travel programmes netflix uk

13 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in UK [2022 Updated]

• Last updated: 28 Apr, 2023

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Are you a travel junkie who also loves watching Travel shows? You’ll probably be looking for the best travel shows on Netflix to watch in the UK. There are many great travel shows, but picking the best ones isn’t always easy. However, this article has some of the best!

So what are travel shows? A travel show is a tv program that follows one or more hosts as they explore different travel destinations. They offer tips and information about the places they visit. Travel shows usually have a theme or focus on a particular type of travel, such as budget or luxury.

Netflix is the largest online movie and TV show streaming service, with over 220 million subscribers in over 190 countries . It has a wide variety of content, including many Netflix travel series, grouped into different regions.

For instance, you can watch Japanese Netflix in the UK  using the best VPN for Netflix UK . However, sadly there is no Netflix free trial in UK because it was discontinued. Though, you can still buy a subscription, and Netflix costs as low as 8.56 GBP or US$9.99 for the basic package.

Some of these shows are classic, while others are new releases that will give you a hint on what to do on your next vacation.

What are the Best Travel Shows on Netflix in UK 2022?

Whether you are looking for romantic getaways or lost civilizations, there is something for everyone on this list. This article will discuss 13 of the best travel shows on Netflix for anyone  in the UK, who loves to travel. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to travel the world from your living room.

Here are the best travel series on Netflix UK for you to binge-watch right now;

Dark Tourist (2018)

Genre: Documentary

Director: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve

Writer: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve

Cast: David Farrier, Scott Michaels, Christian Wolf

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Dark Tourist is a 2018 documentary series that explores some of the world’s most unusual tourist destinations.

From a nuclear disaster site in Japan to a voodoo festival in Haiti, the show looks at the dark side of tourism and what draws people to these places.

The series is directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve and features interviews with locals, tourists, and experts on the subject. It’s an exciting look at the phenomenon of “dark tourism” and why some people are drawn to these places. It is one of the best shows on Netflix to watch in UK .

Magical Andes (2019 – )

Director: Luis Ara, Alexandra Hardor

Writer: Luis Ara, Alexandra Hardorf

Cast: Sascha Rotermund

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Magical Andes is a 2019 6-part documentary that showcases the landscape and people living in Andes mountain in Southern America.

It features countries including Chile, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is one of the best documentaries on Netflix to watch in the UK.

The show is directed by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf and features many interviews with locals as they go about their everyday lives. It has beautiful cinematography that captures the stunning scenery and will make you want to book a trip to see it for yourself.

Restaurants On The Edge (2019 – )

Genre: Reality TV

Director: Martin Buzora, Justin Harding, Rob Brunner

Writer: Courtney Hazlett

Cast: Elias, Nick Liberato, Karin Bohn, Micah Kamohoalii, Dennis Prescott

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Restaurants On The Edge is a 2019 Canadian reality TV show that follows three professional chefs as they travel to remote locations to help struggling restaurants.

They do this by connecting the restaurants with the local culture behind some gorgeous views. It involves a lot of cooking and drama as the chef’s butt heads with each other.

The show is in its second season and has started gaining much popularity. It is a great show in the UK for anyone who loves food and travel.

Street Food Collection (2019 – )

Director: Various

Writer: David Gelb, Brian McGinn

Cast: Philip Hersh, Chawadee Nualkhair, Caitlyn Elizabeth

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Street Food is a 2019 collection of 9 documentary-style short Netflix travel series from around the world that focus on popular street food and the vendors who make it.

It features vendors from countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. The show is directed by various directors and features many interviews with vendors and locals.

It has beautiful cinematography that captures street food’s vibrant colors and flavors. It is one of the best travel shows on Netflix for foodies who want to learn about global cuisine in UK.

Street Food: USA (2022)

Director: Daniel Milder, Suzy Beck, Tamara Rosenfeld

Cast: Bill Esparza, J.J. Johnson, Lanai Tabura, Carlos Frias, Karen Brooks

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Street Food: USA is among the Netflix travel documentaries 2022 exploring the street food scene in America. It will be directed by Daniel Milder and Suzy Beck and will feature interviews with some of the country’s most popular street food vendors.

The series will also explore the history and culture of street food and how it has evolved over time.

It is one of the best travel shows on Netflix to watch in UK because it will show you a side of America that you may not have known existed. Street Food: USA is among the new travel shows on Netflix you can watch right now in the UK too.

Accomplice (2021)

Director: Jeremy Grant

Writer: Jeremy Grant

Cast: Graham Agassiz, Garett Buehler , Paul Basagoitia, Jason Hanold, Paul Genovese

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Another one in the list of the best travel shows on Netflix, Accomplice (2021) is a traveling documentary featuring the world’s top riders as they explore some of the most iconic and challenging terrains.

The film follows their journey as they attempt to ride lines that have never been ridden. Accomplice is among the best Netflix travel shows.

It is directed by Jeremy Grant and features stunning cinematography that will leave you in awe. The film is sure to inspire anyone who loves adventure and travel.

Instant Hotel (2017 – )

Genre: Reality-TV

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Cast: Juliet Ashworth, Terry Brouwers, Luke Jacobz, Serena Dc, Anita Bocquee

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality TV show aired on Seven Network in 2017. The show follows couples who own and operate hotels around Australia as they compete to be crowned the best Instant Hotel.

The show is hosted by Luke Jacobz and features a panel of judges who visit each hotel and rate them on various criteria.

The show is a great way to see some of Australia’s most unique hotels and get an insight into running a successful business. Don’t miss this if you search for the best travel shows on Netflix to stream in UK.

Stay Here (2018 – )

Cast: Genevieve Gorder, Michelle Young, Peter Lorimer

Stay Here is one of the travel programs on Netflix you can watch in 2022. The show follows interior designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer as they help homeowners turn their rental properties into money-making vacation rentals.

The show is full of tips and tricks on making your rental stand out and attract guests, as well as advice on what to do and what not to do to be a successful vacation rental owner.

If you’re thinking of renting out your home or are just interested in learning more about the business, this is the show for you.

Somebody Feed Phil (2018)

Director: John Bedolis

Writer: John Bedolis, Rich Rosenthal, Phil Rosenthal

Cast: Philip Rosenthal, Judy Gold, Monica Horan, Julia Reed, Lily Rosenthal

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Somebody Feed Phil is among the food travel shows on Netflix hosted by comedian Philip Rosenthal. In each episode, Rosenthal goes to a different city and explores the local food scene with the help of a guide.

He also visits various landmarks and attractions and interviews locals to get their insights into the city.

The show is shot in a light-hearted and comedic style, making it an enjoyable watch for all. It is one of the best TV shows on Netflix for foodies and travel lovers.

Tales by Light (2015 – )

Director: Abraham Joffe

Writer: Abraham Joffe

Cast: Art Wolfe, Jonathan Scott, Angela Scott, Stephen Dupont, Eric Cheng, Eric Cheng

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Tales by Light is a documentary series that follows photographers worldwide as they capture stories through their lenses.

Each episode features a different photographer with a unique style and takes viewers on a visual journey to some of the most remote and beautiful locations on earth.

The show is narrated by Australian actor Joel Edgerton and features stunning photography and incredible stories. This is one of the best shows if you’re interested in photography or travel and adventure.

The above are some of the best travel shows on Netflix you can watch right now in the UK. As you can see from the list, there is a little something for everyone when it comes to travel shows.

Whether you are looking for something to make you laugh or something to inspire your next trip, there is definitely a show on this list that will do the trick.

The good thing is that you can stream all these Netflix travel documentaries 2022 from the UK   in the comfort of your home on Netflix. So what are you waiting for? Start watching one of these shows today and get inspired for your next great adventure.

You can get American Netflix in UK to enjoy all the titles. Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection so you can enjoy your travel shows to the fullest.

Joshua calls himself nerd+geek who is also passionate about rugby. He enjoys comics, animes, and science fiction. He finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers and science fiction shows and movies.

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14 of the best travel TV shows to watch on demand

Epic landscapes, interesting characters and cool cultures – we transport you to the best places in the world right from the comfort of your sofa, with these top travel shows on Netflix, iPlayer and others…

While you may be hitting pause on your adventures, you can still be transported somewhere wild – using your TV remote as your passport to exotic climes, instead.

Chances are you’ve seen everything travel legends David Attenborough and Simon Reeve have done, but if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, sweeping landscapes and interesting characters to meet, take a look at our round-up of th e best travel documentaries available to stream right now…

Best of all, you can start this journey on the couch.

Here are the best travel TV shows to watch on Netflix or on demand now…

1. the americas with simon reeve (2019).

What you’ll watch: It topped the list for best TV show at our 2020 Reader Travel Awards, but if you haven’t yet seen The Americas with Simon Reeve , put it straight on top of your must-watch list.

And when you’ve binged on his journeys hiking through the Rocky Mountains, hanging out with the US Border Patrol in Texas and discovering a tropical paradise in Costa Rica, you can turn to his other documentaries: the Caribbean, Australia, the Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean.

If there’s anywhere this man hasn’t been or seen, we challenge you to find it.

Where to watch it: The Americas with Simon Reeve is available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer . Plus see Simon accept his Wanderlust award !

2. Race Across The World (2020)

What you’ll watch: Limited cash, no smartphones and forget about internet access – basically all the ingredients for an epic off-the-grid adventure.

In the latest series of the BBC’s Race Across The World , you can follow five teams as they race the length of Latin America, starting in Mexico City and ending in Ushuaia in Argentina, the most southerly city in the world.

Married couples and familial bonds are put to the test, as they weave friendships in the most unexpected of places on their way to the finish line. And if you can’t wait until next week’s episode, you can binge on series one as well. What’s better than that?

Where to watch it: Catch up on series two of Race Across The World on BBC iPlayer . And read our filming locations guide .

3. Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti (2020)

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is on ITV Player now (ITV)

What you’ll watch: She’s one of our favourite tour guides, taking us everywhere from India to the mighty Silk Road – it is, of course, the absolutely fabulous Joanna Lumley.

Let her lead you into a lesser-seen side of the Caribbean in her new two-part documentary, Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti, which begins in a boxing gym in the lively Cuban capital.

Keep watching as she wanders the streets of Havana, discovers Hemingway’s favourite beach and explores Fidel Castro’s hometown, before making her way over the Windward Passage to end her adventure with trips to ancient mountain fortresses and a mystical voodoo ceremony in Haiti.

Where to watch it: Catch up on Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti on ITV Player now.

4. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (2018)

What to watch: If delicious food is at the very top of your reasons-to-travel list, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is the Netflix show to tune into.

Culinary capers abound as loveable chef Samin Nosrat takes us to Italy, Japan, Mexico and California to show us how the title elements are key to the cuisine of each country.

Where to watch it: See Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat on Netflix now.

5. Ugly Delicious (2020)

What to watch: H ungry for more? Try Netflix’s Ugly Delicious – there are two series to devour, as chef David Chang takes us to culinary hotspots across the world, showing us why good cooking is universal.

He meets everyone from pizza purists in Brooklyn and Naples to trying Viet-Cajun fusion cuisine in Houston.

Where to watch it: Catch the new series of Ugly Delicious on Netflix .

6. Night on Earth (2020)

What to watch: Even when you’re travelling, you don’t get to see some of the most incredible sights – because some of them happen under the very cover of darkness.

In Netflix’s Night on Earth , you can see this world open up before you, witnessing the secret lives of lions, bats and monkeys. Eerie and visually compelling stuff.

Where to watch it: Night on Earth is on Netflix now.

7. James May: Our Man In Japan (2020)

What you’ll watch: We know you loved Japan with Sue Perkins , but now that’s it not available on iPlayer… how about racing through the island country with James May, instead?

Starting on the chilly northern island of Hokkaido, James embarks on a journey south to the balmy beaches of Shikoku and Kyushu, while meeting samurai in Honshu, sampling street food in Osaka and, of course, tackling the Suzuka Circuit on his way.

Where to watch it: Watch James May: Our Man in Japan on Amazon Prime now.

8. Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (2019)

What you’ll watch: Richard Ayoade’s droll two-day jaunts through cities across the world has provided us all with laughs since 2015.

While 2019’s series was his last as lead presenter, we can still look forward to more Travel Man in the future as Hugo Boss – aka the the comedian formerly known as Joe Lycett – takes over the role.

If you haven’t seen 48 Hours in… Amsterdam , it’s the perfect episode to get a feel for Hugo’s personality and learn more about the city’s culture, cuisine and canals.

Where to watch it: Find the past ten series of Travel Man: 48 Hours in… on All 4 .

9. Great Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo (2019)

What you’ll watch: Thousands of British commuters have plenty to say about UK train travel, but in the hands of Michael Portillo, the divisive subject matter seems to take on a golden glow of nostalgia.

You know best, after all – you voted for the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys as one of your top TV programmes in the last year.

Delving into the history of British rail, Michael reveals things we never knew about our local stations, including how an unlikely collaboration between London’s Crossrail railway project and a conservation charity is helping to protect birdlife in Series 11’s Limehouse to Rochford episode.

Where to watch it: Look out for your local station on Great British Railway Journeys on iPlayer.

10. Around the World in 80 Days (1989)

What to watch: It’s an oldie, but definitely a goodie – what could be better than staying in and getting a glimpse of how the world used to be with TV icon Michael Palin?

In Around the World in 80 Days , Michael follows in the footsteps of its main character Phileas Fogg, setting off on an epic adventure from London’s Reform Club across the world.

Close shaves, missed connections and inevitable delays await as he desperately attempts to meet the 80-day deadline in time. A delicious throwback to a simpler time.

Where to watch it: Watch Around the World in 80 Days on iPlayer .

11. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)

What to watch: The late Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy-winning travel series is a must-watch for any traveller whose adventures are driven by a passion for excellent food.

Parts Unknown sees the world-renowned chef and documentarian delve into cuisines, cultures and politics in countries across the globe. Essentially, he eats his way around the world.

With 12 seasons covering countless destinations (Vietnam and New York said to be two of his favourites), the later seasons take viewers on an off-the-beaten-track culinary journey through Armenia, Uruguay, Myanmar and beyond.

Where to watch it: You can stream the series on Amazon Prime now.

12. Dark Tourist (2018)

What to watch: If you’ve watched the majority of travel TV already, here’s one that may have slipped by you.

TV presenter David Farrier deep dives into so-called ‘dark tourism’: worldwide interest in visiting sites of nuclear disasters, destinations marred by danger or even death. If you’ve been to Chernobyl and Pripyat in Ukraine, you’ll understand the fascination.

You can expect to see a trip to Turkmenistan, a visit to Pablo Escobar’s former playground, Medellin in Colombia, as well as an excursion to Tomioka in Japan, the ghost town left behind after residents were evacuated following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Where to watch it: You can stream one season of Dark Tourist now on Netflix .

And… anything narrated by Sir David Attenborough

13. our planet (2019).

14. Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019)

What you’ll watch: Of course, no list of travel documentaries is complete without an appearance from the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

Most of his back catalogue is listed on Netflix, including the original Our Planet and the BBC’s iconic Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.

You can also listen to Sir David’s dulcet tones on BBC iPlayer – as he takes us through Seven Worlds, One Planet , introducing us to some of the globe’s most hostile habitats and remote landscapes, while narrating the fascinating behaviour of the local creatures, such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and grey-headed albatross chicks .

Where to watch it: Find Our Planet along with most of Sir David’s past shows on Netflix or catch up on Seven Worlds, One Planet on iPlayer now.

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The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

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The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

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4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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The Best Travel Shows On Netflix Right Now, Ranked

Last Updated: November 12th

There’s rarely been a time in recent history in which travel has been more out of reach. That means we all have to live out our travel dreams vicariously for now. Enter the travel TV genre — our most straightforward path to inspirational and aspirational escapism .

No network has changed the game more in recent years than Netflix when it comes to providing a great list of travel shows that’ll motivate you to hit the road one day while scratching that wanderlust itch between trips. But this being Netflix, there’s a dearth of content to sort through. Knowing where to start and which shows are worth your binging time is tough.

We’re here to help. The fifteen travel series below are the best Netflix has to offer right now. We’ve gone ahead and ranked them, though we have to point out that these rankings represent minor quibbles at most. We also tried to cover multiple types of travel shows from the standard food+travel series to nature shows to reality TV travel escapism.

Let’s dive in!

15. Restaurants On The Edge

1 season, 6 episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10

The “fixer-up” aspect of reality TV is a tried and true concept. Gordon Ramsay has umpteen shows doing just that. Where Restaurants on the Edge stands out is the travel and cultural aspect of the show. Restaurateur Nick Liberato, chef Dennis Prescott, and designer Karin Bohn travel the world and find restaurants with amazing views that are on the edge of shutting down (something that’s become even more heightened given recent global events). They team up with the restaurant’s chefs and owners to turn the place around. The ripple here is that the hosts guide the local owners to delve more deeply into the local culture and have their establishments better represent that scene.

14. Stay Here

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.5/10

Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer join forces in Stay Here to help homeowners turn their spaces into short-term vacation rentals. This is all about Airbnb’ing your digs even though “ Airbnb ” is never mentioned. This is a fun and breezy travel show that goes deep enough to show you how much works goes into the sharing-economy to make it actually work for you. In the end, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for that perfect Airbnb you stayed in.

13. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

This show is addictive. Let’s get this out of the way. This is luxury and lifestyle porn first and foremost. It’s a traveling show, we guess, by proxy. However, it’s intoxicating.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes takes us inside architectural wonders around the world. These range from the homes of the elites in places like Greece, Los Angeles, and New Zealand to the homes of a fisherman in Japan and writers in Holland. Hosts Piers Taylor (an architect) and Caroline Quentin (a British actor) offer a great entry point. Taylor offers professional insight, while Quentin is the audience’s awed surrogate.

12. Tales By Light

3 seasons, 18 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Tales By Light isn’t your average travel show per se. The focus here is on great travel photographers and how they operate around the world.

The photographers the show follows just happen to be some of the best in the world who have devoted their life to globetrotting to find the absolute best shot. Every corner of the world is covered over three seasons of breathtaking episodes and crazy escapades.

Seriously, one episode is about swimming with anacondas in the Amazon.

11. Night On Earth

1 season, 6 episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

Shows like Night On Earth offer a glimpse into the world that beckons you out into the wider world. These are the shows that lay a foundation of wanderlust in our young souls. On top of all of that, this show is visually mesmerizing. It’s a trippy, unique, and captivating look at our world, and it’ll make you want to be someone who seeks these places out.

10. High On The Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

1 Season, 4 Episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

High on the Hog is based on the seminal work of Dr. Jessica Harris and her breaking down of how African food cultures mingled with Indigenous American foods and European techniques to help define what American food is today. The show is a sort of short-hand for Dr. Harris’ work and book, with chef and writer Stephen Satterfield trekking around America and West Africa looking back at the origins of African American cuisines, where those foods are today, and profiling the people keeping those traditions alive. This is the sort of travel show that will stick with you while teaching crucial history about Black Americans’ impact on the food we eat today.

9. Our Planet

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10

Our Planet is Netflix’s very own Planet Earth . They even got Sir David Attenborough to narrate this beautiful series. Again, yes, this is a nature series. But, we argue that a series this intriguing and beguiling will stoke your wanderlust fires and get you out there enjoying everything nature has to offer. If this series doesn’t get you itching to see new places on our planet, nothing will.

8. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10

David Chang’s second Netflix travel and food show is a little broader than Ugly Delicious . This four-part series finds Chang hanging out with big-name celebrities and diving into local food scenes around the world. Seth Rogan shows Chang around Vancouver while getting very stoned. Internet star and model Chrissy Teigen wanders around Marrakesh with the chef. Writer and actor Lena Waithe takes Chang through her Los Angeles. Finally, the show’s final ( and best ) episode finds Chang hanging out with SNL superstar Kate McKinnon in Cambodia. Overall, this is an easy, fun watch to breeze through on a shut-in Sunday.

7. Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Chef David Chang’s food show, Ugly Delicious , is a travel show at its heart. Chang travels the world eating food and talking to people about culture, life, and what they do while experiencing it all for himself — that’s all travel really is. The beauty of the show lies in the lack of pretension — a child-like curiosity really — that Chang carries with him as he travels, talks, and eats. The way Chang travels becomes aspirational with a crazy good dose of food porn along for the ride.

6. Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 7.3/10

Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy is a travel show at its heart. Acclaimed TV and film comedy director, Larry Charles, travels the world seeking out how comedy is done in war zones, on Indian reservations, in theocracies, in slums, and beyond.

This is the sort of show that takes you deep inside the harder side of life around the world. It’s a part behind-the-scenes look at TV comedy around and a part subversive travelogue with a keen eye on finding the grey areas of life and comedy in places few dare to travel. Plus, it’s only four one-hour episodes, making this one a very easy binge.

5. Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

David Farrier’s Dark Tourist isn’t what you think it is . This isn’t about the western gaze, looking down upon the weird or “other.” Farrier’s nuanced approach to travel and diversity shines through as he parses some of the lesser-known parts of varying cultures.

The show shines in its ability to hook you in from the first frames. Episodes about vampires in New Orleans, Pablo Escobar’s hitmen, and haunted forests offer a glimpse into the unknown in our world without judgment.

4. Somebody Feed Phil

4 seasons, 22 episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

Phil Rosenthal has cut out a pretty great second act after his days running Everybody Loves Raymond . Rosenthal is traveling around the world eating great food, meeting people, and seeing new places he thought he’d never see.

Rosenthal is on a trip of discovery. There’s a clear food focus to the show. But, really, the series ends up being just as much about the journey as a great meal with new friends.

3. Street Food

2 season, 15 episodes | IMDb: 8/10

This series from the creators of Chef’s Table leans more heavily into the travel aspect of great cooking. The series highlights street food vendors across East Asia, Mexico, and Central and South America through two seasons. The series revels in letting those vendors tell their stories and highlighting the food they make with that now iconic Chef’s Table aesthetic . The bonus is that each episode clocks in at around 30 minutes, making this a very easy and enjoyable binge any time.

2. MeatEater

3 seasons, 29 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

This is probably the most interesting and unique travel (and food) show on this list. Steve Rinella’s MeatEater might be the best nature-meets-travel-meets-food show, full stop. Rinella and his crew travel around the U.S., Mexico, and even parts of South America to embrace nature in the most visceral way, through hunting and fishing for their own food and then cooking that food, providing us with wild recipes to boot. We’re not kidding when we say that the wild places this show goes are the places you almost never see on the average travel show, which is usually obsessed with hitting the same old spots over and over again (looking at you Rosenthal and Chang).

Yes, hunting or fishing for food is the core of each trip. Still, with sourcing your own wild food being one of the fastest-growing food movements in America (far outpacing veganism with people under 40), MeatEater offers real-world advice as an entry-point to the wild spaces of the world and the food available therein. It’s also about the people around the world who live their lives in harmony with nature. Add in the beautiful cinematography (from the same crew as Bourdain’s shows) and you have a great watch.

1. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

This show was the sleeper hit of the travel TV world in 2020. Yes, it premiered during a pandemic when we can’t travel, making it an easy hit. But the show really has some serious heart and insight. Viewing the world through Zac Efron’s always wide-eyes proved really refreshing. His excitement to be seeing the world and trying on new ideas while also making an effort to step out of the most well-worn paths made for solid TV.

There’s a real soul to this show that gets to what’s beautiful about travel. It captures the spirit of wanderlust — learning about the world while learning about yourself.

The Travel Sisters

Best travel shows to watch right now (on tv, netflix, amazon prime & other streaming services).

by The Travel Sisters | Oct 20, 2020 | Travel Inspiration | 3 comments

And if you are looking for more travel related things to watch, here is a list of the best travel movies of all time .

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Best Travel Shows and Series

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

The following travel shows and series are available on Netflix only.

Ugly Delicious

Recommended by Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less

Ugly Delicious is a relatively new food focused travel show that follows celebrity chef David Chang, founder of Momofuku, as he explores both across the United States and internationally. The episodes are loose and casual, showing Chang investigating the history of different regional cuisines and food rivalries. His guests range widely including other chefs, writers, actors, and artists, but they tend to share similar air time to the restaurant owners and people off the street. The focus blurs between culture and personal, feeling like you’re the fly on a wall while interesting people who love food hang out and chat about it. There’s no way to watch it and not be itching to travel to a new region and try some of the foods they highlight!

Travels With My Father

Recommended by Lee from The Travel Scribes

From the moment they touchdown in Bangkok, Thailand and make their way to the famous Khao San Road, the Netflix series Travels with my Father  will capture your heart, and tickle your funny bone.

Chronicling the experiences of British father and son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, this laugh a minute series not only showcases some of the globe’s most famous destinations but features the offbeat, slightly sarcastic relationship between Jack, a 30-something comedian still longing for his backpacker days and Michael, his elderly ever-suffering dad. The drama (and the giggles) are mostly driven by the vastly different travel styles of the two: Jack, the singlet and loud shorts-wearing millennial who is most comfortable in questionable hostels and eating street food and Michael, a slightly uptight luxury traveller who insists on wearing his ‘Sunday best’ on the streets of Southeast Asia and checking into five star hotels.

