicles his comedic misadventures alongside his prim and proper father, Michael, as they embark on unconventional trips to foreign lands, aiming to forge a stronger bond.

For those seeking travel wisdom and inspiration, the unrivaled travel guru Rick Steves continues to enthrall audiences with his timeless PBS series, "Rick Steves Europe." Conan O'Brien's "Conan Without Borders" on TBS provides a lighthearted twist with its comedic elements, while Joanna Lumley's array of BBC travel shows brings pure delight to viewers. Upcoming is Macaulay Culkin's "Midlife Crisis," where the actor takes on a daring international journey, exploring and celebrating the significance of turning 40.

These diverse travel shows offer a range of experiences, from thrilling adventures to educational insights, capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide.

    

Join Norman Reedus as he hits the road and explores the world of motorcycles in the thrilling AMC series "Ride with Norman Reedus."

Travel adventure shows have experienced a surge in popularity, with stars like Zac Efron captivating audiences in "Down to Earth" and Chris Hemsworth pushing boundaries in "Limitless." Food-focused shows also enthrall viewers, with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsey embarking on captivating journeys in "Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip" and "Unchartered." Another favorite of mine is Phil Rosenthal's "Somebody Feed Phil," where he explores culinary delights across the globe. Although his exuberant enthusiasm can sometimes be overwhelming rather than engaging, it's hard to fathom whether a delectable donut truly warrants such earth-shattering fervor.

    

Celebrities from around the world have enthralled audiences with their captivating travel shows. Ewan McGregor embarked on a remarkable motorcycle road trip in "Long Way Down," while Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, stars of "Outlander," delighted viewers with their popular series "Men as the Weasley twins from Harry Potter, unveiled their captivating blend of travel and magic in "Fantastic Friends."

In recent announcements, tennis legend Roger Federer and comedian Trevor Noah revealed their thrilling YouTube travelogue, "The Ride of a Lifetime: The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland," while Marvel icon Tom Hiddleston unveiled his new wildlife series "Big Beasts" on Apple TV+, promising awe-inspiring journeys to witness majestic animals in their natural habitats.

However, not all travel shows made it to the screen or enjoyed extensive airtime. Some projects, like Joe Jonas's "Cup of Joe," Tommy Lee's "Culture Shock," Queen Latifah's "The Best Place to Be," Dominic Monaghan's "Wild Things," Robert Englund's "Shadows of History," and Bret Michaels's "Rock My RV," either remained in development limbo or had limited exposure to audiences.