The show, now in its third season, sees the unlikely pair traverse the globe with jaunts in South East Asia, Europe and, more recently, a tour of the USA. This is must-watch viewing for anyone who loves British comedy and travel, in each measure.

Somebody Feed Phil

Recommended by Amber from Food And Drink Destinations

From the creator of the hit comedy series, Everyone Loves Raymond, comes the Netflix food travel series, Somebody Feed Phil. Following the culinary journeys of Phil Rosenthal, Somebody Feed Phil presents food travel from the “average” travelers perspective. Phil is by no means a food professional like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern. Phil is an easy going family man who just happens to LOVE food. Over 2 seasons and 12 episodes, Phil with his mall crew, including his brother, travel to some of the best food destinations around the world. Phil’s childlike enthusiasm for each new destination, cuisine and culinary experience is priceless. His inquisitive nature and ability to connect with people makes Somebody Feed Phil a one of a kind culinary travel show. For those interested in traveling for food, Somebody Feed Phil attempts to alleviate the fear of trying the local food. It’s certainly worth watching. Netflix has also previously announced a season 3 with episodes scheduled to air sometime in 2020.

Dark Tourist

Recommended by Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

Nowadays, travel is often painted as an Instagrammable pastime. Yet, there is a surge of tourists who are looking for quite the opposite and want to see the not-so-glamorous parts of the world. We’re not talking off the beaten path. We’re talking more about what happens behind closed doors and what rumors try to speculate. The trend of traveling and diving into the taboo and unknown comes to life in the Netflix show, “ Dark Tourist .”

Whether it’s visiting radioactive nuclear sites or learning about gruesome assassinations, it’s the sense of forbiddenness or coveted secrets that these tourists ache for. Have you ever wondered why people are so enthralled by serial killer documentaries? The same thrill takes place in these destinations. (Don’t worry, there’s a Jeffrey Dahmer tour for you true crime aficionados.) Dark tourism profits off exposing the occult or veiled history of these locales.

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Our Planet is one of David Attenborough’s latest documentary series and was made directly for Netflix. Like all his other series, this one is beautifully shot, highly informative and well-loved by all the family. What sets One Planet apart from some of the others however is the focus upon how human life and global warming are destroying these natural havens. Attenborough takes us to some of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth before showing us the tragic consequences that have left other, similar areas barren wastelands.

Alternating between land and sea, you’ll go to the desert, the depths of the ocean, the jungles and the coast. This is an important one for avid travellers because it will jointly inspires us to travel more of the world’s secluded locations but also to do so in a way which doesn’t disturb our planet.

Emily in Paris

Recommended by Matilda

Emily in Paris is about a young American woman who lands a job in a Parisian marketing firm. The show was created by the same person as Sex and The City and has a similar vibe only instead of New York heavily features Paris. It is fun, somewhat campy and an easy watch. While I wouldn’t recommend it as an entirely accurate portrayal of French culture, the scenery is absolutely beautiful and reminds me why Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities.

Best Travel Shows on TV, Amazon Prime Video and Other Streaming Services

The following travel shows and series are available on TV, Amazon Prime Video and/or various streaming services (such as Hulu).

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An Idiot Abroad

Recommended by Haley Plotkin, Ready Set Jet Set

An Idiot Abroad is a hysterical British travel docu-series following Karl Pilkington, a man that one could call an “idiot savant”. What everyone has to know about Karl is, he really does not like to travel. Knowing this, his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who one may know as famous British comedic actors, send Karl on epic adventures all across the world, with some twists and pranks along the way. These are the kind of trips that most people would kill for, but to Karl, he’d rather be home with a cup of tea. One of the highlights of the show is the Karl-isms along the way, such as: “The Great Pyramid is overrated. It’s a bad design. The lounge is going to be huge, but the bedroom is going to be tiny.” This is really not your typical travel show, and that’s what makes it a must-watch!

Where to Watch: This show is a few years old, so it is not currently airing anywhere in the US (it was created for Sky TV in the UK). In the US, you can buy it digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime , Vudu , and iTunes .

The Layover

Recommended by Paula Morgan from Expert Abroad

The Layover was just one of the many travel shows that featured everyone’s favourite food traveller Anthony Bourdain. It aired for three seasons between 2011-2013 and after watching the very first episode on a 48-hour visit to New York it will likely change the way you travel forever.

No longer will you book the fastest trip to your destination. A stopover is not viewed as a hardship it is now something to embrace. The series covered 20 cities and racing against the clock Bourdain showed the audience the best things to eat, see and do, usually with a knowledgeable local as his sidekick.

The pace at times seems a little exhausting and you may not manage to cover as much in your 24 hours as the pro’s do but they make it easy for you to pick a few things for your next visit.

The team covered almost all of the main transit hubs across Asia, Europe and the USA including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and NYC. Next time you find a cheap flight because of a long stopover check the series list and start making some plans.

Where to Watch: You can watch The Layover on Amazon Prime or The Travel Channel . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Recommended by Arrianne Guzman from Travel Habeat

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is a travel and food show featuring an amazing chef exploring destinations less traveled by. As it inspires you to explore off-the-beaten paths, you’ll delve into intricate cultures, rich history, and beautiful people. You’d realize that a dish is more than what goes in a plate, it’s about tradition, heritage, and way of living. Catch Anthony tries a delectable Filipino dish called sisig and a scrumptious dessert fondly named “halo-halo” while grasping how the Philippines spend an extended Christmas season. Unravel with him the complicated past of Koreatown in Los Angeles and see what it was like to grow up Korean American. Or maybe you’d agree with him how a salad of fermented tea leaves can taste good in Myanmar.

Where to Watch: An original CNN series, it is available in digital media platforms including Amazon Prime , iTunes, and Vudu .

Expedition Unknown

Recommended by Albi from Ginger Around the Globe

Expedition Unknown is a TV show that will sparkle the heart of every traveler, who loves history. Josh Gates will take you around the globe and at the same time, you will see him and other archeologists, solving ancient mysteries. You will get to know about Kruger treasure, where is the tomb of last Inka king and more Indiana Jones mysteries like this. So you will see all kinds of places and at the same time, know their history and local culture. It is very informative, fun and wanderlusty.

Where to Watch: You can watch the show on the Discovery Channel or on the Travel Channel . If you prefer streaming services, you can also find the show on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video .

Rick Steves Travel Series

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

One of my favorite travel shows that turned me onto traveling was watching the PBS travel programs with Rick Steve’s. Primarily focused on travels in Europe, Rick Steve’s showcased an amazing series of places to visit around Europe and each lovely country. He initially visits a destination and hops around with a local expert to show the highlights, enjoy some local food and drink and see some cultural treasures along with connecting with locals, merchants and everyday people. It makes it so fascinating to watch his programs and really shows audiences the connection with people, place, culture and food makes traveling to Europe so wonderful and fun. Rick Steve’s has created a lot of guide books about individual countries that you can purchase or just watch his TV series on PBS for inspiration for planning a trip to a specific country in Europe that has always been on your bucklist of places to visit. So if you are looking for inspiration about a particular country with all the bells and whistles of what makes each area so unique and special, check out any of his programs on TV. You’ll be hooked and wanting to binge watch all of his programs in a row.

Where to Watch: On TV at PBS and Amazon Prime Video

Booze Traveler

Recommended by Megan Starr

One of the best shows to watch for those that love combining travel with beverages and food is Booze Traveler, a show by The Travel Channel that showcases a host traveling around the world in search for special alcoholic drinks in countries that he visits. I actually helped with a couple of the episodes back in the day (Lithuania and Armenia ) and it really brought to light how many unique drinks exist in every place that you travel! They travel across the globe from Hawaii to Armenia to Nepal and beyond. It is a really refreshing show!

Where to Watch: The best way to watch Booze Traveler is to catch reruns on-demand from The Travel Channel in the US. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video .

Recommended by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Three Canadian friends decide to leave the Great White North behind and explore the world. They pack a bag, say goodbye to friends and family, and off they go. The initial plan is to spend a year traveling, but it quickly transforms into three whole years.

They spend a month in India, another in Japan, another in New Zealand. As they start feeling more comfortable on the road, the push their own boundaries and head to tougher destinations, like Libya and North Korea. They explore Greenland during winter, meet ancient tribes in Papua New Guinea and travel across the different scientific bases of Antarctica .

It’s impossible not to get inspired with the tons of wanderlust Departure sends our way.

Where to Watch: Available on Apple iTunes and Hoopla .

James May: Our Man in Japan

Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Top Gear’s James May might seem like a strange choice for a travel show host, but the bumbling Englishman is an endearing host as he takes viewers on a comprehensive trip around Japan from North to South. Always happy to throw himself into any bizarre situation, Our Man in Japan sees May participate in all sorts of activities from dog sledding in Hokkaido to painting Mount Fuji with a renowned Japanese artist. Streaming on Amazon Prime, Our Man in Japan covers a whole lot of unique quirks that make the country a must-travel destination for all kinds of traveller types. Whether you’re a first timer to Japan or a serial visitor, Our Man in Japan will make you all kinds of eager to get back over to the land of the rising sun soon.

Where to Watch: You can watch on Amazon Prime Video only.

Planet Earth

Recommended by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

The award-winning, BBC documentary series, Planet Earth was first shown in 2006. It took four years to film, using 71 cameramen in 64 different countries. The series was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC and the first to be filmed in high definition. The 11 episode series is narrated by David Attenborough and celebrates the natural world in a way you’ve never seen it before. Each episode features a different biome or habitat on Earth and lasts 50 minutes plus an extra 10 minutes of behind the scenes footage showing the challenges of filming the episode.

Ten years after the first series, Planet Earth II was released showing how animals meet the challenges of surviving in the most iconic habitats on earth. A third sequel is planned to air in 2022.

Where to Watch: All 11 episodes of Planet Earth , and all 6 episodes of Planet Earth II are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Samantha Brown: Places to Love

Recommended by Francesca Makana of Homeroomtravel

Samantha Brown has been an icon in the travel world for my entire life. Back in the day, she was best known for her Passport series . Present-day she hosts Samantha Brown: Places to Love. In this show, Brown showcases some lesser-known destinations, like the Texas Hill Country, and covers things to do in that area. Although she does still cover larger, well-known cities, such as Shanghai, she will not just list the main tourist sites. Instead, she interacts with the locals and finds unique things to do in that location.

Where to Watch: Viewers can catch Places to Love on PBS and select episodes on the PBS website .

Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

There are few parts of the world that inspire wanderlust more than Central Asia. In this 2018 miniseries, British actress and supermodel, Joanna Lumley (you may recognize her from the 1990s comedy sitcom Absolutely Fabulous) retraces parts of the fabled Silk Road trading route from the perspective of a tourist.

Over four episodes, she travels from Venice to Uzbekistan via Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, visiting caravanserais, fire temples and bazaars along the way. This series brings to life the cross-pollination of ideas and influences that characterizes this part of the world where East intersects with West.

Lumley’s dry British humor and insatiable curiosity make her a terrific host. Even if you’re never considered visiting Central Asia and the Caucasus before, this series will inspire you to follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on one of the most epic overland journeys of all time.

Where to Watch: Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure is currently available to stream via Amazon Prime UK . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Recommended by Ruby from A Journey We Love

Travel Man is a 30 minute British TV show hosted by Richard Ayoade shown on Channel 4 (UK). Each week, he travels with someone for a quick getaway (48-72 hours) and breaks down tourist sites, what to eat, facts about the city and banters around with his co-presenter for the week. For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . What makes the show interesting is that the host, Richard Ayoade, is not a big traveler nor is he a big fan of trying new things. It makes for a great perspective on how to plan quick weekend getaways for those who are planning trips with people who don’t like to travel and how to make it interesting for them. It also makes the series very funny because watching the host’s reactions and monologues is absolutely priceless.

Where to Watch: For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . You can also find episodes on Amazon Prime Video .

The Amazing Race

Recommended by us

The Amazing Race is our favorite travel show and we have been watching it from the beginning. The American reality competition show has aired 32 seasons on CBS since its premiere in 2001. If you enjoy the drama of reality competition shows and are also a travel lover then you will love The Amazing Race . Each season takes place in a few different countries and in total The Amazing Race has visited over 90 different countries and six continents. Teams of two people (usually couples, friends, or family members) race around the world, solving clues and completing tasks and challenges along the way. Relationships are tested and there are sometimes arguments between teammates and with other teams. The last team to finish each leg is eliminated until three teams race to the finish line in order to win $1 million. Fun fact: We actually applied to be on the show as a sisters team (more than ten years ago and long before we started this blog) but alas we were not chosen!

Where to Watch: You can stream old seasons of the Amazing Race on CBS All Access , Amazon Prime Video and various streaming services such as Hulu .

Did your favorite travel show or series make the list?

Some good recommendations on this list for sure. James May also has some other travel shows that can be found on Netflix, Youtube, etc. Although it’s a Vlog and not a true TV show I would add Kara and Nate’s Vlog show from Youtube. They have visited over a 100 countries and it’s one of the best. If you’ve never watched them, just start with their first show and binge watch it through to today.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will check them out!

I’ll recommend a few new ones. AppleTV has “Long Way Up” from the “Long Way Down” and “Long Way Around” fame. Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman from the tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric Harley Davidson motorcycles. I pretty much hate AppleTV+ but this show is so very good. You might check out Max&Lee on Youtube which has recently continued on with Max&Occy. This is one of many Vanlife travel vlogs but it’s better than most. Start at the beginning with Max & Lee and work your way forward for good binge-watching. I will also add in a bonus travel vlog from YouTube and that is Sergio & Rhoda in Isreal. This couple travels around Isreal and shows details about various historical sites with a local flair. Very interesting for those that enjoy this region.

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Best travel films and TV shows on Netflix UK

For a dose of travel and adventure inspiration without leaving the sofa, look to these cool movies and tv programmes available on netflix uk right now, by tom powell, published: wednesday 28th march 2018.

• Inspiration

World's Most Extraordinary Homes

Name something cooler than a good bit of jaw-dropping architecture set against a stunning backdrop. Go on, we're waiting. While these aren't necessarily the kind of homes you can actually stay at , and fabulously British hosts Piers Taylor and Caroline Quentin aren't (quite) Kevin McCloud, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cooler bunch of buildings. Mountains, forests, coasts, underground bunkers: it's got it all.

Tales By Light

Want to know how travel and wildlife photographers get those next-level images you see in books, exhibitions and on social media ? This Aussie travel photography series is the one for you. Each episode takes a different theme, from adrenaline-filled action photography to underwater and tribal shots, so there's something for every kind of wanderlust-y urge.

Jago: A Life Underwater

Sure, The Beach might be on Netflix right now too, but that's probably a bit macabre just for a quick fix of South East Asian sun. Instead, try this: an award-winning documentary about an 80-year-old hunter who dives on a single breath, catching fish in the depths off Indonesia's Togian Islands. Culture? Check. Sun? Check. Logic-defying swimming tekkers? Check, check, check.

Expedition Happiness

Take a hip couple from Berlin, stick them in a converted schoolbus with their dog and make them travel up and down the length of North America and you've pretty much got the gist of Expedition Happiness . This travelogue is a two-hour-long elegy to the thrills (and spills) of living the #vanlife, and it'll have you working out how to give up your day job and hit the road from the sofa.

If you think Britain gets it rough weather-wise, this feature-length documentary will put things into a little bit of perspective. Taking in epic ice climbs, serious head injuries and long days of chilling (like actually freezing) in a tent suspended from the side of a mountain, this movie sees mountaineering (and Instagram) legends Jimmy Chin , Renan Ozturk and Conrad Anker take on one of the fiercest unclimbed mountains in the Himalaya : Meru. A real winter, er, warmer.

Right, we're saying it: there has never been a better or worse advert for outdoors adventures in Utah, USA than this film. Part mountain-bike-thrashing, slot-canyon-smashing, wild-swimming epic, part gritty captivity narrative. The only two properly fleshed-out characters in this inspired-by-real-life film are Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) and a rock. Watch, watch, watch – unless you don't like James Franco, in which case, don't.

Under an Arctic Sky

If youve not heard of surf photographer Chris Burkard , its about time you were introduced. While the California-based cameraman is famous for his shots of Norway and New Zealand on Instagram, this film – in which he and his cold water-surfing pals head to northwest Iceland in search of Arctic waves – is his absolute bread and butter. Expect big waves, frozen extremities and (you guessed it) surfing under the Northern Lights. It doesn't get more epic.

Valley Uprising

If you ask us, the big walls of Yosemite Valley in California are pretty much the most iconic view in the States (soz about that, Statue of Liberty), and this movie is jam-packed with long, panoramic shots of them. Exploring the valley's climbing history from the early days of John Muir to the stomach-in-mouth unroped climbs of Alex Honnold, this is a fascinating primer and travel inspiration rolled into one movie-length package.

Into the Wild

What happens when a young man goes into the wilds of Alaska and tries to survive off grid? Bad things, sadly. But also this Sean Penn-directed biographical epic, which manages to tread the line between tragic lament of modern times and gushy teen movie. And we love it. Probably because it was originally written by travel-writing royalty Jon Krakauer, it's got a nice soundtrack by Eddie Vedder and its cinematography is absolutely on point. Perfect Sunday night watching.

Wild Patagonia

The Wild series is a reboot of the region-focused documentaries that pop up on BBC Four every so often, then elude you when they're on iPlayer. There are several entire series of these Attenborough-lite wildlife shows on everywhere from Japan to the Caribbean , but if you're anything like us, you'll want to head down to Patagonia in the tip of South America. Why? Because the scenery is nuts. As are the segments containing wild horses, rockhopper penguins and slow-mo battling elephant seals. Just watch.

The Barkley Marathons

130 miles, 60 hours of running, and a combined ascent that's roughly twice the height of Everest. That's pretty much all you need to know about the Barkley Marathons, the US-based ultra-trail race that eats its own young. When the movie was made in 2012, just 10 people had completed the race in its 26-year history, and this documentary dives right into the thick of the action: jelly legs, briar scratches, cultish obsession and all.

Jeremy Jones: Higher

When it comes to big mountain snowboarding, there are few bigger names than American rider and environmental activist Jeremy Jones . In this – the third in his trilogy of outlandish snow films – he goes big in the Alaska Range, the Grand Tetons and the High Sierra, as well as making a first descent in the Himalayas. Yes, snowboarding in the Himalayas. Pow.

Part epic adventure movie, part political statement, this film sees a group of Texan cowboys trekking a group of 16 stallions (and one sassy donkey) through the US from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. They go through the Grand Canyon, the Rockies and (presumably) several pairs of leather chaps on their way – all in the name of proving that wild horses can be trained and used, instead of being kept in dangerous captivity.

Watch all of these travel films and TV shows on Netflix in the UK.

• Discover Florida
• Discover South Africa
• Follow That Feeling
• Hidden Gems of the South East
• Remarkable Dubai
• Caribbean Stories
• The Refugee Crisis

ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Best travel shows on netflix.

Looking for some wanderlust-worthy TV shows to fuel your travel urge?  Here are 22 Travel Shows on Netflix to inspire, distract, or escape through, depending on what you need! 

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Ride Along Travel Shows on Netflix

These shows and documentaries follow their hosts on their travels, bringing you into their lives and experiences around the world.

1. Down to Earth : Zac Efron (do I need to say any more really?) and wellness expert, Darin Olien, search the globe for healthy and sustainable ways of life in different cultures. There’s an episode for everyone: Zac soaks in an Icelandic spa, talks to centenarians in Sardinia, and explores Ayahuasca tourism in Peru. 

2. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father : comedian Jack Whitehall pushes his decidedly non-comedian father to the brink of his comfort zone as they travel around the world for a fun twist on the buddy comedy. Trust me—you’ll be dying of laughter at every episode!

3. Expedition Happiness: even if you’ve never considered van life, Expedition Happiness will have you checking Craigslist for buses after you watch the couple (and their pup) travel from Alaska to Mexico in their renovated school bus.

Amazing Places to Stay

Whether you end up finding a place to stay on your next trip or just ways to spruce up your own space, these travel shows on Netflix will let you pretend to be in paradise.

4. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals:  the hosts visit and review three different vacation rentals around the world at three drastically different budgets.

5. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: tour some of the most architecturally impressive homes around the world! An architect and property developer, who provide their thoughts on the design and actual livability of the homes. 

6. Stay Here: watch as two experts renovate homeowners rental spaces to improve their marketability to potential renters. If you’ve somehow found yourself on the Airbnb side of Tiktok like I have, you’ll race through these episodes.

7. Instant Hotel: homeowners compete to have the best rental property, judged by their fellow contestants after a one-night stay in their place. It’s like Four Weddings without the secondhand embarrassment!

You May Also Like: How to Make Your Home Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel

Adventurous Travel Shows on Netflix

Whether you’re already an adrenaline junkie or not, these films will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone on your next trip.

8. 14 Peaks: the word “impossible” doesn’t seem to exist for Nimsdai Purja as he attempts to climb all 14 of Earth’s 8,000 meter peaks in just seven months! He breaks multiple Guinness World Records for high altitude mountaineering in the process.

9. Pedal the World: you may love your spin class, but I’m going to bet that Felix Starck loves cycling a little bit more. In 365 days, he cycled over 11,000 miles through 22 countries and documented the entire journey with breathtaking shots of his travels.

10. Biking Borders: if you’re looking for another cycling journey, follow two friends as they complete their first ever long bike ride from Berlin to Beijing while raising money for a new school in Guatemala. Personalities and friendships are the focus of this film, so even non-cyclists will enjoy this documentary.

Travel Nature Shows

If you find yourself stuck inside because of the cold, these shows will bring some vibrancy back to your life. 

11. Our Planet: narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this series highlights ongoing conservation efforts and issues. It has some amazing cinematography and beautiful shots in over 50 countries.

12. Life in Color: another series narrated by David Attenborough, this series examines how various animals use color to their advantage. As with any David Attenborough nature documentary, impressive camera work will have you entranced.

13. Night on Earth: Samira Wiley narrates this nature documentary that offers a rare insight into the lives of nocturnal animals. Night On Earth is a great pick for someone who’s seen every episode of Planet Earth and is still left wanting more.

Location Specific Travel Shows

Deciding where to travel next? Check out these films for information on more off-the-beaten-path countries that are worth a visit.

14. Magical Andes: watch this visually stunning series to tour the communities and places within the Andes Mountains through the eyes of both travelers and locals. With Peru in particular becoming quite a hot spot for young travelers, this show will educate you to the unique physical and social atmosphere before you jet off to Machu Picchu.

15. Untamed Romania: if Romania wasn’t on your list before, it will be once you’re finished with this movie. It takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Romania, including Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Danube Delta, featuring the local flora and fauna. 

16. Guatemala – Heart of the Mayan World: the natural and cultural wonders of Guatemala and its roots in the Mayan world are on full display in this documentary. If you’ve been eyeing those cheap flights to Mexico , Guatemala- Heart of the Mayan World might just convince you to head a bit more south and explore the rich and vibrant country of Guatemala. 

Food Based Travel Shows

They say one of the best ways to get to know a place is through food and these shows prove that. Dig in, but be warned, you’ll walk away even hungrier than before.

17. Street Food Asia & Street Food Latin America: veteran travelers know one of the best parts of going to a new place is checking out the local street food scene. This series celebrates the colors and flavors of the street food experience, so you can indulge without having to leave your living room. There’s one series focused on street food in Asia and one in Latin America, so binge both or pick whichever one you’re craving most. 

18. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner: Chef David Chang brings celebrity guests (including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon) to a new city to explore the cuisine and culture in depth and in person.

19. Taco Chronicles: who doesn’t love a taco? Now you can be a certified taco connoisseur after watching this series deep dive into the history and culture of everyone’s favorite Tuesday treat.

You May Also Like: 20 Cocktails From Around the World

Just For Fun Shows

Tune in to these shows and tune out everything else. These shows, some fiction, some reality, are all set in places at the top of most of our “need to visit” lists.

20. Emily in Paris: okay, okay, while the premise isn’t exactly the most realistic, who wouldn’t want to be a twenty-something working a fancy marketing job in Paris with a charming French apartment and an even more charming French love interest? Season two was just added to Netflix, making it the perfect time to binge this series.

21. Singapore Social: a reality series that follows some of the young, rich, and connected in one of the most wealthy social circles in the world. If you liked Crazy Rich Asians, this might just be the reality show for you.

22. Derry Girls: set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, Derry Girls follows the darkly hilarious Erin and her eccentric cousin, Orla, as they navigate being teenage girls during the conflict. It gets bonus points for featuring Nicola Coughlan (now of Bridgerton fame) and lots of music from The Cranberries.

23. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives: if you like any of the real housewives series, this show takes it to another level with the addition of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars and set in Mumbai. 

What’s one of your favorite Travel Shows on Netflix? Have you seen any of the picks on this list? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram ! 

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• The Best Travel Shows on Netflix
• Excellent TV Shows About Travel
• The Most Beautiful Countries on Earth
• The Worst People to Travel With
• Social Networks for Travelers
• The Best Travel YouTubers
• Popular Spots That Kinda Suck
• Ranking the Best Luggage Brands
• Top Travel Sites for Saving Money
• Great Tour Groups for Solo Travel
• Mythological Places to Visit
• Great Countries to Travel Alone
• The Best Luxury Cruise Lines
• Travel Hacks and Tips to Try
• Why Cruises Are Surprisingly Expensive
• How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Vacation
• Meanwhile, on TripAdvisor...
• Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains
• The Best Countries to Go Hiking
• Insane Resorts Around the World
• The Top Luxury Hotel Chains
• Words to Learn Before You Go
• Luxury Hotel Perks We All Love
• Hotel Hacks to Save You Money
• Ranking the Top Hotel Chains
• Best Cruise Ships for Families
• Crazy Drunk Snacks Around the World
• Maps of Public Transportation
• Travel Accounts to Follow on Instagram
• Great Photos of Dads on Vacation
• Where to Plan a Girls' Trip
• Destinations for Group Vacations
• Where to Go Hang Gliding
• Awesome Places to Take a Cruise
• Amazing Cheaper Travel Destinations
• The Most Essential Hotel Amenities
• Important Things in a Vacay Spot

• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

The Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

Here are the best travel shows streaming now on Netflix. Whether you're looking for exotic food destinations or planning your next vacation, this list of travel documentary series currently on Netflix is regularly updated with new and popular TV series. What are the best travel programs to watch on Netflix? 

One of the best Netflix original docuseries, Somebody Feed Phil  features Everybody Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal traveling the world and trying local foods. Other good travel shows on Netflix include Ugly Delicious , Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father , Tales By Light , and Taco Chronicles.

Check out these Netflix travel shows and vote up the very best.

Somebody Feed Phil

Is Somebody Feed Phil Worth Your Time?

Street Food

Is Street Food Worth Your Time?

Dark Tourist

Is Dark Tourist Worth Your Time?

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Is Jack Whitehall: Travel... Worth Your Time?

• # 329 of 447 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
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• # 758 of 807 on The 700+ Best Netflix Original Series

Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream

Is Midnight Asia: Eat. Da... Worth Your Time?

• # 877 of 1,137 on The Best New TV Shows Of 2022
• # 262 of 279 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series
• # 54 of 90 on The 85+ Best Food & Travel Shows, Ranked

The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

Is The World's Most Extra... Worth Your Time?

Ugly Delicious

Is Ugly Delicious Worth Your Time?

• # 9 of 34 on Shows You Can Almost Smell Through The TV
• # 12 of 36 on 35+ Movies And Shows With Ugly In The Title
• # 757 of 807 on The 700+ Best Netflix Original Series

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Is Down to Earth with Zac... Worth Your Time?

• # 60 of 654 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
• # 8 of 38 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows of the Last Few Years
• # 79 of 83 on The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

Taco Chronicles

Is Taco Chronicles Worth Your Time?

• # 483 of 657 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
• # 159 of 279 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series
• # 35 of 64 on The Best Food Documentary Series

You vs. Wild

Is You vs. Wild Worth Your Time?

• # 46 of 52 on The Best 2019 Original Streaming Platform Shows
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Street Food: USA

Is Street Food: USA Worth Your Time?

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Heavenly Bites: Mexico

Is Heavenly Bites: Mexico... Worth Your Time?

• # 907 of 1,137 on The Best New TV Shows Of 2022
• # 6 of 50 on The Best Reality Shows on Netflix in 2023
• # 32 of 90 on The 85+ Best Food & Travel Shows, Ranked

Tales By Light

Is Tales by Light Worth Your Time?

Is Cooked Worth Your Time?

• # 134 of 479 on The 400+ Best Documentary Miniseries, Ranked
• # 251 of 279 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series
• # 22 of 64 on The Best Food Documentary Series

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip

Is Paul Hollywood's Big C... Worth Your Time?

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• # 48 of 86 on The 80+ Best British Reality Shows
• # 45 of 118 on 115+ Movies And Shows With Trip In The Title

Instant Hotel

Is Instant Hotel Worth Your Time?

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Is Down to Earth With Zac... Worth Your Time?

• # 32 of 654 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
• # 17 of 38 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows of the Last Few Years
• # 34 of 83 on The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

The Kindness Diaries

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Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey

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Is Stay Here Worth Your Time?

Chuck and Danny's Road Trip

Is Chuck and Danny's Road... Worth Your Time?

Extreme Engagement

Is Extreme Engagement Worth Your Time?

• # 205 of 589 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
• # 141 of 202 on The Best New Shows That Premiered in 2019
• # 178 of 624 on The Best New Reality TV Shows of the Last Few Years
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The Best Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

By Meredith Carey

Most of us can't be on the road 365 days a year, but that doesn't mean we have to stop exploring. With some of the best travel shows streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, we have the world at our fingertips, with episodes that take us from markets in Mexico to hawker stalls in Singapore to the farthest reaches of the Arctic, back home to BBQ joints in Charleston. Whether you'd rather follow the late Anthony Bourdain, Sir David Attenborough, David Chang, Samin Nosrat , Samantha Brown , Ewan McGregor, or the Fab Five along the way is up to you. Here, find some of our favorite travel shows available to stream right now (fictional and not), involving journeys by land, air, and sea—and lots and lots of eating.

This gallery was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information. All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Taste the Nation

With international travel largely on hold, there's no better time to explore our own backyard—which is exactly what host Padma Lakshmi did on her new Hulu show Taste the Nation . The show's first season, released in June, follows the Top Chef host and author as she quite literally tastes the nation , stopping at restaurants around the U.S. to sample the foods of a variety of Indigenous and immigrant groups. Expect to see some familiar faces, like comedian Ali Wong and spearfisher Kimi Werner , along the way. 

Watch now: Free with a Hulu subscription ( sign up for Hulu here )

Planet Earth and Planet Earth II

We had to wait 10 years between the debut of Planet Earth , a groundbreaking natural history show narrated by Sir David Attenborough, and its sequel Planet Earth II , but it was worth it. The first season, which focus on a specific biome and the flora and fauna that live there in each episode, spotlights smooth coated otters in Southeast Asia, Tibetan foxes, critically endangered Ethiopian ibex, and blue whales, among so many others. Our two favorite episodes, though, come from part II. In the sixth episode, the high-def cameras turn to cities to show how leopards in Mumbai, monkeys in Jodhpur, and catfish in southern France live alongside humans. And in what may be the most heart-racing episode of nature television, the islands episode of Planet Earth II follows a lone iguana racing against time—and a horde of snakes. 

Watch Planet Earth now: $3 per episode, $25 per season; amazon.com

Watch Planet Earth II now: $3 per episode, $20 per season; amazon.com

Long Way Up

Believe it or not, actor Ewan McGregor has been in the travel show business for some 16 years. It all started with Long Way Round , a 2004 series that followed McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman on a motorcycle journey from London through Europe, Asia—and then after a flight to Alaska—Canada, and the U.S. all the way to New York City. The show was followed by 2007's Long Way Down, which took the duo from Scotland to South Africa, on motorcycles once again. Now, they've turned their bikes (electric this time) towards South and Central America, with the latest iteration following the duo some 13,000 miles from Ushuaia, Argentina, on the continent's southernmost tip, to L.A. As usual, hijinks, pitfalls, and stunning scenery are all on view. Neither of the earlier shows are available to stream in the U.S. currently (though you can find them on Apple TV+ in the U.K.), but Long Way Up is an Apple TV+ original and on view for all. 

Watch now: Free with an Apple TV+ subscription ( sign up for Apple TV+ here )

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Be sure to watch this show on a full stomach, or you'll be pausing to bake focaccia or cook tahdig along with affable host and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat cookbook author Samin Nosrat. In the four-part show, Nosrat travels the world, making stops in Mexico, Japan, Italy, and her home in California, to discover the properties of each of the show's title elements. There's cheese. There's olive oil. There's miso. There are tortillas. There's salsa. And just like that we're hungry again. (FYI, she's as delightful in person as she is on screen—and joined us for a Women Who Travel podcast episode soon after the show premiered.) Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

CNT Editors

If you're familiar with Anthony Bourdian's The Layover, then the premise of British comedian Richard Ayoade's Travel Man will seem quite familiar. The goofy show follows the comic and primarily English celebrity friends as they galavant around cities like Helsinki, Miami, and Hong Kong over the course of 48 hours. If you're a Great British Bake Off fan, start with Ayoade's trip to Paris with original GBBO host Mel Giedroyc or the season two episode featuring current host Noel Fielding in Copenhagen . Other familiar faces include Paul Rudd in Helsinki and Bridesmaids' Chris O'Dowd in Vienna.

Somebody Feed Phil

This Netflix original follows host Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond , as he eats his way through cities like Bangkok , Lisbon, Mexico City , New Orleans ,   Buenos Aires , Cape Town, and Dublin. The hyper-positive show was called "impossibly optimistic," by former Traveler editor Paul Brady, who spoke with Rosenthal before the first season's premiere in 2018. The fourth season, out October 30, takes Rosenthal from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta and the islands of Hawaii to eat even more delicious grub.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Parts Unknown

You simply cannot have a list of the best travel shows and not feature the late Anthony Bourdain. In fact, he's on our list more than once. In Parts Unknown , the chef and travel personality circled the world many times over, in search of music, culture, humor, history, and—of course—really good food. Over 12 seasons (the last aired posthumously), Bourdain visited the indigenous Andes with Eric Ripert, the Sochi Winter Olympics, the Mississippi Delta, and, most famously, Hanoi with then-president Barack Obama. (That's season eight, episode two, if you want to jump right to it.) 

Watch now: $3 per episode, or $10 per season; amazon.com

Technically, Netflix's original show Connected is a science show, but that doesn't mean it isn't filled with travel. Plus, host Latif Nasser told us earlier this year that the show was built in the footsteps of Bourdain's Parts Unknown and No Reservations (with a dash of Bill Nye thrown inn). The show speaks to how the world is interconnected—like how Delaware's birds can offer clues about the Gulf's hurricane season or how sand from the Sahara impacts the Amazon. Throughout, you'll follow Nasser as he hopscotches around the world to speak with scientists to find out more. 

Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Street Food

Made by the same folks behind Chef's Table (spoiler: it's also on this list), this show moves away from formal restaurant kitchens and onto the streets, for a guide to some of the world's best curbside meals and snacks . The show's first season is all about Asia, traveling to nine different countries to meet the people behind the food, like Jay Fai from Bangkok's Raan Jay Fai , a Michelin-starred street stall serving up tom yum soup, and Truoc (pictured left), who serves a variety of snail dishes in Ho Chi Minh City . The second season, which hit Netflix in July, zeroes in on Latin America, with stops at Doña Vale's in Oaxaca for memelas and Las Chicas de las Tres food stall in Buenos Aires, run by chef Pato Rodriguez. 

Lost Cities With Albert Lin

In this National Geographic –produced show, explorer and scientist Albert Lin tracks down some of the world's most famous lost cities. We're talking buried Knights Templar caves in Israel, El Dorado in the jungles of Colombia, and ancient, forgotten island cities in Micronesia. Along the way, he speaks with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to discover the origins of the legends and, in turn, the reality of those places today. 

Watch now: Free with a Disney+ subscription ( sign up for Disney+ here )

Ugly Delicious

The second season of the David Chang –hosted Netflix series debuted in March 2020, taking viewers from Istanbul (pictured), to Tokyo , to Sydney , to… Outback Steakhouse? Along the way, he tackles balancing parenthood with restaurant life, cooks with Top Chef 's Padma Lakshmi , rubs elbows with comedians like Nick Kroll and Aziz Ansari, and gets a lesson in not calling all Indian food curries from Traveler contributor Priya Krishna . (If you want more Chang, try your hand at a recipe from his Momofuku cookbook, or watch Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner , also on Netlfix, where he joins one famous friend on a food tour of a city, like Chrissy Teigen in Marrakech.) 

Produced by Vice , this show is about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In it, actor Elliot Page and their film director friend Ian Daniel travel to learn about what it's like to be LGBTQ+ around the world. They meet with two-spirit Native Americans, head to ballroom scenes in New York City, and visit the gay bars of Tokyo to dive deep into the vibrant gay and queer culture. But the duo also spends time in Rio de Janeiro, Jamaica, and Ukraine, speaking with LGBTQ+ locals to learn about the discrimination and threats they face just by existing. Expect tears, both happy and sad. 

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Gordon Ramsey is involved, so of course this cooking and travel show is extreme. In the National Geographic –produced series, the Hell's Kitchen chef goes out of his element—and out of the kitchen—to learn cooking tips and tricks from locals in unusual locales, culminating in a cook-off of sorts to show off what he's picked up. Here, he heads to Peru's Sacred Valley to learn high altitude cooking, cooks seal with a Tlingit elder in Alaska , and learns about Berber food culture in Morocco. 

Carmen Sandiego

Many of us got our first lesson in geography from this trench coat–wearing master thief, and today's kids can too, thanks to the Netflix reboot of this animated series. This high-flying, Robin Hood–style caper takes kids (and parents) with Sandiego as she jet sets between Rio de Janeiro , Matsumoto in Japan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, and more. There are three seasons available and plenty of educational value here for mapheads—plus pretty stellar animation. This year, an interactive choose-you-own-adventure style show, called Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal, came to Netflix and provides endless entertainment as Sandiego fights off the Villains International League of Evil (V.I.L.E.), with your (kid's) help. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

If Planet Earth and Planet Earth II weren't enough Attenborough for your liking, get your fix on Netflix, thanks to Our Planet . This docuseries, made by the creators of Planet Earth in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and narrated by Attenborough, is almost a mix of the two, taking armchair travelers from the North American grasslands and the Everglades to the Arctic tundra and deepest parts of our oceans. Once you're done with the nine 50-minute episodes, switch over to Our Planet: Behind the Scenes to see how the 600-person crew filmed the series. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

No Reservations

If you want even more Bourdain, Hulu has you covered with No Reservations and The Layover, two of his travel shows that preceded Parts Unknown . In No Reservations, Bourdain takes us to both familiar—Maine, Prague, the Philippines—and unfamiliar—Kurdistan, Mozambique, and deep into the Amazon—corners and kitchens of our world, introducing us to new foods, cultures, and personalities over nine seasons. The Layover takes that same premise, but shortens the time line drastically, knocking down Bourdain's time to explore to just 24 to 48 hours. Both are must-sees—it's Bourdain after all. 

Chef's Table: BBQ

While you can watch some of world’s most extraordinary chefs (like Dominque Crenn ; Peruvian Virgilio Martínez , the owner of Lima's Central restaurant; and Swede Magnus Nilsson ) as they create impossibly complicated dishes in the original Chef's Table, we've become partial to its latest iteration, which is all about barbecue. The Netflix original docuseries follows pitmasters like Tootsie Tomanetz—the 85-year-old spitfire pictured above who minds the brisket and sausage at Snow's, outside of Austin—and Rodney Scott, known for his Low Country–style pulled pork and ribs. But the show doesn't stick to the American South. You'll head to Rosalia Chay Chuc's Yucatán home and visit the grills of Lennox Hastie in Sydney, too.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Travels with My Father

The first season of this Netflix original, which came out in 2017, follows British stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, across Southeast Asia, tracking the duo as they finish the gap year Jack never got to complete, just a few years late (eight, to be exact). It's everything you'd expect: a Thai full moon party and, of course, a trip to Cambodia's Angkor Wat, but the moments in between are what make the show really worth watching. Now, in the three seasons that have followed, the father-son pair have road tripped through Transylvania , visited Chernobyl , and gotten into drag with Sydney queens. Needless to say, it's a romp.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Set in a tiny Tokyo diner that's only open from midnight to 7 a.m., the fictional show follows the Midnight Diner's owner and clientele as they share their trials and joys, all while eating whatever the owner, called Master, dishes up. In the diner, pork miso soup is the go-to, but Master will cook visitors anything they order, as long as he's got the goods to make it. Episodes are a little over 20 minutes long, so it's the most bingeable of the bunch. Watch with subtitles and don't—seriously, don't—watch while hungry. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Get your international fix by watching Antoni , Karamo , Jonathan , Tan , and Bobby makeover the wardrobes and lives of everyday “heroes” in Yass, Australia , and Tokyo in their Queer Eye specials. That said, we're partial to the U.S.-based seasons, where the Fab Five hits up Atlanta, Kansas City, and, most recently, Philadelphia to give new life to regular folks. Whether they're making over the sisters behind Jones Bar-B-Q in Kansas City or the small town mayor of Clarkston, Georgia, we're on board. Have tissues on hand, as you're all but guaranteed to shed a tear (who are we kidding, you'll sob). Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Places to Love

For many years, Samantha Brown was the only female host on travel TV , period. And while some, albeit small, growth has been made in this regard (Nosrat and Kellee Edwards are among the new faces), Brown is still one of the few women on the go on our screens. While she made her start on the Travel Channel with Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, and Passport to China , you should really be checking out her latest show, Places to Love. Now in its third season, the show sees Brown discovering off-the-beaten-path spots in some of the world's most loved destinations as far-flung as Seoul and Auckland, and right in our backyard, like Phoenix and Dallas . 

Watch Places to Love now: Free on PBS

Watch Passport to Europe now: $2 per episode, $35 per season; amazon.com

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Ok, so this isn't as much of a travel show as it is a “what is Jeff Goldblum curious about” show—but it doesn't mean they don't travel all over the U.S. With each episode focusing on the actor's ceaseless interest in the minutiae of one specific thing (like tattoos, or pools, or RVs, or ice cream—it really runs the gamut). Over the course of the show, Goldblum visits Hawaii , Las Vegas , NASA’s neutral buoyancy lab in Houston , and so much more. If you love Goldblum, you'll probably love this show. 

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• NORTHERN IRELAND
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Books & Travels , Travel Tips

34 best travel tv shows to binge watch this year.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for some amazing travel TV shows to feed your wanderlust?

There is nothing better than watching inspiring travel TV shows when you don’t get to travel. They are entertaining, helpful to plan your travels and open your mind (and heart) to new places.

I absolutely love watching travel shows on TV. While it’s true that I prefer doing the actual travelling, I’m like everybody else and I also enjoy staying at home and dreaming of my next destinations.

I spend a lot of time watching travel shows and find it to be not just entertaining, but enlightening!

Sometimes you will discover underrated places that you would have never thought of going. And that’s the great thing about it, you don’t only get to learn about the places you want to go. You discover new places!

It’s also a very good way to learn more about the culture of these places.

As you may know, I love discovering new cultures. I find all of them so incredibly interesting. Foreign languages, food, history… there is just so much to discover. It’s so interesting and exciting!

Here are some of the best travel TV shows to watch now!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my father

Jack Whitehall is a famous British comedian. He is mainly known to be the posh lad in Fresh Meat (filmed in Manchester by the way 😉 ).

In real life, Jack Whitehall actually is a very posh Londoner. He comes from a wealthy family and never got the chance to go backpacking as many young people do.

On top of that, he always had quite a difficult relationship with his dad, who is 79.

This is why, in 2017, Jack Whitehall invites his dad, Michael, to go backpacking with him in Asia for a Netflix original series .

By that, I mean proper backpacking. Sleeping in hostels, taking cheap transportation, carrying a backpack… and guess what, his dad said yes!

This show is absolutely hilarious and a perfect mix between comedy and travel. If you need something to cheer you up and make you dream of foreign lands, it’s the perfect choice!

In the first season, they travel through countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

It’s so funny to watch as the dad is quite a character. He is a very posh person and obviously not quite happy about the lack of comfort.

If you like British humour, Jack and Michael Whitehall will crack you up!

The show had so much success that it was renewed for a second season in Europe . A continent that Michael famously voted to leave! In the third season, they go to America and here again, it takes a whole new dimension.

Give it a try, you will be hooked straight from the first episode! It’s so funny and arguably the best travel reality show on Netflix!

2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

You may know Anthony Bourdain as a chef but did you know that he had a few travel shows as well?

My favourite is Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown .

This American food and travel show was produced by CNN and ran from 2013 to 2018. Sadly, Anthony died while working on a show about Strasbourg, France on the 8th of June 2018.

In this show, he travels the world and focuses on the lesser-known and underrated places.

He goes to pretty much any country you can think of and explores the culture and cuisine with locals. Very often he goes around with local guides, sometimes he also gets to meet famous personalities.

In his episode about Lyon in France, he goes for dinner with Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef.

Bourdain has this very unique way to explore the world. He sees the beauty in everything and always makes sure to be in perfect sync with local cultures.

He had this unique ability to see the world as the absolute beauty it really is and through Parts Unknown, shares his vision of the world’s cultures.

It’s not a show that I would categorise as funny, although there are some quirks. But it’s definitely the most interesting and passionate one of this list!

3. Down to Earth

Seasons:  1

This is a fun travel show / documentary to watch. It stars Zac Efron who travels around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien.

The goal of these travels is to discover more sustainable ways to live. They go everywhere around the world including Iceland, Sardinia and South America. 

Each destination highlight a specific sustainable lifestyle. For example, Sardinia in Italy is known as a blue zone. A blue zone is an area with more people reaching the age of 100 than the average.

When they get to Sardinia, they meet with locals and experts to try to understand how the way people live and eat has impacted their health.

Darin Olien is known to be big on super foods so you will also learn plenty about that when they go to South America.

All in all, this is a great show to watch as it perfectly mixes together fun and education.

4. BBC Race Across the World

Even though the Amazing Race is a concept available in almost all countries, it doesn’t exist in the UK.

But don’t you worry, the BBC thought that through and created its own program!

The concept of the Race across the world is a bit different though. In this show, you will follow 5 pairs of travellers on an epic race across the world.

In the first season, their mission is to go from London to Singapore without taking a single flight.

They are being given a bit of money, the equivalent of a flight ticket from London to Singapore ie about £1000. With this money, they have to go to Singapore without flying.

This means they have to find transport, accommodation and food for a month within that £500 budget per head. Each pair adopts a different strategy.

They take all sorts of transportation. Some hitchhike, some take the bus…

It’s a very entertaining thing to watch. You will surprise yourself trying to plan that trip as well!

5. Somebody Feed Phil

Seasons:  4

This Netflix Original is an excellent thing to watch if you love both travelling and food.

You will follow Philip Rosenthal on his trips around the world and discover the local delicacies.

There is no better way to understand the local culture than eating local dishes with the locals themselves and that’s what Phil is doing here.

From the floating markets in Thailand to the classic Mexican cantinas, he tries it all!

The best thing about this show is that you will discover so much more than just food and drinks.

He really tries to understand the local culture and why things are the way they are.

It’s also worth noting that Phil is a very happy and funny guy which makes it very pleasant to watch.

6. Instant Hotel

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality show that follows several teams of homeowners.

Each duo owns a holiday rental in Australia and will host the other contestants for a day and a night.

It’s a nice thing to watch if you love Australia or would like to visit one day.

You will get to see several states including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory.

Not only will you see some very famous locations such as Bondi Beach but will also get to discover some hidden gems.

There are 2 seasons available on Netflix.

7. Ugly Delicious

This is another food and travel TV show on Netflix. In this one, you will follow chef David Chang on his journey around the world.

A bit like Anthony Bourdain used to do, Chang is using food to tackle misconceptions and break down cultural barriers. 

Food is a powerful way to experience a country and learn more about the local culture. Chef Chang knows that and he shows you exactly how to!

He is also joined by guests including other chefs, artists, activists and plenty more. With him, you’ll discover many different regions including the USA, Asia and Europe.

8. Dark Tourist

In Dark Tourist, the journalist David Farrier focuses on something rarely talked about: Dark Tourism. Dark tourism is the fact of travelling to places associated with death or tragedy.

This type of travel is getting more and more popular and that’s why David Farrier goes to experience it and share with us his journey.

Dark Tourist is a very interesting show to watch as clearly, he is immersing himself into some culture and believes that you probably never even heard of before that.

Secondly, it can get quite funny and that Kiwi accent is always so cute!

Lastly, let’s be honest, it’s bloody weird! And clearly extremely interesting. I had no idea most of these things existed and although it can be creepy at times, it is quite interesting to know more about them.

9. Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is a Netflix Original TV Show that was released in 2020. It was created by Darren Star (best known for “Sex and the City”).

It’s the story of Emily Cooper, an American girl, who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing agency.

Although it was argued that the show was full of clichés, it is still a very cool thing to watch. As a French person, I loved it!

It may not quite be representative of what a normal french life is but it highlights the most magical aspects of Paris! It will make you dream!

Emily Cooper is played by Lily Collins (British-American actress) but most of the other main characters are French which makes the show even better!

They all speak English (some with a better accent than others).

It’s a feel-good travel show that will make you want to visit Paris straight away!

And if you do, you will be able to visit Emily in Paris filming locations!

10. Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip

Looking for a travel show about Australia? Here you go!

This 2020 docuseries is one of the best things to watch before going to Australia.

Here you will see Griff Rhys Jones, a Welsh comedian, taking on an amazing train journey from Perth to Sydney and Darwin to Adelaide.

Not only is it a great way to see what the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains are like but you will also get to learn so much about the Australian outback and culture.

You can tell that Griff is truly fascinated by Australia and he will definitely make you want to jump on a plane straight away!

11. The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries is one of the best travel programmes if you also love motorbikes (don’t worry if you don’t though, it’s fun either way but if you do like motorbikes, this is the ultimate best travel series for you).

You will follow the adventures of Leon who travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle relying solely on the kindness of strangers for accommodation, food and even petrol.

This is an extraordinary travel tv program. Not only is it interesting and fun but seeing the kindness of people all around the world is simply the most moving thing you can see.

It will leave you quite emotional on a few occasions!

12. James May: Our man in Japan

You may know James May as one of the presenters of Top Gear. But he’s got way more in store than you’d think.

In this Amazon Prime original , James May goes to Japan and experiences many aspects of Japanese Culture.

He goes to all the main cities including Tokyo and Kyoto but also some more remote places in the Japanese countryside.

James May is a typical British guy and definitely knows how to come up with the best comments!

Just picture him, in Japan, not speaking a single word of Japanese, clueless about the culture… and yet going for it!

It’s a very interesting mix of fun and culture.

If you love Japan, you will definitely like it but even if you don’t have any specific interest in this country, you will still enjoy it, I promise!

You can watch this amazing show on Amazon Prime.

Click here to check it out and get a free trial!

13. Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip

If you are looking for comedy travel shows, look no further! This one will make you laugh out loud!

This 2-season show features 3 famous chefs in the UK: Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, and Fred Serieix.

Just picture it for a moment, we are putting together a British man, an Italian man and a French man, in a same place and make them travel the world to discover the best foods.

The result? One of the best celebrity travel shows we can think of!

It is a very cool show and you get to discover their home countries of Italy , France and Scotland but also some other destinations such as Texas or Mexico.

14. By Any Means

Seasons:  1 (6 episodes)

This one is for all the adventurers out there! Unlike some of the shows out there that are quite commercialised, this one is very pure and honest. You will be following Charley Boorman, an Irishman who decides to go from his small hometown in Ireland all the way down to Australia without flying.

Charley is not doing all of that on his own. He is with a team which makes it even more entertaining.

In the first episode, you will see how they went about planning the trip itself which was pretty challenging back in 2008. After that, the good stuff starts and you follow them on this incredible journey.

It’s a great way to learn more about hidden gems and underrated travel destinations.

Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

15. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is British motoring show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Although it is known for cars, it’s also an excellent travel TV show to watch.

The famous trio used to present Top Gear for BBC. In 2015, BBC didn’t renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

At this point, his friends decided to follow him and they signed a contract with Amazon Prime. The Grand Tour was born!

On the Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May embark the most incredible vehicles and set off to explore some of the most beautiful countries in the world!

They visit some famous places but also adventure themselves in very remote, off-the-beaten-path, locations. This includes Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Italy and many more!

The Grand Tour is available on Amazon Prime . There are several seasons and some specials!

Click here to watch The Grand Tour.

16. Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is an American reality TV show. I’ve watched every season of the French equivalent, Pekin Express.

As much as I would love to talk about this show, I appreciate that watching a show in french might not be of your liking!

But it’s ok because the Amazing Race is pretty much the same thing. There is an American and Canadian version.

The concept is simple. There are several teams of two racing around the world. In each episode, they have to go to a certain destination with no money.

Therefore their only option is to hitchhike and get locals to accommodate them for free.

Along the way, other missions are given to them. These can be hikes, riding… all sorts of things.

It’s the perfect show to discover many countries in a different way. The Amazing Race has it all: competition, culture, landscapes, fun… A must see!

And there are over 30 seasons available so plenty to binge-watch!

Click here to watch the Amazing Race.

17. Travel Man

If you are looking for another funny British travel show, Travel Man is for you!

In this channel 4 show, the host Richard Ayoade explores all major cities around the world. The goal? Visiting as many tourist spots in the minimum amount of time.

When I say that, don’t get me wrong. He is very well organised and makes sure to go on a guided tour most of the time.

This means he actually embeds himself very well in the culture of the place he is visiting.

But where loads of travel shows focus on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel Man does the opposite. He goes for the most famous landmarks!

And it’s a good thing because even though these places are touristy, they are famous for a reason!

Richard Ayoade is a very funny man and will make you laugh out loud quite a few times!

Somehow, he always does his best not to enjoy himself which makes the whole show absolutely hilarious!

This show is perfect if you are planning city breaks or are into architecture.

If you are an adventure and after nature discovery, it won’t be what you are looking for.

Click here to watch Travel Man.

18. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

The late Anthony Bourdain was famous as a celebrity chef. But he gained an army of new fans with his excellent travel series, Anthony Bourdain: The Layover .

Showcasing Bourdain’s swift visits to various cities around the world, the show aired on the Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013.

It focused on how to make the most of a short layover or brief stopover in a city.

Each episode featured Bourdain spending 24 to 48 hours in a featured city, providing viewers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to experiencing the best food, culture and attractions a place had to offer.

He often sought the help of local experts and friends, including chefs and celebrities, to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots.

Visiting everywhere from New York City to Istanbul, the show is renowned for Bourdain’s candid and unfiltered commentary, his willingness to try exotic and unconventional dishes and his deep appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered.

19. All Joanna Lumley’s Shows

Joanna Lumley is a famous British actress. You may know her from  The New Avengers  or more recently  The Wolf of Wall Street.

She is also well known for her travel documentaries.

She has done quite a few of them over the years and they are all fantastic things to watch. The most recent one was released in 2020 and is called Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti.

If you love the Caribbean and want to learn more about this part of the world, watching Joanna Lumley’s TV show will be the perfect thing to do.

It is considered a documentary but like most travel shows, it’s quite funny on top of being interesting.

In this one, she goes to Cuban and Haiti. Local culture, quirky situations, funny humour… it has it all!

You should also consider watching the other ones as they are all fantastic:

• Joanna Lumley’s Nile
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures
• Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home: Travels in My Own Land
• Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

Most of them are available on Amazon Prime as well as ITV Hub and BBC Select.

20. Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad

This one is very similar to Jack Whitehall Travels with my father. On paper at least.

In this case, the dad is the celebrity. Bradley Walsh is a famous British comedian and presenter. If he never particularly wanted to travel, his 21-year old son, Barney, decided otherwise!

Together they go on a road trip in America in an RV. The series started in 2019 and can be watched on Amazon . There are 2 seasons, 10 episodes in total.

In this case, they don’t go for a budget-travel version. They keep their comfort but try very unexpected activities in the States.

It’s more about the contact with the locals which is quite interesting.

As you would expect from the Walsh’s, it’s also very funny!

They go from the Florida Keys up to Georgia. So if you are interested in knowing more about Florida and the east coast states, this one’s for you!

You can watch this amazing show on  ITV (eligible for a free trial as well!).

21. An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is one the quirkiest travel show that you can find.

Here is the plot: the main person, Karl Pilkington has never wanted to travel and will be forced to.

Basically, at the beginning of the episode, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who created the show) send Karl abroad with instructions. They put together a bucket list and he has to do everything.

It’s so funny! I promise, this British show will crack you up!

The thing that makes it so entertaining is the fact that Karl Pilkington has no interest in travelling and ends up doing all these things while the other two stay in the UK!

If you want to have a good laugh, An Idiot Abroad is the way to go!

22. The Americas with Simon Reeve

If you are looking for the best travel shows on BBC iplayer, this one is for you!

It features Simon Reeve, a famous British adventurer, exploring the Americas.

The first season includes 5 episodes during which you discover some of the most famous places in the Americas such as Machu Picchu in Peru but also some very remote places in the Amazon rainforest.

If you’d like to learn more about Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, this is the travel show for you.

There is a lot to love about the Americas. Between the ancient Maya heritage and the beautiful national parks in the USA, there is so much to discover.

That’s exactly what you will do if you want “The Americas with Simon Reeve”.

You will follow him on his incredible journey and learn more about the local culture as well as sustainable ways to live. From planting trees in Costa Rica to hiking the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect mix between adventure, culture and sustainability.

This TV show was produced by BBC and available on BBC iPlayer. 

23. Men in Kilts

If you’d love to learn more about Scotland , then Men in Kilts is the perfect travel show for you!

Here you will follow Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the stars of Outlander, around Scotland and discover plenty about the local culture.

This includes whisky, bagpipes and of course, stunning landscapes.

Not only is it a very interesting show to watch but the hosts are so funny and it’s so great to see them in another context than Outlander.

24. Long Way Up

Premiering in 2020, Long Way Up is part of the Long Way series of documentary travel TV shows, which follows motorcycle journeys led by longtime actors and friends Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor.

In Long Way Up , Charley and Ewan embark on an epic adventure, riding electric Harley Davidson LiveWire motorbikes from the southern tip of South America in Argentina to Los Angeles in the USA.

The journey covers over 13,000 miles and 13 countries, taking them through Chile, Bolivia, Peru , Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and Mexico between their start and finish points.

Some of the most memorable moments include navigating challenging terrains like the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, dealing with extreme weather conditions, and experiencing the cultural diversity of the countries they visit.

The duo also encounter unexpected obstacles, like charging their electric motorcycles in remote locations with limited infrastructure, which adds an extra layer of adventure to their trip.

25. Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler was a popular Travel Channel television series from 2014 to 2018. Its host was the effervescent Jack Maxwell – a well-known Boston-born actor and television personality.

Each episode featured Maxwell embarking on a worldwide adventure to learn about different cultures through their alcoholic beverages and drinking customs.

The series took viewers to various destinations, including Mexico, India, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.

In each place, Maxwell immersed himself in local customs, tried traditional drinks and interacted with the locals to understand the importance of alcohol in their culture better.

In doing this, he often tried unique and sometimes unusual alcoholic drinks, such as snake wine in Vietnam and fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.

Overall, the show explored the cultural and historical significance of alcohol, revealing how it has shaped societies and brought people together.

Sadly, the show was not renewed for a fifth series because Maxwell was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while filming the last few episodes of this travel series.

26. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

Considered one of the best travel TV series out of the UK, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby debuted in 2017 and quickly became popular amongst those who aspire to the finer things in life.

Giles Coren, a British food and travel writer and Monica Galetti, a renowned chef and restaurant critic, host the show.

The series explores some of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotels, delving beyond their opulent lobbies to uncover the behind-the-scenes operations and extraordinary experiences they offer.

In each episode, Coren and Galetti visit a different exceptional hotel, often located in stunning and remote locations.

They meet with the staff, from chefs to concierges, to understand the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication required to maintain these extraordinary establishments.

The show highlights the environmental and sustainability efforts of these hotels where possible.

Over the years, Amazing Hotels has featured various destinations, including the Fogo Island Inn in Canada, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Giraffe Manor in Kenya and the Treehotel in Sweden.

27. Iain Robertson Rambles

If you watch Iain Robertson Rambles , you’ll see one of the most fascinating documentary travel TV shows ever.

As its name suggests, this captivating series is hosted by Iain Robertson, a Scottish presenter and broadcaster widely recognised for his love for nature and the outdoors.

The show focuses on Robertson’s expeditions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote terrains and the UK.

During each episode, viewers accompany Robertson on his long walks and hikes across breathtaking landscapes.

The show offers a unique blend of travelogue, natural history, and personal storytelling.

Robertson’s passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation are central to the series.

Throughout the series, Iain Robertson explores various destinations in Scotland and the UK, including the rugged Highlands , the serene islands of the Hebrides, and the lush woodlands of Wales.

Whilst watching him do this, viewers feel like they are alongside him – trekking through the picturesque landscapes he explores.

28. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan

If you are looking for funny travel shows, look no further than The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan .

The show, a travel documentary series starring the British comedian, first aired in 2018.

It follows Romesh as he embarks on journeys to various destinations worldwide, often focusing on places considered off the beaten path or challenging for tourists.

Throughout the series, Romesh immerses himself in the local cultures and traditions of the places he visits.

He often seeks unique and authentic experiences, interacting with locals and trying his hand at their customs and activities.

Some places he visits include Ethiopia, Haiti, Albania, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, and Bosnia – locations known for their rich history, distinctive cultures, and, in some cases, reputations for being less frequented by mainstream travellers.

As Romesh offers humorous and self-deprecating commentary while navigating unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, the show provides a fresh perspective on travel.

His witty observations and genuine reactions to the places he goes to make for entertaining viewing. 

29. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown

Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown is one of several TV travel shows that hit our screens from the Travel Channel.

The show ran from 2004 to 2006 and was hosted by the American television personality and travel expert known for her engaging and relatable approach to travel.

In the series, Samantha Brown explores various European destinations, providing viewers with insider tips, cultural insights and travel recommendations.

She regularly immersed herself in the local culture, trying regional foods, experiencing traditions, and interacting with locals.

Some of the destinations she went to included Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Vienna and Barcelona.

The show captures each location’s iconic landmarks, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods while highlighting their unique charms during her visits.

It was known for dishing out practical travel advice and inspirational exploration of European cities and cultures.

It encouraged viewers to embrace the adventure of travel and discover the beauty and diversity of Europe’s many destinations.

30. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running TV travel shows was the incomparable Globe Trekker , which aired for 17 seasons and well over 200 episodes from 1994 to 2010.

The show features trekkers who embark on journeys to destinations worldwide, providing viewers with insights into different cultures, traditions and experiences.

Over the years, it has had a rotating cast of hosts, including Ian Wright, Megan McCormick, Zay Harding and one Bradley Cooper – who went on to achieve international fame as a Hollywood superstar.

These hosts have travelled to various destinations around the globe from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco to the serene landscapes of New Zealand and the untouched beauty of Bora Bora.

The show’s format combines travelogue-style storytelling with practical travel tips, making it entertaining and informative for viewers interested in exploring the world.

31. Conan Without Borders

For those wanting the best travel shows streaming right now, it’s hard to go past Conan Without Borders.

Hosted by the famous comedian and talk show, the show debuted in 2015.

It featured Conan travelling to various international destinations, often to engage with local cultures, traditions and humour.

Celebrity guests, friends, and local personalities join Conan O’Brien in exploring the destinations throughout the series – including former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Jack Black and comedian Jordan Schlansky.

The show has taken viewers on hilarious and insightful journeys to destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Ghana.

It typically blends travelogue-style segments with Conan’s trademark comedic sketches and interviews.

While watching his attempts to immerse himself in cultural practices (such as learning traditional dances or trying regional cuisine), Conan presents us with his comedic take on each destination’s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

In doing so, the show entertains and fosters a sense of global connection and curiosity.

32. Tales by Light

Combining breathtaking imagery, storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s wonders, Tales by Light is a must-watch travel TV series for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the world’s most extraordinary and untamed places.

The show is a documentary television series that delves into the world of photography and the experiences of renowned photographers as they capture compelling images from around the globe.

It explores the stories behind these captivating photographs and the photographers’ journeys to catch them.

The series has featured various acclaimed photographers, including Art Wolfe, Darren Jew and Krystle Wright, who each provide insights into their unique approach to photography. 

They usually travel to remote and exotic destinations – including the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, India and the Arctic Circle – often pursuing wildlife, nature and indigenous cultures.

Overall, the show provides viewers with a visually stunning and educational experience, showcasing the photographers’ dedication to their craft and deep respect for the natural world.

33. Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown

If you have yet to see it, Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown is one of the most compelling travel-related shows you can watch.

Hosted by British adventurer and explorer Ed Stafford – known for being the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River – the show illustrates the spirit of human exploration and resilience.

It highlights the former British army captain’s quest for adventure by journeying to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Throughout the series, Ed Stafford travels solo to destinations like Venezuela, Mongolia, Ethiopia and Peru. He has close encounters with grizzly bears in Alaska and tracking elusive snow leopards in Mongolia.

In every episode, Stafford immerses himself in the local culture and landscapes, often relying on his survival skills to navigate the wild and unfamiliar terrains.

The show combines elements of exploration, adventure and survival as Stafford pushes himself to his physical and mental limits.

34. Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown, a popular adventure and travel documentary television series, premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015.

The show’s presenter is Josh Gates, an explorer and adventurer who takes viewers on a quest to uncover mysteries, legends, and secrets from around the world.

During the series, Gates travels to a wide range of famous and obscure destinations to investigate historical enigmas, treasure hunts, and unsolved mysteries.

He often collaborates with experts, historians, and local guides to gather clues and solve puzzles related to each episode’s theme.

Some places he visits include Egypt, South America, and the Caribbean, where he seeks hidden treasures and solves perplexing mysteries.

His adventures involve investigating Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, searching for Atlantis, and pursuing the elusive Yeti in the Himalayas.

Ultimately, the show is known for its blend of adventure, history and exploration, making it entertaining for viewers interested in the thrill of discovery and the fascination of uncovering the world’s hidden secrets.

How to watch travel TV shows?

There are many places where you can find travel TV shows, but these would be the best places to start! I use all of them and love them! They are very complementary!

You can create an account and start watching Netflix here. This is where you will find most of the shows about travel.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video comes with your prime subscription. There are many things to watch on Prime and it’s very good value. You can get a free trial for Amazon Prime Video here.

BBC iplayer

BBC offers some of the best UK travel shows including Race Across the World and The Americas with Simon Reeve.

ITV channel

ITV Channel offers some amazing TV shows such as the Bradley Walsh one or Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip. You can get a free trial for ITV here.

Disney + / Hulu

Although these are no TV shows, I’d recommend you to watch some Disney movies . Loads of them are perfect to discover new places.

We don’t always realise it but they are very good to embed yourself into a foreign culture.

For example:

• France: Aristocats
• UK: Mary Poppins
• China: Mulan

I thought I’d put it in there as clearly, Disney is always a good idea !

Channel 4 is a free-to-air television channel in the UK. You can go to their websites and watch everything for free.

There are some ads but they are pretty short.

I hope you will enjoy these amazing travel shows! If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments as I would love to discover more myself!

You may also be interested in:

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• Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the USA
• Magical Emily In Paris Filming Locations you can actually visit in France

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

The Best Travel Shows Of All Time (TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More)

If you are like me and always yearning to travel, then one of the best ways to do this from home is to watch amazing travel shows on TV.

Over the years I have spent way too much of my spare time consuming every travel show under the sun. And, I thought it was high time I shared some of them with you.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best travel shows on TV – whether it be DVD, Netflix or Amazon.

1. Long Way Round

I remember watching the Long Way Round years ago (2004), which is still clear in my memory. The world-famous Ewan McGregor and one of his best friends Charlie Boorman, pursue their passion for BMW motorbikes and adventure travel and head east from London, as far as possible.

The journey was nearly 19 thousand miles (33,000 kms) and took them through Europe, overland through Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia) to the USA and New York.

Of course, they do take a crew with them, but this is hardcore overland travel at its best. No script, all the hardships are shown. Boy, they had a difficult time in some parts of Asia!

Update: They have the latest episode in this series, Long Way Up, which features the boys riding from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles. This is more or less the classic Pan-American Highway route that travelers love!

2. Long Way Down

Following on from the 2004 success, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman set out again in 20017. This time North to South from Scotland to Cape Town in the Long Way Down . This is yet another infamous overland route and also not a simple one.

Many of the roads and countries in Africa are not in the same state as their European counterparts, so they had some challenges with their suspension. They also had quite some adventures and exciting visits, even with presidents!

If you liked the first one of the series, then this is an equally good follow-up.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Below is a quick intro to the show. It’s worth taking a look.

3. Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, A Cook’s Tour & The Layover)

With the sad news of his recent passing, how can I not include one of the food travel show classics from Anthony Bourdain and his team at CNN? This series was still being filmed at the time of this death, and they have since tried to finalise it without being able to use him for voiceovers. However, there is so much material in this series, you won’t be stressed looking for things to watch.

Anthony was actually made famous by his book, Kitchen Confidential , where he revealed how things work in the restaurant business. I actually read this book over 20 years ago, long before I even realised he was on TV.

Parts Unknown is a unique take on travel from Anthony where he visits various countries around the world that interest him and explores all the great food they have on offer. But, he does not go for the classy restaurants and showy food, he looks for the best of what locals enjoy.

And dives right in himself! It’s super-inspiring to see someone so famous get down and dirty and have absolutely zero pretence. He loves food. He loves people. And he loves to travel. What more could you ask for in a TV Show.

Some of the series from Parts Unknown is available on Amazon .

As are some of his older series like No Reservations , A Cook’s Tour , The Layover

And here is a quick preview of season 7 from CNN.

4. Departures – with Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach

Two best friends from Canada decide they need a little excitement in their lives and head off for a year of adventure.  They end up exploring vast areas of the world and looking for as many unique experiences as possible.

The series is quite in-depth, covering 43 episodes , and almost as many countries. And by the time you have finished it, I will be surprised if you don’t just get up and go traveling yourself.

You can grab it on Bluray on Amazon.

Here is a quick intro to the series.

5. Simon Reeve Travels

I absolutely love to watch Louis Theroux on TV. His bumbling, almost nerd-like charm somehow disarms all the crazy nut-jobs that he interviews.

Simon Reeve, at least to me, seems like his equal in the BBC travel world. He is not a gung-ho daring, Tom Cruise look-alike. He is a down-to-earth, easy-to-like, bumbling reporter who takes to the most interesting places on earth. And makes you fall in love with them all as much as he does.

We have started watching some of his earlier shows. We have started with his crazy trip around the Equator. But some of the others are available on the BBC (if you live in the UK) including such trips as: the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Colombia and many more.

Here is a quick intro to the Caribbean series.

6. Rick Steves Travel Series

Another prolific traveler and creator of travel-related content both on and offline is Rick Steves. If you type in many European-related travel searches in Google, you will often find his website in the top ten.

He seems to have been everywhere worldwide and made a TV show about most of it. He appeals to an older demographic in my opinion, as his commentary is a little stiffer, but you can certainly learn a lot from this guy.

You can check them out on his website.

And below is an intro to Season 9 of his European series.

7. Michael Palins (Various Adventures around the world)

Michael Palin, a former Monty Python member and Jon Cleese, has been producing top-notch travel series for years and is a little more old-school than Rick Steves. His shows focus on longer adventures, similar to A Long Way Round, although perhaps not as challenging.

They are fun to watch, and you certainly get to see some of the lesser-explored regions of the world. Although some of these series will be a little dated by now – I remember watching some decades ago!

And just as I said that I took a look and saw he has since made some new series on Channel 5 in the UK, including a trip into the forbidden land of North Korea !

Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days

8. An Idiot Abroad

Venturing into a little bit of Travel Comedy, An Idiot Abroad is the brainchild of the creator of the British (original) The Office, along with a few co-creators. The idea is to send someone who has almost never left their town, let alone lifestyle and send them to some very foreign destinations.

Along the way, they experience some extremely challenging destinations and situations all in the name of broadening their horizons. Karl Pilkington will never be the same again, and maybe neither will you.

You can grab Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon.

Here is a quick Best Of from the China episode to give you a taste of the show.

9. Travel Man with Richard Ayoade

Another long-running comedy travel show from the UK, Travel Man is very short episode focused on 48 hours in various cities, mainly in Europe. Of course, now that he is on about his 10th season, he has started to venture a little further afield. Apart from his sarcasm, one of the best things about the show for me is the wacky things he (or his team) finds in every location. Not your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

Each episode is extremely sarcastic and accompanied by another usually British comedian, so people outside the UK may have trouble laughing or even understanding what he is saying. His accent is strong and his vocabulary is broad. You might have seen him as one of the wacky IT experts in t he IT Crowd (which you can see on Netflix ), a little like the British version of Silicon Valley, albeit filmed years before.

There are various seasons up for grabs on Amazon .

If you want to see if it’s up to your alley, here is a quick taste of Richard with some of his fellow comedians on the show.

10. Top Gear

Intended as a bit of a petrolhead’s show about cars, Top Gear has also done a significant amount of travel-related shows over the years too. From the drives down the most dangerous roads in the world to almost killing themselves in places like Switzerland. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will show you a great time on the road and while traveling.

You can check out Season 1 here on Amazon and other seasons that follow.

11. Joanna Lumley’s Travel Series

Joanna Lumley became famous back in the 70s, but for me, she became even more famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Since then, she has traveled and filmed it all for us. She has also done a “making of” series that I enjoyed. She may seem very posh and British when you first see her shows, but if you love sarcasm and comedy then just wait a bit and she will deliver!

Here is a list of her extensive travel shows you can catch on BBC or other online streaming services:

• Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean
• Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
• Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley: The Quest For Noah’s Ark
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

The Best Travel Shows On Netflix

Netflix is a bit of a special category in this post because they don’t have many of the more famous shows above at the moment.

12. Dark Tourist

One of the more recent and perhaps more infamous trends in travel right now is called Dark Tourism. With the recent airing of the series about Chornobyl, it seems to have accelerated even more.

One wacky New Zealand traveler, David Farrier heads to some quirky and sometimes dangerous locations in eight episodes of Dark Tourist , which sees him head to most continents. From the recent Japanese nuclear disaster to perhaps shooting a cow in Cambodia, he tries it all.

13. Street Food: Asia

If you like to combine mouth-watering food and travel, a popular past-time, then this is a recent addition to Netflix that I am currently devouring. It shows you some amazing chefs who are almost always out on the street and serving the locals with something of an obsession. From Thailand to India, you get to see it all – no-frills cooking from some of the best street food vendors in the world.

14. Tales By Light

Another show I have been checking out lately is Tales By Light , a travel and photography-based series up to season 3. It follows a famous Australian photographer all around the world, delving into the lives of the people he meets and how he experiences travel through the lens.

15. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

A show I have not had a chance to see, but it certainly looks like a travel comedy worth checking out. It involves a comedian and his stuffy father taking far-flung adventures to foreign lands and trying to teach each other a thing or two.

16. Somebody Feed Phil

A more modern version of a travel & food show, Somebody Feed Phil , is about exploring the places and food no one talks about. Phil is quite the quirky and loveable character, so you will either love him or loathe him. I watched half the first season and did not fall in love with it. However, given that Netflix has commissioned 6 seasons of the show, there must be a lot of people who love it.

17. Conan Without Borders

Following famous TV night show host Conan O’Brien to some adventurous destinations around the world, this is yet another travel and comedy combination you won’t want to miss. From Haiti and Cuba to K-Pop in South Korea this is as wacky as it is travel.

18. Restaurants on the Edge

“Restaurants on the Edge” is a Canadian reality TV series premiered in 2020. It showcases chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato assisting struggling restaurants in scenic, remote locations like seashores, lakes, and mountains. This is a little like Gordon Ramsay’s old show Kitchen Nightmares, but more travel related.

The goal of the visits on this show is to rejuvenate these places by integrating them with the local culture. Additionally, the show offers a travel experience, with episodes featuring the experts exploring local areas, meeting artisans, and tasting authentic local foods.

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About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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• 25 Travel Shows On Netflix

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With international travel curtailed, watching travel shows on Netflix inspire us to dream, and there’s a huge list of excellent shows to remind us that is a world out there waiting. Netflix has some of the best content to keep our travel bug fed, from food to travel and nature. The best Netflix travel shows allow you to explore the world from our living rooms, experience new cultures, destinations and food without leaving the comfort of your chair or sofa. 

Watching travel shows will educate you about other countries and their people while introducing you to places you may have never considered visiting before. In addition, watching a travel show on Netflix can often prove just how easy it is to get around the world, and nothing is off-limits as long as you plan well. Watching a travel show on Netflix can be either inspirational or educational, with valuable information to prepare for a trip abroad as well as helpful information on a variety of topics including health and safety, how to pack, what to take and do’s and don’ts in different countries or even on cruises.

Travel shows are fun to watch as the producers often go to great lengths to make them entertaining for anyone interested in the destinations featured. So please sit back and enjoy incredible landscapes filmed with professional equipment by professionals who know what they’re doing. You’ll learn lots and soak up amazing sights and discover new places to travel abroad with the help of today’s technology.

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Travel Shows on Netflix

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1- Magical Andes

2- down to earth with zac efron, 3- zulu man in japan, 4- tales by light, 5- dark tourist, 6- jack whitehall: travels with my father, 7- guatemala: heart of the mayan world, 8- untamed romania, 9- street food asia, 10- somebody feed phil, 11- salt fat acid heat, 12- chef’s table, 13- ugly delicious, 14- high on the hog, 15- expedition happiness, 16- paul holywood’s big continental road trip, 17- pedal the world, 18- biking borders, 19- the kindness diaries, 20- magical land of oz, 21- planet earth i and ii, 22- cabins in the wild, 23- the world’s most amazing vacation rentals, 24- instant hotel, 25- travel man, top travel shows on netflix.

If you love exploring the mountains and people living in between them, this Netflix travel documentary will appeal to your sense of adventure.

Travel to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina’s southern tip, a region with abundant wildlife that thrives on its temperate climate because of its isolation from other continents’ animals.

The terrain ranges from diverse forests with giant trees like Patagonian Cypress, Andean Beech tree or Southern Chilean Myrtle to white-sand beaches washed by turquoise waves as seen in Ushuaia where Magellan landed 400 years ago and named it “Great Land.”

Discover Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point on Earth in Argentin a, and Torres del Paine Park, one of South America’s most beautiful places.

Follow the Andes through Mendoza up into Bolivia, where you’ll find Uyuni – a large salt flat that holds more than 11 billion tons of sediments left by ancient lakes from 15 million years ago.

Nearby La Paz offers an aerial tram ride for views like no other as it takes off over 2,600 meters above sea level with breathtaking panoramas of The Bolivian Plateau stretching out before you below.

If this isn’t enough adventure in South America , there are the mysteries of Machu Picchu to discover.

Released in: 2019

Down to Earth with Zac Efron is a Netflix travel documentary that follows the journeys of American actor, producer and singer-songwriter Zac Efron.

His travels to France, London , Sardinia, Iceland, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Peru cover the serious issue of sustainable ways in a light and easily digestible tone.

Together with wellness expert Darin Olien, Zac searches for the secrets to long life and good health.

The series also addresses attaining a higher level of eco-consciousness, with a good dose of thrills.

Zac explores the birthplace of eco-tourism in Costa Rica and learns how a county is obtaining power from 100% renewable sources.

Another interesting activity is exploring London’s clean eating, green walls and urban beekeeping.

From Calais to Paris and Lourdes in France , the theme of water is another fascinating subject to explore through this travel series.

Released: 10 July 2020

The Zulu Man in Japan is a documentary exploring Japanese culture and is a 48-minute visual experience.

The travel documentary is a collaboration between the award-winning Durbanite and some of Japan’s coolest musicians, including JP The Wavey, Ricky and Yoshi.

Zulu Man explores Japan’s food, culture, life and public transport in this contemporary cultural travel show that fans will love.

Released: 25 September 2020

Tales by Light is an Australian documentary reality television series that originally aired on National Geographic.

It follows several professional photographers worldwide as they capture images that tell a story through their eyes, and behind every powerful image lies a tale worth telling.

The photographers in Tales by Light push the limits of their craft and convey a sense of places and cultures through their art.

Each episode is focused on a different photographer, and the themes focus on protecting beautiful places and cultures around the wider world.

Released: 24 May 2015 and available on Netflix 11 November 2016

From a haunted forest to a nuclear lake and other places where death and tragedy occurred, if quirky and macabre travel spots attract you, make sure you watch Dark Tourist on Netflix.

The series visits Medellin and delves into the legacy of Pablo Escobar and on to Mexico City, where the followers of Santa Muerte spill their secrets.

In Japan, explore Tomioka, which was evacuated during the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a robot hotel, death worshipping cult and a suicide hotspot.

Explore murder locations in Milwaukee, where Jeffrey Dahmer did gruesome deeds, go on tours that investigate the assassination of JFK, meet vampires in New Orleans and take a tour of the Manson murders.

Dark tourism may not be mainstream but it’s an interesting show.

Released: 20 July 2018

Travels with My Father is a series that follows comedian Jack Whitehall and his father across southeast Asia.

Father and son start off by exploring Vietnam , Cambodia and Thailand and move to Eastern Europe in the second series, while the third series is in the American West and the fourth series discovers Australia.

It’s a must-see for Jack Whitehall fams as this travel documentary series is a funny and heartwarming take on life.

Released: 22 September 2017

This documentary explores the rich landscape and culture of Guatemala, featuring the mysteries of ancient Mayan cities.

Guatemala is the heart of the 2000-year-old Mayan civilisation, which mysteriously collapsed.

This Netflix travel series starts in Petén, which has over 50 Mayan archaeological sites.

Maya culture continues to influence contemporary Guatemala, where four million people speak 24 Maya languages and traditions like weaving and counting the days in the Maya calendar still exist.

Watch this show on Netflix, and you’ll be itching to visit Guatemala’s museums, archaeological sites and towns.

Released: 11 December 2019

Untamed Romania is a feature-length film that celebrates the natural beauty of Romania , featuring its wildlife.

The show is narrated by Victor Rebengiuc and was produced through 12 months of his travels around the country.

From the Danube Delta to the Făgăraș mountains, this beautiful travel diary showcases the different seasons in Romania and is a must-see for nature lovers.

If you’re interested in exploring Romania, this series is worth watching.

Released: 18 March 2018.

Food Travel Documentaries on Netflix

Some of the best travel shows are to do with food.

Street Food Asia is a relatable show on Netflix that takes viewers into the kitchens in the backstreets of Asia’s best food cities.

From Bangkok to Singapore, Delhi to Osaka , the American Netflix documentary by David Gelb and Brian McGinn will take you on an exciting exploration of popular dishes.

The show splices in archival footage with interviews and follows street cooks and how street food has played a part in the culture of each country.

It’s one of the best travel documentary series to discover Asian delights.

Released: 26 April 2019

This Netflix original follows the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond worldwide, visiting cities like Dublin, Bangkok, Mexico City, New Orleans, Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

The fourth season goes from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta to Hawaii.

Experiences include eating street food in Chinatown and exploring Bangkok’s floating market.

From slurping pho in Saigon and drinking Vietnamese coffee to eating shakshuka and visiting a synagogue-themed hummus shop in Tel Aviv, readers go on a fascinating discovery of delicious recipes

Released: 12 January 2018.

New York Times Magazine columnist Samin Nosrat is the brainchild behind the docuseries, based on the award-winning book.

Salt Fat Acid Heat explores the ingredients at the heart of dishes around the world.

From olive oil and cheese in Italy to soy and miso in Japan, watching this travel show on Netflix is a great way for foodies to experience the world.

Released: 2018

Another famous travel show on Netflix is Chef’s Table, which follows the best chefs in the world, an episode at a time.

From the tranquillity of rural Sweden to the mountains of Peru and temples in South Korea , watching this chef show is a fantastic way to explore the world through its food culture.

Each episode follows a different chef and features each chef’s philosophies to cooking.

Released: 26 April 2015

Awards: 2018 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and many other awards since 2015.

Another popular chef show follows award-winning chef David Chang on a culinary journey of the popular hotspots.

Accompanied by a bevy of interesting characters, including artists, writers, activists and famous chefs, they use food to break down cultural barriers.

From top-notch kitchens to local eateries, the show is a showcase of food in some of the globe’s best foodie cities, including Copenhagen, Tokyo and Houston.

Released: 23 February 2018.

African-American soul food is the star of High on the Hog, a travel show on Netflix based on the eponymous book.

A culmination of years of work showcases the history of African American cuisine, tracing the journey from cultivating and harvesting to processing and cooking.

It’s a celebration of food that African slaves brought to America, including blackeyed peas, watermelon and okra.

This is one of the best travel shows to help you delve into this aspect of America’s history.

Released: 26 May 2021.

Road Trip Travel Shows On Netflix

Expedition Happiness follows a young German couple, Felix and Mogli, who take off on a road journey in a refurbished school bus.

From Alaska to Mexico, this travel show is about the couple’s search for happiness.

They leave city life in Berlin to feed their souls with their mountain dog.

Various setbacks make this show a riveting watch, and the characters are real people who have fears and hopes.

From worrying about whether soldiers have framed them by planting drugs under their bus to drinking tequila with a drug dealer, you’ll want to know whether they do find happiness in their travels.

Released: 4 May 2017.

Baker and actor Paul Hollywood, a fan of sleek sports cars, discovers how popular cars in Europe are connected with culture and identity.

In Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip, Paul visits France , Italy and Germany to drive popular cars such as the £2 million Italian Huayra, a 2CV in France and a German VW Kombi Camper Van.

Released: 28 May 2017

Follow a young millennial as he bicycles around the globe through 22 countries, searching for the meaning in life.

The 20,000 km journey is a year-long bicycle tour through multiple countries, visiting some of the most famous landmarks around the world.

From Germany to Turkey to South east Asia to New Zealand and the USA, Felix Starck has an adventure like no other, documenting his personal experience.

It’s a bucket list journey for cycling fans to watch.

Released: 29 October 2015

Some of the best travel shows are about exploring places while doing something good for humanity.

A 15,000 km bicycle tour around the world raising funds to build a school in Guatemala is a worthy cause to follow.

Follow the adventures of Max and Nono from Berlin to Beijing and be inspired by their Beijing to Berlin.

Released: 2019

The Kindness Diaries is a social experiment that puts the spotlight on generosity and selflessness.

Leon Logothetis goes on a road tour to find compassion from strangers.

This unique travel show is one of the best travel documentaries for an uplifting watch that brings hope in a world where greed is rampant.

Released: 21 February 2017

Nature Travel Shows On Netflix

Discover the magic of Australia while watching the Magical Land of Oz.

Australia is a beautiful country with many natural surprises, from the wild ocean to the highest peaks, from tropical savannahs to lush rainforests.

From wild numbats to giant cuttlefish, there is a myriad of wild creatures to meet.

Barry Humphries is the narrator of this popular show that reveals the challenges animals face in this land of extremes.

Released in: 17 February 2019

Sir David Attenborough narrates both Planet Earth and its sequel.

Both are the best travel shows for lovers of nature to devour.

From learning about flora and fauna to South east Asia’s smooth-coated otters, from Tibetan foxes to endangered Ethiopian ibex, leopards in Mumbai, Jaipur’s monkeys and Southern France’s catfish, these two nature travel documentaries on Netflix are sure to delight.

Released in: 2006 and 2016

Two men follow a competition to create a portable hotel in the wilderness consisting of eight cabins, each with its style and décor.

Competition rounds are based on themes, such as the battle of the dragon where a cabin built to look like the eye of the dragon competes against one that looks like a dragon’s claw.

Cabin designs are creative and watching the show will inspire you to pack your bags and head out into the wilderness.

A luxurious cabin inspired by a Welsh coal pit fights it out with a contemporary slate cabin. Other fantastic creations are a cabin inspired by the legend of King Arthur and a double-storey tepee.

Released: 2017

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals helps viewers discover unique vacation rentals covering a wide range of budgets.

The show highlights unique options such as a treehouse in Atlanta, a cabin in Hawaii with its own waterfall and a snake-shaped apartment in Mexico City.

There are plenty of luxury escapes to swoon over and some amazing experiences, such as waking up in a bed of marshmallow pillows in a room that costs $15,000 a night and sleeping in a bamboo pod in Bali.

From a private Bahamas island to the Yellow Ferry, which is the oldest surviving wooden ferry on the West Coast, to a cave in the Ozark Mountains, this travel show will wow you with a world of delightful accommodation choices.

Released: 2021

Instant Hotel is a reality show where teams of Australian homeowners stay in one another’s rentals and rate their experiences.

Each team and a judge scores each other based on a set of criteria including the property, location, attractions, value and a good night’s sleep.

The highest-scoring team moves to the Grand Final, and the prizes are impressive, such as $100,000 in cash and a stay at a Californian Instant Hotel.

Released: 7 November 2017

Travel Man follows the comic and his British celebrity guests as they explore cities like Hong Kong, Helsinki and Miami.

Fancy spending 48 hours in Athens with Dawn French or 48 hours in Florence with Rebel Wilson, or 48 hours in Istanbul with Adam Hills?

The programme a 48-hour itinerary in a format that moves fast with plenty of tips and a dash of humour.

The two-times nominated BAFTA show also won Best Factual Programme three years in a row at the RTS Midlands awards.

You can watch Travel Man on Amazon Prime.

Released: 30 March 2015

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Traveling is something that many people wish they could do more of. Whether you lack the time, money, or know-how to travel the world, though, it can be comforting to watch others do it from the comfort of your couch. A great travel show or documentary can be a wonderful escape and a reminder that the world is much bigger than the tiny slice of it you live in every day. What’s even better is that many great travel documentaries on Netflix, if you’re willing to go looking for them.

These documentaries will deliver stunning panoramic shots of the U.S. National Parks , as well as plenty of international wonders, and a little bit of good food as well. If you like all kinds of docs, travel or not, we’ve got you covered with Netflix documentaries (or maybe you’re just really into crime docs and action flicks). We also have an overall guide on the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix shows .

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For more than a decade now, there have been plenty of great Netflix shows to stream. If you're an animation fan, that's especially true, because, in addition to housing some of the best anime series in the world, there's a wide variety of cartoons on Netflix for adults and kids alike. If you're looking for the best place to watch cartoons online, you really don't need to look much further than Netflix.

Whether you're looking for action, some adult-oriented comedy, or a great animated show that the entire family can enjoy, the streamer has got you covered. Some of these series are ones that Netflix has produced, while others were acquisitions, but what unites them all is that every fan of animation will love them. Here are Netflix cartoons to add to your must-watch list.

The best sci-fi shows are able to capture the imagination of audiences with the perfect amount of realism, while also dissociating from reality enough to entertain and thrill. There are plenty of sci-fi movies on Netflix that are well worth checking out, but if you’re in the mood for something that will take a little bit longer to consume, you may be looking for a series. To find the best show for you, we've done the hard work of looking through all of Netflix's many options to find the best options. Below are the greatest sci-fi TV shows on Netflix. Once you’re done watching any of these sci-fi TV shows, you may want to check out the best sci-fi movies of all time.

Dark (2017)

Have you ever found yourself looking through all the movies on Netflix, only to find that actually choosing one to watch is very taxing? That's not even mentioning all the Netflix shows to dig through. If you know you're looking for a particular kind of movie, that can help, but even then, there can be too many movies to choose from. Luckily, we've been watching tons of great sci-fi movies and have already determined which ones rise to the top of the pile on Netflix. So if you're looking for the best sci-fi movies on Netflix this year, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for Netflix movies that will keep you occupied for a whole weekend or an evening, you can also check out our list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix right now.

Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now

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We all love to travel. Some of us travel to gather new experiences, some to learn new things, some to try new adventures, and some just to relax and unwind. But, the fact is we can’t travel as much as we want to because of work, family, and other obligations. What do we do then? Well, we look for sources of travel inspiration . We search for inspiring travel quotes, we read travel books, or we watch travel movies, or we watch travel shows…anything that inspires our wanderlust. That’s how we escape to far-off places from the comfort of our homes. We, vicariously live out our travel dreams. Thanks to the digital world we live in today. The real game-changer in the travel TV genre has to be Netflix. It’s home to some amazing travel shows. With hundreds of travel shows to choose from on Netflix, you can see the different parts of the world without ever leaving your couch or bed. However, with so many diverse options, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the perfect travel show or documentary. We’re here to help.

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

Here’s an ultimate list of the best travel shows on Netflix recommended by travel experts for you all travelers out there to binge on. So, what are you waiting for?

Pick the travel show you want to see, and pack your bags…Ummm…grab a bag of popcorn, settle on your couch, and hit the on-button of the remote.

#1 Travels with My Father

3 seasons, 13 episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

Sean from LivingOutLau says, “My favorite travel series on Netflix has to be Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father. “ A travel documentary comedy that follows the journey of a twenty-something-year-old son and a close to 80-year-old father, Travels With My Father is both culturally enriching and hilarious. The son, Jack Whitehall, takes his posh father, Michael Whitehall, on a popular backpacking gap-year route across Southeast Asia, where their contrasting personalities create a fun dynamic for the audience. If you ever wanted to see the results of a high-class elderly man from the UK staying in a hostel, then you must not miss the show. The father’s disconnect from many of the latest travel news and trends creates some of the hilarious moments in the show, such as when he chats up with a very nice lady who turns out to be a “ladyboy” in Thailand . Currently, there is a total of 3 seasons of Travels With My Father on Netflix. Season 1 features travel adventures in Southeast Asia, season 2 in Eastern Europe, and season 3 in the United States . Whichever season you pick, just be ready to laugh until your stomach hurts!

#2 Moving Art

3 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 8.7/10

Tanayesh from Shoestring Travel asserts that Moving Art has to be one of the most relaxing shows on Netflix. I watch it to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of the day. Moving Art by Louie Schwartzberg is a documentary exclusively on nature like deserts, forests, oceans, wildlife, and many more with soothing music playing over top. The movie provides a pensive tour of witnessing the world and as it is without narration, you can actually feel the sounds of nature at large. The amazing shots which are tactfully edited with the cinematography are just breathtaking! Once you sit to watch the movie, you will absolutely be glued to it and would definitely love to watch it often. Moving Art is my all-time favorite – whether I can travel or I can’t I satisfy my desire to travel by watching this exotic nature movie. For me, it’s a spiritual experience as I watch nature’s beauty sitting at home experiencing her beauty in different ways. Not to forget this movie also heals my mind and body and gives me the utmost pleasure. This gorgeous series answered an unspoken desire to have a nature film without the spoken word. The desire is so strong that I have to watch it daily. And not one film but four! These films are meant to be enjoyed and in the end, you will have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind, and you will embrace positivity and forget all negativity. There is not an iota of mediocrity in these works. And I will be able to view them over and over. Thank you, Louis Schwartzberg. By following your bliss, you have given it to others. Lovely contribution to the planet.

#3 Our Planet

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10

Cassie from Cassie the Hag believes that Our Planet, a documentary series on Netflix, is a travel show hoping to help us connect better with our homes. Narrated by Britain’s favorite national treasure David Attenborough, the show focuses on the conservation issues we – and our planet – now face due to the dire human impact on the environment. Viewers are invited to enjoy stunning nature shots of frozen worlds to deserts, jungles to the high seas, and close-ups of animals in their natural habitats…while being gently reminded of our responsibility as global citizens. It is this perspective that makes me believe Our Planet is a must-see. Travel lovers will be inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Russia, Chile, South Georgia, Madagascar, and many more.

Although I’ve already enjoyed an amazing holiday in Indonesia , it definitely made me long to go back to see the orangutans of Sumatra and the coral reefs of Raja Ampat – known as one of the best diving regions in the world. The beauty of Earth’s natural ecosystem shines while the focus shifts to the rich but fragile biodiversity. We are reminded that South Georgia may look stunning – and the penguins are totally cute – but the melting ice caps could change Earth dramatically and doom the animals who live there. Our Planet is not all doom and gloom, mind. In Serengeti , Tanzania , we see messages of sadness and hope – both hippos crammed into small areas of the Great Ruaha River due to the human water industry – but also witness shots of wild dogs who have back from local extinction. You’ll start watching Our Planet for outdoor inspiration but leave it wanting to take better care of your home.  

#4 Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

Dave from davechant.com recommends his favorite travel show on Netflix – Dark Tourist. Dark tourism is loosely defined as travel to areas where death, disaster, or atrocity is an integral part of the experience. People have for many years been visiting Chernobyl or Auschwitz but there’s a growing desire for the macabre and sinister that coined this travel term in the early twenty-first century. In 2018 comes the Netflix documentary Dark Tourist, starring the journalist David Farrier. He’s been described as the poor man’s Louis Theroux, but there’s something amiable and naïve about his bumbling narrative and efforts to understand dark tourism that makes him watchable in a slightly Karl Pilkington way. To date, there has been 1 season with 8 episodes broadcast. Highlights include David heading to Mexico City and witnessing both an exorcism and learning about a community that worships the “death saint” and visiting the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster site in Japan (Episodes 1 and 2 respectively.) In Episode 6 he has a dilemma involving a bazooka and a cow in Cambodia and goes to a mummified corpse ritual in Indonesia . The most bizarre section has to come in the last episode where he visits a haunted house attraction in Tennessee lasting 8 hours where people are literally tortured physically and psychologically. Suffice it to say no one has made it completely through the 8 hours without issuing their safe word. Sometimes Dark Tourist is a little hit and miss – naturally, you’ll gravitate to certain “experiences” over others. However, easy watching at times this is not, and you may not love it, but you’ll find yourself mesmerized as to what’s going to happen next.

#5 Street Food

1 season, 9 episodes | IMDb: 8.0/10

Emily from Wander-Lush says, “If you’re a fan of the popular TV show Chef’s Table, you’ll be pleased to know the Netflix travel series Street Food is created by the same team.” This time around, they’re not chronicling Michelin-starred celebrity chefs – instead, they’re paying tribute to the often overlooked and unsung heroes of the street food world. Season one takes a deep dive into 9 cities in Asia, including Seoul, Delhi, and Saigon . Food is, of course, the star, but each episode also paints a picture of the location. One thing I love about this show is how succinct it is. Each 30-minute episode follows three or four individual protagonists, humanizing the food from the very beginning. From the daily rituals of a Yogyakarta dessert vendor, as she wakes up at dawn to lovingly prepare her sweet treats, to the trials and tribulations of a busy Bangkok street chef, each episode is a window onto someone’s world and is totally immersive. Beyond the food they cook, the show explores each person’s backstory, narrated by them in their native language through interviews. The women and men who star in Street Food are champions of their communities. At times, the show zooms out to illustrate how critical street food culture is to the fabric of society in their respective countries. Each episode is packed with practical tips for foodie travelers, too. I started watching it when I was planning a trip to Vietnam  and ended up pinning all the locations on Google Maps so I could visit them myself! There’s currently only one season of Street Food available on Netflix, but a second one is in the pipeline.

#6 Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan

2 seasons, 35 episodes | IMDb: 8.8/10

Even though it is a culinary show, it travels across India showcasing the history, and tradition related to the cuisine. It is said that the place, its weather, food that grows there have a very important influence in developing the cuisine of that region. The series name literally means ‘King, Kitchens and their stories’ and delves into each state’s history.

Visiting the royal palaces and their royal kitchens, and roaming the streets to understand where and how it originated keeps you engrossed. There are some interesting stories about how some ingredients originally from different countries traveled across continents and now are an integral part of Indian cuisine. India has a history that dates back centuries and it’s evident in food as well. In one of the episodes, they even shared the scripts of recipes written on leaves by the chef of a king.

A culinary trip to India would be incomplete without visiting the places where it originated. Travel is an experience not only about visiting a place but also about knowing the culture, history, and food of the area. And this series for sure will fulfill it completely. The bold voice that weaves stories through beautiful locations and aromatic cuisines is another highlight of the series.

We started watching as a family and our kids even joined us and took an equal interest. The first season had 11 episodes of 1 hour that traversed food of some major states of India like Rajasthan , Tamil Nadu , Punjab, Kashmir, Kerala , Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. Season 2 had 24 episodes but the duration was 30 minutes.

#7 Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Daisy from Oman Travel Guides thinks, that for those that love to travel, one of the best (and only) things to do during this period of self-isolation is to travel vicariously through others.

One such way to do so is by learning different cultures and customs through a good Netflix series. And what better series is there than a cooking show produced by award-winning chef David Chang? (Hint: Almost none.) Ugly Delicious is a Netflix show that follows David and a few of his colleagues around the world in a quest to better understand various dishes and meals. It explores the local history and culture through dish-specific travels. It is both informative and humorous, which is great for those who are looking for something more light-hearted but educational. Each episode dives into the specifics of a dish and explores its variations in different countries, as well as how it evolved with the cultural specificities of the region. Be it the concept of fried chicken, pizza, or tacos, David Chang is able to capture the intricacy and complexity that is often overlooked by others. He and his team have traveled to Japan, Naples, and more to further research the numerous factors that contribute to a dish that is similar in concept, but different in taste. Ugly Delicious is an excellent show in that it not only looks at the food but also brings to light critical sociocultural issues that are found within each dish. It does a beautiful job of connecting the dots between different cuisines and people and makes us think more carefully about the various elements behind the things we consume each day.

#8 Somebody Feed Phil

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Veronika from Travel Geekery says, “When it comes to  traveling at home , or rather just inducing that travel feeling, travel food shows are a great option, even though you cannot eat what the people on your TV screen do. I’ve enjoyed watching both seasons of Somebody Feed Phil and am looking forward to season 3 coming out at the end of May 2020.” Philip Rosenthal , the “Phil” in the show, is a well-known name in the US Entertainment Industry. He produced the popular sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ in the ’90s. It went on for 9 seasons! So nowadays in his current show, which he produces and stars in, Phil travels the world in search of the delicious. And man, does he like food! From New Orleans to Bangkok, Phil seeks out local foodie spots from both expats and locals and stuffs himself till full. The most unique feature of the show is how funny, or rather goofy, Phil is. He is a comical character, makes amusing or embarrassing jokes, dances, sings… He really puts himself out there. He also hasn’t hesitated to bring the whole family into the TV Show. He skypes his parents in every episode, updating them on his whereabouts and the local food. His brother is the cameraman and sometimes interacts with Phil. His wife and kids once joined him for a big part of an episode in Copenhagen . The lighthearted travel/food documentary serves as a great inspiration for future trips. We knew what delicious things to expect in Ho Chi Minh City after watching Phil’s show. We even rewatched it once there to make sure we didn’t miss out on any of the local specialties.

#9 Tales by Light

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Jeff from Life Of Y recalls, “When I was growing up, I dreamed of becoming a travel photographer. What could be better than traveling the world and doing what you love the most? Sometimes we forget why we fell in love with a particular passion or hobby. Maybe jobs, bills, and other things get in the way. Then, one day, something comes along from the professionals you had admired as a child…” Tales By Light is a visually stunning documentary series created by National Geographic and Canon Australia . The show follows professional photographers as they explore various lands, pushing the limits of their abilities, in an attempt to show us our world in ways we’ve never seen before. Each episode is a visual journey as the photographers tell us their vision of the perfect image and what the project means to them. From marine photography in Papua New Guinea to photographing religious festivals in the Himalayas, we experience every joy and every challenging moment through their eyes! Nearly everybody thinks they can be a photographer, or an Instagrammer, these days but this show will make you think long and hard about what it really takes to be in the profession. It will also make you want to take your photography, and even your traveling and adventuring, to a whole new level. The great thing about Tales By Light is that it’s not aimed at just photographers. Anyone with an interest in travel, nature, culture, or even just life, in general, will enjoy this. I highly recommend this show, not just for the spectacular cinematography, but as a great source of inspiration as well.

#10 The Kindness Diaries

2 seasons, 26 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Lara from Both Feet On The Road feels The Kindness Diaries is an incredibly inspiring documentary travel show on Netflix. I absolutely love this series and I recommend every travel lover to watch it. But what makes this travel show so inspiring? The series follows a man named Leon Logothetis (former broker) who travels the world with no money. In season one he travels with a vintage motorcycle and completely depends on the kindness of strangers for fuel, a place to sleep, and eat! In season two he starts in Alaska with a vintage Beetle and drives all the way to the tip of Argentina , still solely relying on people’s kindness. Unfortunately, season 1 is no longer available on Netflix, but season 2 still is. In return for people’s kindness, Leon helps them realize their dreams. For example, by paying for education and a home for a homeless man, paying for healthcare, helping stray dogs, or building schools. Each time a stranger offers him a place to sleep or eat, he offers them something in return. Before you watch, I have to give you a heads-up. The first time I watched the show I thought it was scripted and perhaps a bit over the top. But I urge you to keep watching, It’s not fake and the more you watch it, the better it gets. Even if it’s partly scripted, the kindness of strangers is real and from the heart. It’s heartwarming to see how far he gets and how helpful humankind can be. If you have ever lost all trust in our kind, you should watch this show! Leon’s goal is to show the world the power of human connection and that’s exactly the power of this show. And of course, the fact that you get to travel around the world virtually.

#11 Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.7/10

Lee from The Travel Scribes elucidates, If you like Ugly Delicious, you’ll love David Chang’s later foray into food and travel: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. This four-part limited series is a frothy, definitely, funny take on celebrity interviews as each episode sees Chang hang out with one of his famous buddies in different cities around the world, literally eating his way through the three square meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The series is interesting in that you don’t only explore the gastronomic culture and best eats of the city in question, but you get under the skin of these famous personalities while taking in the sights and sounds of the country. Almost a fusion of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and Anthony Bourdain-esque shows it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves food and famous people, in that order. Take, for example, the first episode. Actor and funnyman Seth Rogen takes Chang through his paces in Vancouver, Canada . It’s Rogen’s hometown so he easily showcases the best it has to offer: everything from Chinese-inspired dim sum to sugary doughnuts as they laugh the day away. Episode two changes pace as model and Twitter royalty, Chrissy Teigen , leads him through the maze-like warren of Marrakesh as they feast on lamb tagines, while the third installment has Chang in Los Angeles as Lena Waithe from  Master of None  plies him with potatoes, crayfish, and even the food of a retro bowling alley. Topped off with episode four, featuring comedian Kate McKinnon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia , where the two explore the city together as first-time visitors. As diverse as it is dynamic, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is an exploration of different cultures and destinations through the universal language of food. Undoubtedly binge-watching (and eating) fodder to whet your travel appetite!

#12 Conan Without Borders

1 season, 6 episodes

Based on the adventures of Conan O’Brien , a late-night talk show, Conan Without Borders is a fresh take on travel, cultures, and people. For this show, Conan traveled to a myriad of locations including Cuba, Israel, Haiti, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and Germany . The stuff he does in one country has nothing to do with another country, which keeps the content in mint condition. For instance, while in Japan, Conan decided to rent a fake family once he heard about Japan’s crisis of loneliness, and the service to rent families. In Germany, he visited the nude beaches and met up with a dominatrix. In Cuba, he did a rum tour. In South Korea, he joined The Wonder Girls, Korean pop star J.Y. Park, and TWICE for a K-POP music video. For Ghana, Conan joined comedian Sam Richardson and met the locals to observe the Year of Return, a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade, and learned the local customs and language. In Haiti, he made fun of President Trump with locals. What I love the most about Conan Without Borders is the way he brings in his far-flung humor to make a fool of himself. In all these countries where he doesn’t speak their language, he still manages to make people laugh and keep it fun. But once you start looking beyond the humor, you also see his sensitive side when he is talking to people about turmoil, genocides, and economic issues- without ever making a joke.  Deb from The Visa Project has been following the show since it started and she recommends it to anyone. It’s different from most travel shows you have ever seen.

#13 Outlander

6 seasons, 68 episodes | IMDb: 8.4/10

Outlander combines drama, romance, and a sense of wanderlust all in one. From the opening theme song to the stunning images of Scotland , viewers are transported to another land (and another time). The show is based on a multi-part book series by American author Diana Gabaldon, and incredibly, the story-telling and visuals do the novel justice. While the start of the show lands viewers after the end of World War II, much of the action throughout the series takes place in the late 1700s Scotland and, in later seasons, France and the Americas . Outlander has a great mix of adventure and anticipation for what happens next coupled with actual historical events. I learned a ton about Scottish history while watching the show, as I was checking facts about events and people while I watched. The emotion brought forth by the telling of these events brings to life historically significant periods of time, including the Battle of Culloden. Not only this, but the sense of longing, loss, love, anger, and any emotion you can imagine is also portrayed beautifully by its main actors. Outlander even inspired Christa from Expedition Wildlife to  travel to the Scottish Highlands  to visit some of the featured sites! Incredibly, Scottish family names from the show can be seen on memorial stones placed in the Culloden Battlefield Memorial site, and the hills of Glencoe featured in many scenes can be explored. Now, whenever I hear that opening song, I think of Scotland and its magical lands.

#14 Carmen Sandiego

2 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 7.9/10

Tiffany from Mommy And Me Travels loves finding travel shows to inspire children to get excited about traveling.  She says, our family’s absolute favorite on Netflix is Carman Sandiego.  The show uses a catchphrase of ‘Where in the World is Carman Sandiego?’. My kids love trying to guess where Carman will end up before it is revealed in each episode.  This show is about a strong female lead, Carman, and how she uses her expert-acquired skills of theft to steal back items from her rivals before the items can be used against the world. Carman is not alone in her adventures. An expert team joins her along the way and in her ear is her sidekick ‘Player.’ The player guides Carman through all of the obstacles that she will encounter as she makes her way through cities.  Make discovering the world with Carman a weekly activity for you and your family.

#15 Master of None

2 seasons, 20 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Megan from Peter Pan Traveler says, “One of my favorite travel shows on Netflix is Master of None season 2. Not only is it a great travel show by making you want to pack your bag and move to Italy , but it can also help to mend a broken heart.” The main character is faced with an unfortunate break-up. Rather than being sad and depressed about his situation, he decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy.  This show is not only great for travelers, foodies, or anyone going through a break-up, but it is also a great encouragement to get out there and follow your dreams. It will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Italy and eat your heart out. It is a great travel show to watch while you plan your next trip. Also great for anyone learning or wanting to learn Italian, as a part of the show is filmed in Italian.  Out of all the great travel shows Netflix has to offer this is by far one of my favorites. There is something just so unique and funny about it that makes you want to watch it over and over again.

#16 Roman Empire

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 6.9/10

Matt of It’s All in Italy has watched an amazing 3 part documentary series on Netflix called the ‘Roman Empire’ which he absolutely loved. Roman Empire is a historical drama about events in Ancient Rome . The 3 part series centers not just on Rome but takes you to various parts of the Roman Republic, which later became the Roman Empire, including places like Gaul (modern-day France), Greece, and Egypt. Each of the 3 documentary series focuses on an important figure in Ancient Roman History including Emperor Commodus, Julius Caesar, and Emperor Caligula, and offers a fascinating insight into their character and the challenges they faced up to and during their rule as Emperor. It’s an intriguing series for not just history buffs, but for anyone who has traveled to or is  planning on traveling to Italy  as it puts the city of Rome and the country of Italy in an entirely new light. It will inspire you to visit historical sites in Rome and perhaps further afield to the Island of Capri, which was the home of Emperor Tiberius prior to being succeeded by Emperor Caligula. You’re sure to experience a range of emotions as you watch the series as you’re exposed to the savagery and opulence of the life and times of leaders and Emperors in Ancient Rome. It’s 5 stars from me 🙂

So, how many of these travel shows on Netflix have you watched? Which one would you want to add to your Netflix queue? Is your favorite travel show included in the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments section.

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Anjali Chawla

1 thought on “Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now”

Such a great list and some on there that I haven’t watched yet.

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

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Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

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9 Best Travel Shows to Watch on Netflix

Fuel your wanderlust with these top travel shows...

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• 23 March 2020
• • 5 min read

Since we’re unable to travel for a while and we’ve been advised to stay at home, what can we do to satisfy that travel itch? Luckily there are fun things you can do to fuel your wanderlust from the sofa. If you’re looking for the best travel shows to binge watch on Netflix, we’ve rounded up some of the funniest and inspirational travel series or documentaries that will take you to all corners of the planet. These awesome shows will not only help you plan your future travels, but also take you off the tourist track from your TV or laptop screen. Make good use of your time in quaruntine with these awesome travel shows that are available to watch on Netflix right now...

Want more? Check out our !

'Street Food'

If your favourite thing about travelling is trying all the local food, then you’ll get hooked on the documentary Street Food . This heartwarming show is made up of nine episodes, each one focusing on nine different street food cities. The episodes focus on the people who work hard on the streets of their hometown to serve authentic, droolworthy food to locals every day to make a living. From Bangkok, New Delhi to Osaka, Ho Chi Minh and Seoul, this show will make you smile when you see the love that goes into the cooking and it will give you a real feel for what street food to expect when travelling to these incredible cities. Just don’t watch this when you’re hungry…

'Asian Provocateur'

One of the funniest travel shows out there is Asian Provocateur . In Season 1, British stand-up comedian Romesh Ranganathan goes on a journey to Sri Lanka to discover his roots and learn more about the country he derives from. If you’ve always wanted to visit Sri Lanka, this documentary will show you what to expect from this beautiful country while also making you laugh out loud. Romesh reluctantly  partakes in local traditions but sees the beauty of his culture at the end. In Season 2, Romesh travels through the Sunshine State, Canada and America’s deep south! Get ready to binge…

'Tales by Light'

This 3-season Australian documentary follows two Australian photographers who travel around the world as we watch them try and capture the perfect images. The show tells a powerful story combining exploration, photography and nature. Pushing the limits of their craft, watch the photographers travel to some of the most remote parts of the world from Nepal all the way to Africa for their storytelling. This show will tantalize your senses and keep you inspired from your sofa. All you have to do is put the kettle on…

'The Calling'

This reality TV documentary sees food-crazed travel junkies journey across India, completing bucket list challenges after winning a once-in-a-lifetime scholarship to travel the country with TLC (an Indian television company). Receiving thousands of entries, only three travellers were chosen for the programme and you can watch them step out of their comfort zone travelling through eight Indian states. With one season and 8 episodes you will see friendships form, lives changing and once-in-a-lifetime dreams come true.

'Our Planet'

Narrated by David Attenbourgh, Our Planet is a beautifully produced documentary made for Netflix all about Mother Earth. One to watch for those who love wildlife and nature, every episode will fascinate you with its focus on climate change and how it’s affecting the world and all living creatures. Our Planet i s a Netflix original series with eight different episodes, each one focusing on different topics: Jungles, Coastal Seas, Deserts to Grasslands, Frozen Worlds and more. The filmography is simply incredible.

'Dark Tourist' 

Looking to experience the darker side of travel? Dark Tourist is a fascinating documentary where journalist David Farrier explores the dark tourism industry, visiting places that are historically associated with death and tragedy. With eight episodes to get hooked on, David goes to a nuclear lake, a haunted forest and some of the most unusual places around the world to learn more about the dark tourism phenomenon. It’s a fantastic watch if you ask us!

'Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father'

If you’re looking for a lighthearted travel series that’s a bit silly, then Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father is one to brighten your mood during this uncertain time. With his classic British humour, famous comedian Jack Whitehall takes his middle-class father around the world with him in true backpacking style. To this displeasure of his posh father, the trip is not how he is accustomed to travelling. In Season 1 they visit backpacker cities Bangkok, Phuket, Cambodia, Siem Reap and Hanoi. Season 2 sees them travel European cities such as Budapest, the German Alps, Moldova, Kiev and Istanbul.

'Exhibition Happiness'

Always wanted to pack up and go? Then this is the Netflix show for you. A filmmaker and his musician girlfriend take an epic road trip across North America with their dog in a refurbished school bus. Exhibition Happiness will take adventure lovers on a journey where they will witness two free spirits take on the vast continent hand in hand in search for something more. In one single episode, the show focuses on the unforgettable delights that travel brings but also brings to light the tougher times out on the road. The perfect show to put on in the background when working from home.

' Ugly Delicious' 

This is a great American-made documentary for foodies! Award-winning chef David Chang travels all around the world trying local food on a hunt to find the most mouth watering grub on our planet. Ugly Delicious sees celebrity guests join David for different episodes where he visits cities that are famed for their cuisines. From authentic tacos in Mexico, a traditional Brooklyn pizza to New Orleans seafood and Indian cuisine in Mumbai, enjoy two seasons of pure food heaven in some of the world’s coolest foodie cities. 

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13 x Best British Detective Series on Netflix in 2024

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

My parents are addicted to watching British detective series and other British crime series, and because of them, I have definitely become a fan of this genre too.

On Netflix, you can find a wide selection of detective series from England , Scotland , Wales (and Ireland as well), so I made a handy list for you if you love seeing tv-shows in these countries.

This way, you can make a quiet evening a bit more exciting! Which one is your favorite?

Fool me Once

Criminal united kingdom, city of tiny lights, once upon a time in london, travel without leaving home, where to travel next.

BRITISH DETECTIVE SERIES ON NETFLIX

Our new favourite is the mini-series Bodies. Here’s a brief summary: Four detectives. Four timelines. One body. To save the future of Great Britain, they must first solve the murder that changed the course of history.

The series takes place simultaneously in 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, showcasing London in all these years, especially the location where they discover the corpse: the Whitechapel district.

When ex-soldier Maya sees her murdered husband on a secret nanny cam, she exposes a deadly plot that goes far back in history.

This is one of our most favourite English crime series with the amazing actor Idris Elba! The plot: A dedicated detective tries to keep his private life on track while dealing with the psychological factors that come with crimes.

I found this series to be one of the most exciting new English thriller series! The plot: A chief inspector battles her own personal demons while trying to unmask an Irish serial killer posing as a family man.

With actress Gillian Anderson. Truly one of the best British detectives you must see, but quite intense at times, so I recommend watching it together with someone.

When Carlton Flynn disappears exactly 17 years later on the same evening as Stewart Green, a chain reaction is set off in the lives of the people around them.

Despite marriage drama, tragic loss, memory problems, and her duties as a mother, a London detective knows better than anyone how to catch murderers.

Within the walls of an interrogation room, London detectives question three suspects, each accused of a serious crime. But time is running out.

Everything revolves around love and lies as a DNA researcher discovers a new way to find the ideal partner and develops a bold new dating service.

The success of Rebecca Webb, co-founder and CEO of a thriving DNA dating service, seems unstoppable. But then a body is found in the Thames.

When a woman is brutally murdered in a playground, the detectives, in their pursuit of the perpetrator, are drawn deeper and deeper into a dark conspiracy.

A London detective investigates the murder of a pizza delivery man and uncovers a web of conspiracies between drug dealers, smugglers, and spies.

I haven’t seen it yet, but it sounds like a British detective series you wouldn’t want to watch alone in the dark!

You don’t always need to be physically on the road to enjoy the beauty of destinations from all around the world!

From vintage travel posters to beautifully displayed souvenirs and home decor items inspired by your favourite places and from travel journals and crafts to exploring world recipes, music and dance.

With our creative articles you’ll get some fresh ideas on how to bring the world closer to the comforts of your own home.

The series below are unfortunately no longer available on Netflix. So, you’ll have to look elsewhere!

When his reclusive partner suddenly disappears, a British hedonistic party animal plunges into the dangerous world of espionage to uncover the truth.

In melancholic London, a jaded detective investigates the mysterious disappearance of a prostitute, dealing with corruption and murder.

Organized crime came to London in the 1930s with two legendary gangsters who ruled for 30 years. But their fame would last even longer.

Enjoy watching! Which British police series do you miss on this list?

There is so much to explore in the world, how do you decide where to go next?

The Travel Tester is all about mindful travel and we love matching your passions to destinations on earth. So whether your travel for food , nature , creativity , history , culture , innovation , adrenaline , good karma or personal growth , we’ll have suggestions for you wherever you go.

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Home / Features / 41 best things to watch on Netflix UK

41 best things to watch on Netflix UK

Here's Netflix's best: the very finest films and TV shows the streaming service has to offer

Video-streaming service Netflix gives you a vast number of films, TV shows and documentaries to choose from. But with so much choice of UK streaming services out there, you may find yourself spending the entire evening shuffling through the selections in a vain hope of picking something suitable. Then realising you no longer have any time left to actually watch anything. The paralysis of choice, indeed!

• Read: The best 4K TVs available today

Never fear. We’ve rifled through the Netflix catalogue to bring you our essential picks, from side-splitting comedy series to involving drama to action-packed adventure blockbusters. Let Stuff be the sherpa on your trek to home entertainment nirvana.

PART 1: NETFLIX ORIGINALS

The wonderful story of henry sugar.

Netflix has paid over US$600m for the rights to adapt Roald Dahl’s written works for the screen. This 40-minute short directed by Wes Anderson is the result of that deal.

Anderson has excellent form when it comes to Dahl, having created 2009’s excellent Fantastic Mr. Fox , and puts together a star-studded cast for this whimsical and enjoyably stagy adaptation of the author’s 1970s short story about a man able to predict the future. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the eponymous Sugar, joined by Dev Patel, Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes and Sir Ben Kingsley.

Can you handle this much quirkiness? Sure you can. And the good news for fans of Dahl and Anderson is that it’s just the first (and longest) of a whole bunch of Anderson-directed Dahl adaptations available on Netflix.

Watch The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar on Netflix

Baby Reindeer (S1)

Comedian Richard Gadd writes and stars in this drama based on his real-life experience as the victim of a stalker. If you’re expecting a black comedy, they don’t come much darker than this, as Gadd’s Donny Dunn – a struggling stand-up working in a London pub – enters a nightmare of self-loathing, abuse and exploitation as a result of a chance meeting.

The seven-part series ultimately ends on a reflective, contemplative and somewhat enlightened note, and while Donny’s hellish journey of self-discovery certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted viewer, it’s intensely gripping stuff throughout.

Watch Baby Reindeer on Netflix

Ripley (S1)

Beautifully shot in stark black and white, this eight-part adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel is written and directed by Steven Zaillian (best known as for his Schindler’s List script) and stars Andrew Scott as the eponymous conman. Thomas Ripley is a shapeshifting sociopath who, arriving in 1960s Italy, inserts himself into a young couple’s glamorous lives.

Readers who remember Anthony Minghella’s film The Talented Mr. Ripley may wonder if Netflix’s series can match its compelling concoction of wonder and menace (if not its star-studded cast). Having watched the two adaptations, we think there’s enough room for both. With more time to play with, Scott and co-stars Johnny Flynn and Dakota Fanning deliver a more in-depth and detailed look at Tom Ripley’s life of deceit, deception and murder – even if you sometimes yearn for the film’s brisker pace.

Watch Ripley on Netflix

Better Call Saul (S1-6)

Everyone’s favourite sleazy-yet-likeable lawyer Saul Goodman (well, Jimmy McGill) returns to Netflix, in a series (now in fact four series, with a fifth on the way) that throws us back seven years before the explosive events of Breaking Bad .

Bob Odenkirk slips into his cheap suit with remarkable ease, and his superb performance allows his character’s desperation, tenacity and humour to seep through the screen and grab our attention with both hands.

It’s always fun to root for the underdog, and from the very first episode you’re right there alongside Goodman, wanting him to fight to the top – all while being aware of the dark things to come. Yet another belting Netflix Original.

Watch Better Call Saul on Netflix

3 Body Problem (S1)

Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss return to the small screen with this adaptation of Chinese author Cixin Liu’s visionary (and utterly terrifying) sci-fi novel. The adaptation makes a raft of changes to Liu’s text – mostly for the better, in our opinion – and while the show’s pacing and script could be better, in general it hits a fine balance. The novel’s most interesting concepts and scenes are all here, and some of Liu’s rather dry exposition has been sexed up somewhat.

We don’t want to spoil too much, but the story involves the Chinese Cultural Revolution, deep-space radio transmitters, a spate of strange suicides, virtual reality video games and a truly paradigm-shifting discovery, all adding up to a science fiction tale that’ll leave you feeling very tiny and insignificant indeed. And with two more gripping, mind-bending books in Liu’s series still to adapt, this could be the start of something truly epic – assuming Netflix renews it for a second and possibly third series.

Watch 3 Body Problem on Netflix

The Last Dance (S1)

Arguably the biggest sporting icon of all time, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a series of NBA championships in the 1990s, was the face of one of history’s most popular sneaker ranges and the star of a Hollywood movie. By 1998, however, it seemed like the Bulls’ era of dominance – and Jordan’s place at its heart – was in the balance. This engrossing, masterfully made 10-part documentary tells the story not just of that fateful season but of Jordan’s rise from green rookie to global superstar, and of how the Bulls planned and built their hegemony after years of underachievement.

The Last Dance will appeal not only to basketball and sport fans, but to anybody who appreciates a story well told and a glimpse into the strangely singular mind of mercilessly driven individuals like Jordan. Those looking for a nostalgic trip back to the 90s won’t be disappointed either – the era-appropriate soundtrack is superb.

Watch The Last Dance on Netflix

Stranger Things (S1-4)

Only 80s kids will understand this. Actually that’s not true at all, but Stranger Things is a love letter to many of the movies, TV shows and books that children who grew up in that decade will cherish: it’s replete with references to E.T. , Close Encounters of the Third Kind , The Goonies , Stephen King , Dungeons & Dragons and Poltergeist , and the mood and feel is sure to dredge up nostalgia aplenty.

Take away the retro vibes though, and the show can still stand on its own as a decent sci-fi drama-thriller. And it doesn’t mess about too much – unlike a lot of Netflix Original Series, its episodes are reasonably tight (around 40 minutes each), and there are only eight of them in the entire fantastic first season, and nine in the (almost as enjoyable) second.

Watch Stranger Things on Netflix

I Think You Should Leave (S1-3)

Sketch shows, once kings of TV comedy, have fallen out of favour of late. But I Think You Should Leave is proof positive that there’s plenty of life left in the old format: it just needed a refreshing jolt of weirdness.

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Tim Robinson co-writes and appears (along with a parade of familiar guest faces like Bob Odenkirk, Tim Heidecker and Andy Samberg) in a collection of crude, inventive and hilarious skits that rarely end up where you expect them to. The humour usually comes from a character “committing to the bit” by taking a social miscue or bizarre personality trait to extremes. It sounds simple enough, but Robinson and co have done nothing less than reinvent the comedy skit.

Watch I Think You Should Leave on Netflix

Ozark (S1-4)

Featuring some of the most bum-clenchingly tense scenes witnessed on a TV screen since Breaking Bad , Ozark follows Jason Bateman and Laura Linney’s squabbling Chicago couple as they launder money for a brutal and merciless drug cartel. When Bateman’s put-upon financial advisor happens on a risky plan to “wash” the dirty cash in rural Missouri, he and his family must immediately up sticks for a brand new life in one of America’s most deprived places. All of a sudden, murderous Mexican narco-barons become just one of many problems for the family.

Filmed in muted, washed-out tones with bags of brooding and squalor on show, Ozark doesn’t always make for a pretty watch. But if you like your drama series perpetually poised on a knife edge, it’ll be right up your street.

Watch Ozark on Netflix

Squid Game (S1)

Subtitle-haters are missing out if they choose to avoid this dark drama series on account of it being Korean (yes, we know you can watch it dubbed into English, but please… don’t do that). The gripping story of a heartless life-or-death tournament in which desperate contestants compete in souped-up playground games for the prospect of a fat winner’s cheque, Squid Game has already become not only one of Netflix’s most popular foreign language series, but its most popular debut series full stop. A grim commentary on late capitalism and how it encourages screwing each other over to get by? Sure, but it’s also entertaining as hell.

Watch Squid Game on Netflix

Black Mirror (S1-6)

Black Mirror has made the move from Channel 4 to Netflix in sumptuous, unsettling style.

Not only has the platform given Charlie Brooker and his team the freedom to tell more stories (the two Netflix-made series have six episodes rather than the usual three) and let each one run without ad breaks for as long as it needs to, it’s also given them a budget big enough to expand the scale, scope and special effects.

The feature-length final episode, Hated in the Nation , is a perfect case in point. What hasn’t changed is the overall theme. Each episode may tell a standalone story, but they’re all connected by the threads of modern humanity’s relationship with technology, the internet and social media.

Make no mistake, this is unnerving stuff, enhanced by the fact that the stories are generally set in a very near future that’s all too recognisable. But fear not, the trademark blacker-than-black humour has also been retained, so you’ll guffaw almost as much as you’ll squirm. This is must-see television for anyone who’s obsessed with tech.

Watch Black Mirror on Netflix

Sex Education (S1-4)

Using the word “raunchy” to describe a comedy-drama series makes us feel like 1970s tabloid journalists, but what better term to sum up a bunch of teenage sexcapades tied up by a fun plot and relatable, well-rounded and likeable characters? We’ll be calling it a “romp” next (which it also is) – but Sex Education is a genuinely inventive, engaging, insightful and occasionally moving series, and extremely easy to binge-watch.

Watch Sex Education on Netflix

Cobra Kai (S1-5)

A series that started life on YouTube Red as a giggle-worthy, nostalgia-fuelled spin-off of The Karate Kid movies, Cobra Kai is now firmly established as a fan-pleasing comedy-action-drama that arguably surpasses the beloved films that inspired it.

Back in the 80s, few could have imagined Karate Kid villain Johnny Lawrence being the nuanced, relatable protagonist of his own TV show over three decades later, but here we are. Johnny is just one of several characters from the movies now firmly ensconced in this new life, and being given far more depth as a result.

Watch Cobra Kai on Netflix

Mindhunter (S1-2)

David Fincher’s slick period drama series follows the efforts of two FBI agents to better understand how serial killers think. This sort of profiling wasn’t considered useful by law enforcement top brass in the late 1970s (when the first season of the show is set) but our protagonists believe that working out how murderers’ brains function is the key to stopping them.

If this all sound overly grim, don’t worry – Mindhunter isn’t all doom and gloom, being peppered with moments of comedy (often black, admittedly) and underpinned by the dynamic of the main characters’ strained relationship. It sadly appears to have been put on permanent hiatus since its second season, but rumours of a revival simply won’t go away. Fingers crossed.

Watch Mindhunter on Netflix

Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (S1)

Guillermo Del Toro has recruited a horror movie dream team, including the directors of Mandy , The Babadook and Splice , tasking each member with delivering their own hour(ish)-long tale of terror for this brilliant, ghoulish and disturbing limited collection.

The result is a Twilight Zone -style anthology series of tall tales and spooky stories, with weightless CGI gimmickry reduced (if not ditched entirely) in favour of old-fashioned practical effects. From occult rituals and ravenous alien parasites to bizarre beauty products and restless spirits, there’s so much here for horror lovers to enjoy, and it’s all so beautifully made.

Watch Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities on Netflix

PART 2: FILMS

Edge of tomorrow.

A cowardly officer accustomed only to sitting behind a desk finds himself fighting on the front lines against an alien invasion in Doug Liman’s underrated sci-fi movie. With no combat experience, he doesn’t last long. But immediately after he dies he finds himself waking up again that morning and repeating the entire experience, only slightly differently. He realises he’s trapped inside a Groundhog Day -style time loop, doomed to relive the day again and again – unless he can somehow find a way to survive it.

With fine performances from Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, killer visual effects and a clever hook, it’s odd that Edge of Tomorrow didn’t prove a bigger hit. The bland title didn’t do it many favours (it’s now often known as Live Die Repeat , a far more evocative name), but despite its lacklustre box office performance it’s proved itself to be a slow-burn hit among critics and viewers – so much so that a sequel is reportedly in development.

Watch Edge of Tomorrow on Netflix

One of the hit indie darlings of 2023, Past Lives actually lives up to the hype. And then some. The debut film from Korean-Canadian director Celine Song, it’s a story about childhood sweethearts whose lives completely diverge, only for them to reconnect again in adulthood.

This film feels like an examination of the choices we make and the roads we don’t take, with Song simply presenting events – impeccably acted by the central trio of Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro – and allowing viewers to make up their own minds about the true nature of the relationship between Na-young and Hae-sung. Are they really in love with each other in the present? With their past selves? Or with the lives that they might have led had things been different?

Watch Past Lives on Netflix

Bong Joon-ho’s Best Picture-winning black comedy bucks lots of Oscar-winning trends, being the first foreign-language film to win the award and cynical and mischievous in tone – an area where the Academy usually favours earnestness and sentimentality – but watching it it’s easy to see why it’s been so lauded: it’s masterfully crafted, funny, shocking, insightful and extremely relevant to the current state of the world, all while moving along at a dizzying pace.

The film revolves around two Korean families: the working-class Kims and the wealthy upper-middle-class Parks. The Kims pull off a dazzlingly Machiavellian scheme to install themselves as well-paid household employees of the trusting Parks, but their victory is short-lived – and suddenly neither they nor the viewer really knows where they stand. An engaging treatise on class, inequality and how modern capitalism brings out the bloodsucker in everyone – rich and poor alike.

Watch Parasite on Netflix

Halloween (1978)

Establishing the standard (and many of the tropes) for horror films with a mute and seemingly unkillable masked murderer, Halloween ’s deceptively ‘normal’ suburban locations, moody synth soundtrack (written and performed by director John Carpenter himself) and slow, steady build-up of tension make it a satisfyingly spooky watch almost 50 years after it was made.

Jamie Lee Curtis stars as the original ‘final girl’, babysitter-turned-serial-runner-away Laurie Strode while Donald Pleasance delivers gravitas and exposition as obsessive psychologist Dr Samuel Loomis. And the aforementioned killer Michael Myers, a looming knife-wielding ‘shape’ clad in an expressionless white mask, serves as an iconic cinematic manifestation of pure evil.

Watch Halloween on Netflix

The perfect antidote to our current ‘wild swimming’ craze, Jaws remains one of the most influential, entertaining and tension-filled films of all time.

Even if you haven’t watched it before (and statistically, you probably have), you surely know the deceptively simple premise: when a small New England seaside resort is terrorised by a killer Great White shark, the water-hating local police chief decides to hunt it down. But it’s this film’s camera work, script, direction and iconic John Williams score that make it such a cinematic icon; the first ever summer blockbuster, no less.

Director Steven Spielberg cranks up the tension through his use of perspective and sound, leaving the audience constantly on edge, but the film isn’t afraid to leaven its scares with moments of fun and comedy. It’s still a wonderful watch, over 40 years after its release.

Watch Jaws on Netflix

Watching an indie movie about jazz drumming might not sound like the most riveting way to spend an evening, but trust us: Whiplash is no ordinary indie movie about jazz drumming.

Miles Teller plays a New York music college student determined to become one of the skin-bashing greats. The problem is he’s never good enough to impress his insanely demanding band conductor, played in Oscar-winning form by J. K. Simmons. Simmons’ monstrous mentor looms over the film right through to the unforgettable final reel. We doubt you’ve ever seen a music movie that exhibits this much blood, sweat and tears.

Watch Whiplash on Netflix

Triangle of Sadness

Wealth, beauty and social hierarchy are in the crosshairs of Ruben Östlund’s astute and frequently nauseating social satire, which won the Cannes Palme d’Or as well as being nominated for Best Picture at the 2023 Oscars.

In series of long chapters focussing on specific situations, Östlund delivers a pitch-black dissection of the hyper-rich, viewed through the eyes of a pair of (relatively poor) model-cum-influencers invited onto a luxury cruise. From painfully awkward interactions between members of different societal tiers and a Captain’s dinner that goes terribly wrong to a brilliant final section in which all manner of traditional roles – gender, class, race – are upended, this is an brilliant but bleak exploration of how the modern world keeps power and money intrinsically intertwined.

Watch Triangle of Sadness on Netflix

Not many horror movies receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination, but Jordan Peele’s Get Out isn’t just any run-of-the-mill slasher flick or haunted house yarn – even if it does offer buckets of gore and plenty of unearthly discomfort as a young black man goes to upstate New York to spend the weekend with his white girlfriend’s family.

This is a genre-bending flick, working both as a straight-up scary movie and a wry take on the cloaked nature of modern-day racism. It’s also very funny. Add in Daniel Kaluuya’s fantastic lead performance and its status as a huge box office smash and you can see why it caught the Academy’s eye. For our money, it’s the most significant and interesting horror film of the past decade, and one everybody should see, whether they’re a fan of the genre not.

Watch Get Out on Netflix

Dune (2021)

Sci-fi novels don’t come any more influential than Frank Herbert’s Dune . The far-future epic has inspired everything from Star Wars to Warhammer 40,000 with its galaxy-spanning tale of interplanetary conflict, religious zealotry and, er, gigantic worms that burrow underground.

Succeeding in capturing the scope, drama and atmosphere of Dune , Denis Villeneuve’s movie is as close to a perfect adaptation as we’re ever likely to get. It’s beautifully filmed, both immense and intimate in scale, and succeeds in conveying the key parts of Herbert’s story in a (relatively) short amount of time. A second part will be arriving in cinemas in the summer of 2024.

Watch Dune on Netflix

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Everyone’s favourite web-slinger takes a break from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, forging an entirely new direction in this outrageously inventive animated film, which uses the multiverse theory to take the Spider-Man we think we all know and love in weird and wonderful directions.

To reveal more would diminish the joy of watching this alternate universe Spidey – Brooklyn schoolboy Miles Morales – embark on his own journey, brilliantly paralleling the one we’ve already seen in so many other movies, comics and games. The fact that it’s all brought to life in an amazing (no pun intended) animation style is simply the icing on a tasty cinematic cake.

Watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on Netflix

Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winner showcases Hayao Miyazaki’s filmmaking at its very best: magical, thought-provoking and utterly absorbing. While the average Western animated movie is dubbed sophisticated if it throws in a couple of knowing references for any adults that happen to be watching, Spirited Away feels like it’s working on an entirely different plane of existence, confident enough to play by its own set of rules.

This beautifully animated tale of a coddled young girl unwittingly drawn into a strange parallel world of spirits, witches and demons effortlessly touches on universal themes like family, love, friendship and facing your fears, making it a compelling, engaging watch for viewers of any age.

Watch Spirited Away on Netflix

Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel of the same name,  Gone Girl  is a smart, cold-blooded psychological thriller in which Ben Affleck’s small-town boy has to cope with his wife’s shock disappearance – and growing speculation that he may be the one responsible. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clearer and clearer that neither of the spouses are quite what they seem, and that this case is more than a simple whodunnit.

Slickly directed by the masterful David Fincher, this unconventional mystery is likely to fix its hooks into you from the off – unless of course you’ve already read Flynn’s book, in which case you’ll already know all the twists and turns before they happen.

Watch Gone Girl on Netflix

Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction has an astonishing legacy. Not only did it immediately elevate its young writer-director Quentin Tarantino into the Hollywood pantheon, it also made Samuel L. Jackson a household name, resuscitated John Travolta’s moribund career and delivered one of the all-time great movie monologues (Christopher Walken explaining the significance of that pocket watch).

But over and above all that, it’s just an incredibly cool and self-assured film. This non-chronological series of interrelated stories about Los Angeles crooks serves up a cavalcade of unforgettable scenes; it’s eminently quotable, perfectly framed and executed, and the kind of movie you can watch over and over again, each time finding some small new detail to appreciate. It’s arguably Tarantino’s best film, and without a doubt his most influential.

Watch Pulp Fiction on Netflix

You don’t need an interest in sport to get engrossed in this Oscar-winning doping exposé. Icarus is really two documentaries in one, with the first third of the film a kind of Super Size Me for performance-enhancing drugs: the filmmaker, a semi-pro cyclist, embarks on a hardcore doping program to show how flawed the drugs-testing process is.

But when his advisor, scientist Gregory Rodchenkov, suddenly finds himself in the eye of an international storm over Russia’s state-sponsored doping program, Icarus handbrake turns into an enthralling fly-on-the-wall thriller about the dangers of being a whistleblower in an authoritarian country. Cue mysterious deaths, tense interviews and a lot of hand-wringing as Rodchenkov goes into hiding from Putin’s cronies.

Watch Icarus on Netflix

Top Gun: Maverick

Is Top Gun: Maverick the movie that saved cinemas? Steven Spielberg certainly thinks so, crediting Tom Cruise’s return to his iconic 1980s role as a panacea in Panavision. Here was a blockbuster so universally appealing and crowd-pleasing that it convinced a public cowed by COVID-19 and coddled by an abundance of effort-free at-home streaming services into returning to picture houses en masse .

Maverick – in which Cruise’s middle-aged flyboy goes back to school to train the next generation of jet fighter pilots – is certainly an exhilarating and warmly nostalgic ride, offering plenty of call-backs for old-timers alongside some of the best airborne action sequences ever put on celluloid. Its arrival on Netflix means nobody has an excuse to miss this story of ace pilots, romance, redemption and learning to grow old gracefully. Even if a cinema screen is where it really belongs.

Watch Top Gun: Maverick on Netflix

PART 3: TV SHOWS

The office (us, s1-9).

US remakes of UK series rarely survive the Hollywood treatment with their appeal intact – but the American reimagining of Ricky Gervais’ The Office swiftly unshackled itself from its inspiration, finding its own brilliant voice in the process.

With a fantastic lead in Steve Carell as cringy boss Michael Scott and the talented supporting cast providing plenty of great character moments all the way into the Carell-free final seasons, it’s hard to think of a better mainstream US sitcom of the past 25 years. All nine seasons (that’s an astounding 188 episodes by our count) are streaming on Netflix.

Watch The Office (US) on Netflix

Seinfeld (S1-9)

Friends ? Fuggedaboutit. For us, Seinfeld is the definitive New York-set 1990s sitcom about a group of pals just working their way through this crazy little thing we call life. An inventive, absurd and hilarious examination of the trivialities of the modern world, never relying on slapstick or coddling its viewers with cheap sentimentality (the vast majority of its characters are clearly horrible people), Seinfeld is quite simply a must-watch for all fans of comedy. With each episode clocking in at a little over 20 minutes, it’s also great fare for binge watching.

Watch Seinfeld on Netflix

Giri/Haji (S1)

Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori arrives in London in search of his wayward brother – who may or may not be on the run for a gangland murder – in this superb BBC-made crime drama. The series’ title, which translates to Duty/Shame, gives us a clue as to Mori’s motivations, but he’s a more complex character than to be driven by these feelings alone. Finding unlikely allies in the form of a local detective (Kelly Macdonald) and a drug-addicted sex worker (Will Sharpe), his search leads him deep into the belly of the London underworld – all while the fallout back in Japan threatens to erupt into an all-out gang war.

Watch Giri/Haji on Netflix

Peep Show (S1-9)

All nine seasons of Peep Show are streaming on Netflix, so if you haven’t yet watched Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong’s groundbreaking sitcom – the longest-running in Channel 4’s history, no less – now is the perfect time to venture into the minds of David Mitchell’s Mark and Robert Webb’s Jez, two best friends and flatmates who lurch from one disaster to the next.

Peep Show ‘s “gimmick” is that we often see the action from Mark or Jez’s point-of-view, hearing their inner thoughts as audible voice-overs. In the great British comedy tradition self-delusion, self-hatred and social awkwardness loom large here, and though both the main characters are indisputably despicable, selfish idiots, it’s impossible not to get sucked into their (often horrifying) antics. Many a true word is spoken in jest, as they say – and Peep Show is as much a meditation on the human condition as it is a comedy show. As the joyless Mark internally remarks after his girlfriend takes him to a fairground, “I suppose doing things you hate is just the price you pay to avoid loneliness.”

Watch Peep Show on Netflix

Neon Genesis Evangelion (S1)

Massive robots fighting gigantic monsters may seem like an anime cliché, but Neon Genesis Evangelion ’s more nuanced (or, dare we say it, artsy-fartsy ) take on the genre has established it as one of Japan’s most beloved cult phenomena.

The series revolves around three teenagers who pilot Evas, the towering mechs that represent humanity’s final hope against a race of otherwise unstoppable otherworldly creatures known as “angels”. But the Eva-versus-angel fights are far from the most interesting thing here – it’s the complex characters and rarely explored themes that elevate Neon Genesis Evangelion to the level of classic anime.

As well as the series, Netflix includes the two feature-length movies that conclude the story.

Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix

Derry Girls (S1-3)

The first two series of Channel 4’s riotously funny and beautifully observed sitcom are now available on Netflix, so if you missed them the first time round (or just couldn’t deal with All 4’s terrible picture quality and proliferation of ads), now’s your chance to be whisked away to early 1990s Northern Ireland and into the lives of four Catholic girls (and one English boy) as they navigate their teenage years against the background of the Troubles. Not that Derry Girls ever takes itself too seriously or drifts into mawkishness; sectarianism is just another comic seam to be mined in this joyous and hilarious coming-of-age comedy show.

Watch Derry Girls on Netflix

Schitt’s Creek (S1-6)

Every single episode of this beloved Canadian sitcom is available to stream on Netflix, which means many hours of strangely reassuring, utterly enjoyable telly lie before you. Schitt’s Creek stars Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara as a once-wealthy couple who, after losing their entire fortune, must slum it in a tiny town they previously purchased as a joke. Managing to be both sharp and full of heart, this is a perfect show to binge-watch, especially if you’ve already made it through the older classics.

Watch Schitt’s Creek on Netflix

Breaking Bad (S1-5)

What, did you think we’d forgotten? Breaking Bad has been praised to the heavens by critics and those members of the public who clap their hands over their ears and shriek “spoilers!” when you start talking about it. So of course it’s going in this list.

Like Tony Soprano and Don Draper, Bryan Cranston’s Walter White is one of the great protagonists of 21st-century television; a mild-mannered chemistry teacher whose cancer diagnosis prompts him to turn his skills to creating crystal meth, enlisting wayward former student Jesse as his partner in crime. Series creator Vince Gilligan pitched the show as being the story of “a man who transforms himself from Mr Chips into Scarface” and while early episodes play up White’s faltering attempts to enter the drugs trade, as the series progresses he develops into a genuinely chilling character.

Watch Breaking Bad . Now. If only so that you don’t have to keep clapping your hands over your ears and shrieking “spoilers!” whenever anyone mentions it.

Watch Breaking Bad on Netflix

Hannibal (S1-3)

Mads Mikkelsen is one of the most interesting and watchable actors of his generation – arguably never more so than when he’s clad in the perfectly cut suits of this TV incarnation of cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter.

As per Thomas Harris’ original books, Lecter is a psychiatrist brought in to assist FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), but it’s not long before the doctor is manipulating the prodigious but fragile Graham. This is pretty high-brow stuff for a network TV show, chock-full of startling imagery, Lynchian characters and dinner scenes that will make your stomach rumble – a little unsettling once you realise what’s in most of them.

Watch Hannibal on Netflix

Detectorists (S1-3)

The Office ’s Mackenzie Crook writes, directs and stars in this quintessentially English sitcom about a group of Essex metal detector enthusiasts. On paper it sounds like the recipe for a broadly comic, canned laughter-laden Last of the Summer Wine -style “aren’t these country folks weird?” series, but Detectorists (the proper name for people who use metal detectors) is far more sophisticated.

It’s funny, certainly, with sharp writing and fine performances from Crook and Toby Jones, but aside from its well-drawn, likeable and flawed characters there’s something special in its depiction of the English landscape that these men and women trudge over in search of Roman gold or Saxon silver day after day – almost always coming away empty-handed aside from a few ring pulls. Warm and affectionate without being sentimental, and a beautiful homage to hobbies, it’s a series that somehow feels both low-key and significant.

Watch Detectorists on Netflix

Tech journalism's answer to The Littlest Hobo, I've written for a host of titles and lived in three different countries in my 15 years-plus as a freelancer. But I've always come back home to Stuff eventually, where I specialise in writing about cameras, streaming services and being tragically addicted to Destiny.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, drones, video games, film and TV

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The 20 best Korean shows on Netflix to watch now

The streamer carries tense thrillers and airy rom-coms in spades.

Netflix (3)

From Parasite winning the Oscar for Best Picture to BTS topping charts across the world, there's no doubt that South Korean culture is upping its global footprint. The influence of its movies and TV shows is apparent in directors making waves in Hollywood and the overwhelming popularity of juggernaut series like Squid Game . In addition to those pop culture cornerstones, there’s much more Korean media ready to stream now. 

Below, Entertainment Weekly explores the best Korean shows on Netflix , including massive hits like Hellbound and Extraordinary Attorney Woo as well as hidden gems like D.P. and A Killer Paradox . This list has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for sweeping romances ( Our Beloved Summer ), teen dramas ( Boys Over Flowers ), or tense thrillers ( Kingdom ). 

Here are the 20 best Korean shows on Netflix right now.

Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

If you've ever been recommended a K-drama on Netflix, it was probably Crash Landing on You. The series stars Son Ye-jin as South Korean businesswoman Yoon Se-ri, who gets blown to the North Korean side of the DMZ by a tornado while paragliding. Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), a North Korean military captain, discovers Se-ri and decides to hide her until he can figure out a way to get her back to her own country. This show is the perfect K-drama starter because it includes so many of the genre’s signatures: fantastical story elements (a tornado, while paragliding!), sweeping romance, and silly/sweet melodrama. 

Where to watch Crash Landing on You : Netflix

Cast: Son Ye-jin, Hyun Bin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022–present)

If the whimsy of Crash Landing on You catches your interest, you should take a look at Extraordinary Attorney Woo . Park Eun-bin stars as Woo Young-woo, an autistic attorney hired by a major law firm in Seoul. Young-woo’s experience on the spectrum gives her a unique perspective when preparing for cases, but her legal career gets complicated by emerging family secrets and even a chance at love. The show is in a similar vein to American series like Monk or The Good Doctor — which was itself a remake of a K-drama — in which a misunderstood protagonist’s specific disorder gives them a unique problem-solving genius.

Where to watch Extraordinary Attorney Woo : Netflix

Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young, Jeon Bae-soo, Jin Kyung, Ha Yoon-kyung, Joo Jong-hyuk, Joo Hyun-young

Squid Game (2021–present)

Maybe whimsy isn't your thing and you'd prefer something that’s more of a nail-biter — and one of Netflix's most-watched shows ever. Squid Game stars Lee Jung-jae as a divorced dad with a gambling problem who, along with hundreds of others in similarly dire financial straits, gets invited to compete in a series of challenges for a chance at a debt-erasing fortune. The catch: The winner is also the lone survivor. What follows is a darkly entertaining study of desperation, greed, and the human psyche , painting morality (and mortality) as a strategy game.

Where to watch Squid Game : Netflix

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, Kim Joo-ryoung

Related content: First look at Squid Game season 2 teases a deadly game of cat and mouse

Kingdom (2019–2021)

Set in the 17th century three years after the Japanese invasion of Korea, Kingdom is an epic period piece that’s equal parts political thriller and zombie horror . Crown Prince Lee Chang and his staff discover a mysterious plague is taking over the countryside as a conspiracy threatens his path to the throne. With the help of his loyal aides, the prince must find a way to stop the virus from spreading while also protecting their seats of power. Things get messy and deadly from there, as hordes of the undead descend on the land. At this point, it’s hard to make a zombie show that feels original, but Kingdom passes that test by throwing sword-fighting and royal intrigue into the mix ( The Walking Dead could never).

Where to watch Kingdom : Netflix

Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong, Kim Sung-kyu, Jeon Seok-ho, Kim Hye-jun, Kim Sang-ho

Related content: The 10 best zombie movies on Netflix right now

Hellbound (2021–present)

If you're here for creepy content, you need Hellbound on your list. One of EW's best horror series on Netflix , it "explores how the unwanted entry of the divine into everyday life can become not miraculous but horrifying." That unwelcome entity is an “angel” who lets certain people know they’re going to hell, followed by a trio of supernatural thugs making that fate a reality in a savage, bloody fashion. The show isn’t so much about higher power but human nature in the face of a higher power, unpacking belief, factionalism, and moral conflict while grappling with existential questions (plus plenty of gore, of course). 

Where to watch Hellbound : Netflix

Cast : Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-ah, Yang Ik-june

Our Beloved Summer (2021–2022)

Are you feeling a bit nostalgic for your first love? One show that might scratch that particular itch is Our Beloved Summer , about an estranged couple forced back into each other's lives when the documentary they made 10 years ago in high school suddenly goes viral. The wistful coming-of-age story features Parasite alum Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi as the central couple. This is the show you put on when you're studying for your degree in yearnalism. 

Where to watch Our Beloved Summer : Netflix

Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi, Kim Sung-cheol, Roh Jeong-eui

Boys Over Flowers (2009)

Boys Over Flowers is a throwback, but it’s considered one of the most influential K-dramas of all time, making superstars out of its cast, including Pachinko star Lee Min-ho . It’s essentially the South Korean equivalent of The O.C. phenomenon in the United States. The series centers on Geum Jan-di (Koo Hye-sun), a spunky teen who saves a young man from taking his own life. When it's discovered that the boy in question was severely bullied by the heir to the Shinhwa Group fortune, Gu Jun-pyo (Lee Min-ho), Jan-di is offered a scholarship to their high school to ease public outrage at the company. There, Jan-di soon becomes entangled with Jun-pyo and his friends, launching 25 episodes of drama, romance, and intrigue. 

Where to watch Boys Over Flowers : Netflix

Cast: Koo Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon

A Killer Paradox (2024–present)

SONG KYOUNG SUB/Netflix

Parasite 's Choi Woo-shik scores another show on this list with A Killer Paradox . He plays Lee Tang, a convenience store worker who discovers he has a knack for taking out bad guys after accidentally murdering a serial killer during a robbery gone wrong. Meanwhile, Son Suk-ku ( D.P. ) plays the dogged detective who is on to Tang's murderous game. This "well-constructed, devious little thriller" definitely gives Dexter vibes and shines because of its great writing — and because it isn’t afraid to hang out in the moral gray area. 

Where to watch: A Killer Paradox : Netflix

Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon, Hyun Bong-sik

Related content: The 15 best serial killer shows streaming on Netflix right now

Parasyte: The Grey (2024–present)

Things get gruesome in Parasyte: The Grey , which adapts Hitoshi Iwaaki's manga about a parasite that infects and kills humans before turning their heads into grotesque amalgamations. Jeong Su-in (Jeon So-nee) develops a "unique relationship" with the specimen who fails to control her. EW’s writer promises that this series should "certainly satisfy," fans of body horror , but there are other rewarding themes as well, namely humanity's ability to persevere in the face of crisis. 

Where to watch Parasyte: The Gre y: Netflix

Cast: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun

Related content: The 18 best horror series on Netflix

Business Proposal (2022)

Business Proposal is not your average rom-com series. Employing the fake dating gone wrong trope, Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) steps in for her best friend Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah) on a blind date, only to find out the suitor is the CEO of her company, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop). Tae-moo is on the hunt for a wife so he can stop being harassed by his grandfather, but marrying a subordinate isn't going to go over well with the board if Ha-ri doesn't come clean. Business Proposal 's webtoon origins are obvious in the comic-style animations that accent the show and imbue the story with a distinct charm. 

Where to watch Business Proposal : Netflix

Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, Seol In-ah

Related content: The 20 best romantic comedy movies on Netflix

All of Us Are Dead (2022–present)

Would anyone from your high school homeroom be part of your zombie apocalypse team? The kids at Hyosan High have to battle a zombie outbreak and still navigate teenage politics in the webtoon-adapted Netflix series All of Us Are Dead . Having to fight the undead with your bully is rough, but these teens are smart, putting their heads together to create ingenious ways to evade and destroy the living corpses coming after them. This fast-paced horror series does not shy away from the gore, nor does it shrug off effective storytelling in favor of cheap thrills.

Where to watch All of Us Are Dead : Netflix

Cast: Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun, Yoon Chan-young, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-Mi

Related content: Prepare the fire hose: All of Us Are Dead has been renewed for season 2 at Netflix

D.P. (2021–2023)

D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) is a pulse-quickening action series that takes a hard look at South Korea’s mandatory military service. Private Ahn Joon-ho (Jung Hae-in) and Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan) are tasked with finding deserters but end up discovering a lot more about the bullying and hazing that causes soldiers to abandon their duties. Season 2 transitions to the perspective of senior officers, turning an eye towards corruption, LGBTQ discrimination, and how much responsibility the military bears for unsanctioned violence within its ranks. It's a tough but riveting watch that asks thorny questions with complicated answers. 

Where to watch D.P. : Netflix

Cast: Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, Son Suk-ku

Related content: BTS to serve military duty in South Korea amid debates over exemption

Physical: 100 (2023–present)

Physical: 100 is for everyone who loves the strategy and gameplay in Squid Game but could do with less death and lower stakes. It's a reality show in which 100 bodybuilders and gym rats compete in physical challenges of balance, agility, endurance, strategy, and willpower. Players are eliminated after every challenge until only one person remains and wins the grand prize of around $240,000. Two seasons of the highly bingable competition are ready to stream on Netflix, and it’s a favorite among K-pop idols, including Jung Kook from BTS . 

Where to watch Physical: 100 : Netflix  

Related content: The 22 best reality shows on Netflix

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a multi-generational story that starts in 2021 when Kim Min-chae (Choi Myung-bin) quits ballet and runs away to her grandmother's house. There, she discovers her mother Na Hee-do’s (Kim Tae-ri) diary from her teenage years as an aspiring fencer, detailing the first love that changed her life. Twenty-Five Twenty-One has a lot of earmarks of a fun high school/college romance series, but it packs a heavier emotional punch than you'd expect (consider keeping tissues nearby as Hee-do and Yi-Jin's story unfolds). Bonus: The series also features XO, Kitty star Choi Min-young.

Where to watch Twenty-Five Twenty-One : Netflix

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, Lee Joo-myung, Choi Min-young

It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

It's Okay to Not Be Okay earned an International Emmy nomination for Best TV Movie or Miniseries, thanks in part to its moving portrait of healthcare workers. It centers on Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji), a children’s book writer with antisocial personality disorder, as she moves back to her hometown to pursue a relationship with Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), an employee at a psych ward and the sole caretaker of his autistic older brother. In simple terms, it’s a story about vulnerability and healing old wounds, but what makes it stand out is the way it destigmatizes the reality of mental illness. 

Where to watch It's Okay to Not Be Okay : Netflix

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Yea-ji, Oh Jung-se, Park Gyu-young

Related content: Korean dramas: A beginner's guide

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

If you love the idea of an ambitious city girl finding small-town romance when her metropolitan life implodes, step right up for Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha . This adorable romance spent 16 weeks in Netflix's global top 10 when it debuted, following a dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a) to the seaside village of Gongjin after her life in the city falls apart. There, she sets up a new practice in the community and picks up a romance with local fisherman and handyman Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho) while also embedding herself with the eccentric citizens. This is a feel-good small-town transplant rom-com for when you need a lighthearted pick-me-up. 

Where to watch Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha : Netflix

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi

Little Women (2022)

If you’re here for a South Korean take on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott , you may be surprised when you tune in. This Little Women is still about sisterhood, but in the form of a dark thriller. Things turn deadly when the three Oh girls become entangled in a case of a missing 70 billion won ($72.5 million) that pits them against the wealthiest family in Korea. The sisters have to band together to stay alive, find out what happened to the money, and attempt to build a better life for themselves. There are clear thematic similarities to the series' namesake novel, but it’s a wild reinvention of the material. This is the K-drama for people who thought the original Alcott story could’ve used a bit more murder and corporate intrigue.

Where to watch Little Women : Netflix

Cast: Kim Go-eun, Nam Ji-hyun, Park Ji-hu

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Mr. Sunshine follows Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-hun), who was born a slave during the Joseon dynasty and escaped to America in 1871. He returns to Korea years later as a Marine Corps officer and falls in love with Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), a nobleman's granddaughter. Their romance is challenged by Ae-shin's grandfather and gets further complicated when Eugene discovers Japan's plans to colonize Korea. Now, he must pick up arms to defend the country that previously looked down upon him. Mr. Sunshine is one of the most ambitious K-dramas Netflix has to offer, a complicated study of identity that also takes its military intrigue — and its romance — seriously.

Where to watch Mr. Sunshine : Netflix

Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han

Sweet Home (2020–present)

kim Jeong Won/Netflix 

Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, Sweet Home is a fantasy-adventure series centering on Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), an orphan who takes refuge in a dilapidated apartment complex after his entire family is killed in a car accident. When terrifying monsters begin terrorizing the city, Hyun-su and his outcast neighbors must come together to protect the only home that they have left. Sweet Home maintains the comic book feel of its source material but carves out its own live-action identity as a story about chosen families and overcoming loss. 

Where to watch Sweet Home : Netflix

Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Park Gyu-young, Go Min-si, Kim Hee-jung

A Time Called You (2023)

A Time Called You marries romance and time travel when Han Jun-hee (Jeon Yeo-been) accidentally goes from 2023 to 1998 and wakes up as a different person, Min-ju. Jun-hee is trying to figure out how the phenomenon happened — and get back to her own body — when she meets Si-heon (Ahn Hyo-seop), who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased boyfriend. Given all the body-swapping and actors in dual roles, this is not a show you can watch in the background, but that’s a strong point in its favor. A Time Called You also concocts fun twists on a handful of genres, playing with romance, sci-fi, and even murder mystery.

Where to watch A Time Called You : Netflix

Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been, Kang Hoon

Related content: The 23 best time travel movies of all time

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New on Netflix in June 2024: Every movie and TV series landing this month

All the new releases arriving in the next 30 days, article bookmarked.

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June is going to be a very busy month for Netflix .

Alongside returning shows, including the final season of Sweet Tooth and the concluding part of Bridgerton season three, there will be a bunch of new films, including the Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron action-comedy A Family Affair .

There will also be the addition of Richard Linklater’s acclaimed Hit Man , following its theatrical release. The film stars Glen Powell and Adria Arjona.

Meanwhile, licenced acquisitions include Bodies Bodies Bodies and The End We Start From , which stars Jodie Comer.

Below is the full list of every movie and TV show being added to Netflix in June 2024. Find the list of everything being removed here .

NB: The Independent put this list together with help from What’s on Netflix .

ORIGINAL TITLES

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman season five – UK/US

Kübra season two – UK/US

Sweet Tooth season three – UK/US

Hierarchy – UK/US

Perfect Match season two – UK/US

King of Collectibles: The Golden Touch season two – UK/US

Bridgerton season three – part two – UK/US

Doctor Climax season one – UK/US

Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams season one – UK/US

Miss Night and Day season one – UK/US

Agents of Mystery season one – UK/US

Gangs of Galicia season one – UK/US

The Victim’s Game season two – UK/US

Supacell season one – UK/US

That ‘90s Show season two – part one – UK/US

Kota Factory season three – UK/US

The Mole season two – UK/US

Oloture: The Journey season one – UK/US

Owning Manhattan season one – UK/US

Savage Beauty season two – UK/US

Too Old for Fairy Tales 2 – UK/US

The Price of Nonna’s Inheritance – UK/US

How to Rob a Bank – UK/US

Under Paris – UK/US

Basma – UK/US

Hit Man – UK/US

Ultraman: Rising – UK/US

Inheritance – UK/US

Kleks Academy – UK/US

Trigger Warning – UK/US

Drawing Closer – UK/US

A Family Affair – UK/US

Documentary

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial – UK/US

Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money – UK/US

Rafa Marquez: El Capitan – UK/US

Tour De France: Unchained season two – UK/US

Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors – UK/US

Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution – UK/US

Black Barbie – UK/US

The Accidental Twins – UK/US

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – UK/US

Kaulitz & Kaulitz – UK/US

Worst Roommate Ever season two – UK/US

Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn – UK/US

Keith Robinson: Different Strokes – UK/US

Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura – UK/US

Rising Impact season one – part one – UK/US

Little Baby Bum: Music Time season two – UK/US

LEGO: Ninjago: Dragons Rising season two – part two – UK/US

Unicorn Academy chapter two – UK/US

LICENCED TITLES

Heartland season 16 – US

Killing Eve season three – UK

New Amsterdam – UK

Scavengers Reign – UK

Young Sheldon season six – UK

Taskmaster series 14 – UK

How I Met Your Mother season one to nine – US

Anti-Hero season one – UK/US

Ride on Time – US

Big Boys – UK

Forged in Fire season 14 – US

Cold Case Files season three – US

Dexter season one to eight – US

The Thin Red Line – UK

Hoarders season 14 – US

Alone season 10 – US

NCIS season 16 and 17 – US

Allegiant – US

Baby Boy – US

The Breakfast Club – US

Cold Copy – UK/US

The Conjuring – US

The Conjuring 2 – US

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It – US

The Devil’s Own – US

Divergent – US

Dune (1984) – US

Flushed Away – US

Godzilla Minus One – UK/US

Insurgent – US

Janky Promoters – US

Kicking & Screaming (2005) – US

Land of the Lost –US

The LEGO Movie – US

Lumberjack the Monster – UK/US

A Million Ways to Die in the West –US

National Security – US

On the Basis of Sex – US

Pilecki’s Report – UK/US

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu – US

The Pretty One – UK

Strawberry Shortcake’s Summer Vacation – US

Tangerine – US

Two Can Play at That Game – US

300: Rise of an Empire – US

Crazy Rich Asians – US

Bodies Bodies Bodies – UK

Wonder – US

Abang Adik – US

Fifty Shades of Grey – US

The End We Start From – UK

The LEGO Batman Movie – US

Aftersun – US

30 for 30: Once Brothers – US

The Footballer, His Wife, and the Crash – UK

30 for 30: Lance – US

30 for 30: The Good, The Bad, The Hungry – US

30 for 30: The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius – US

Remembering Gene Wilder – UK/US

30 for 30: June 17th, 1984 – US

Black Clover season three – UK/US

LEGO Friends season two – US

Little Angel volume five – US

The Smurfs season two – US

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7 Best New Shows on Netflix in June 2024

A new season of the fabulous CBC feel-good drama and some big long binges headline the month's new series lineup.

Picture: CBC

With June 2024 just around the corner, we want to look at some of the most anticipated and best new series on the way! We’ve picked out four Netflix Original titles that should be on your radar for the month, plus three licensed titles coming specifically to Netflix in the United States.

For the full list of what’s coming up on Netflix in the United States in June 2024 ( or the UK ), keep it locked here on What’s on Netflix.

Want to see our movie picks for June 2024 ? You can find all those here, and there are some bangers in there, whether that be the new Netflix Original animated film Ultraman: Rising or, for the US on the licensed side, the overlooked Steve Carrell biopic Welcome to Marwen .

Bridgerton (Season 3 – Part 2)

Coming to Netflix : June 13th

Netflix’s series slate feels a lot lighter in June than normal, and that’s almost certainly because of the cleared space around Bridgerton’s return following the season 3 debut in May 2024.

While we’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect from the second part , we’re still waiting on first-look pictures and a trailer. Hopefully, we won’t be waiting long.

Sweet Tooth (Season 3)

Coming to Netflix: June 6th

Sweet Tooth has never been a massive success for Netflix (as evidenced by the fact that the final season trailer has only just over 250k views ), so it’s a relief that the show is not only coming back but also getting a proper finale and goodbye with the forthcoming final season.

The final season sees Gus, Jepperd, Becky, and Wendy continue their journey to Alaska to find Gus’s mother, Birdie, who is investigating the origins of the deadly Sick, having defeated General Abbot by the close of season 2. Their journey will continue to have issues with a new threat emerging.

Supacell (Season 1)

Coming to Netflix:  June 27th

Picture: Netflix

Netflix UK has had a string of hits so far in 2024, whether that’s the excellent Guy Ritchie series The Gentlemen or when Netflix kickstarted the year with the new Harlan Coben series Fool Me Once . We hope to continue that trend with a new superhero series, Supacell , which we’ve still not had a good look at.

Created by Rapman, the new series stars Michael Salami, Eddie Marson, and Adelayo Adedayo. It follows a group from South London who all develop superpowers and must find out why. It’s akin to the Channel 4 series Misfits , and we have high hopes.

The Whirlwind (Season 1)

Coming to Netflix : June 28th

Rounding out our picks for June, we’ve got a new political thriller K-drama series coming up, which hopefully will live up to the high bar that Queenmaker set for Netflix last year.

Headlined by Sul Kyung-guy and Kim Hee-ae, the new limited series follows the prickly relationship between the deputy prime minister of economy going toe-to-toe with the prime minister.

Best Licensed Shows Coming to Netflix US in June 2024

Heartland (season 16).

Coming to Netflix : June 1st

Wherever you live in the world, watching Heartland has caveats. If you live internationally, you get new seasons quite quickly, but with the tradeoff, most early seasons are nowhere to be found. If you’re in the US, you have the complete collection, but you’ve got the painstaking wait for newer seasons.

This brings us to season 16, which first aired all the way back in late 2022 on CBC in Canada. The new season of the long-running and popular family drama set on a remote ranch features 15 episodes in all kicks off with the following plot threads:

“Amy helps Lyndy practice liberty training with Harley, and after Lyndy successfully halts a loose horse using Amy’s technique, a video of the event goes viral, impacting Amy’s business and causing jealousy among Lyndy’s classmates, while various personal and professional challenges arise for the characters, including a plumbing issue affecting Tim and Jessica, Rick’s decision to adopt a baby, and Amy being asked to work with Moondance despite Paula Westfield’s objections.”

Don’t binge the new season too quickly, though; you’ll have to wait until 2025 for season 17 .

Dexter (Seasons 1-8)

Coming to Netflix : June 19th

Picture: Showtime

Following the re-addition of every season of Showtime’s flagship series starring Michael C. Hall to Netflix in international territories earlier this year, we were pleased to report that the US was next in line to get the show last month .

The show is a great binge (at least great for the first four seasons – it falls off quite hard from there on out), with Hall playing the role of a serial killer with a moral conscience and a code on who he’s allowed to kill.

How I Met Your Mother (Seasons 1-9)

Coming to Netflix : June 3rd

Picture: 20th Century Fox Television

Sticking with long binges for our final pick of the article, we’ve got How I Met Your Mother , which was among the 14 shows announced to be coming to Netflix throughout 2024 from a new pact with Disney .

Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, the beloved sitcom (which spawned an ill-fated spin-off at Disney+) has a father recounting the journey he took with his friends, leading to the eventual meeting of the kid’s mother.

Running from 2005 through 2014, the show features over 200 episodes in total, so you’ve got a long binge ahead!

What new show are you most looking forward to checking out on Netflix in June 2024? Let us know in the comments.

Founder of What's on Netflix, Kasey has been tracking the comings and goings of the Netflix library for over a decade. Covering everything from new movies, series and games from around the world, Kasey is in charge of covering breaking news, covering all the new additions now available on Netflix and what's coming next.

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7 new movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and more this weekend (May 31)

Catch Eric, The First Omen, The Famous Five, and more

Last week saw Dune: Part Two worm its way onto Max in the US, and although this weekend’s on-demand arrivals aren’t quite so exciting, there are still plenty of new movies and TV shows to pick from as May turns to June.

Leading the series charge is Eric on Netflix – a new six-part thriller featuring Marvel movie star Benedict Cumberbatch – while horror movie fans can enjoy (or endure?) The First Omen on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK. Elsewhere, The Great Lillian Hall begins streaming on Max, and For Love & Life comes to Prime Video .

Below, we've rounded up the biggest new movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and more this weekend.

Eric (Netflix)

Benedict Cumberbatch returns to small screen action this weekend in Eric , which is now streaming in its entirety on Netflix.

This six-episode thriller from The Iron Lady writer Abi Morgan centers on a grieving and increasingly unstable father (Cumberbatch) in 1980s New York who copes with his son’s disappearance by talking to the seven-foot-tall puppet monster that lives under the latter’s bed. Gaby Hoffmann, Clarke Peters, David Denman and Dan Fogler also star.

Critics have lauded Eric as “wildly ambitious” and “poignant”, which suggests it could be one of the best Netflix shows to hit the world’s best streaming service in quite some time.

Now available to stream on Netflix.

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The First Omen (Hulu, Disney Plus)

Horror fans, stand up: The First Omen is now streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK.

This supernatural hair-raiser and prequel to The Omen (1976) stars Nell Tiger Free as a well-meaning American woman who, after being sent to work at an orphanage in Rome, uncovers a sinister conspiracy to bring about the birth of the Antichrist. 

If that all sounds like standard horror fare, that’s because it is, but critics have nonetheless praised The Omen for being a “stylish horror prequel” and an “enjoyable act of IP renovation.”

Now available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK.

The Great Lillian Hall (Max)

If you’re after something a touch more sentimental than The First Omen this weekend, then The Great Lillian Hall could be worth a look.

This Max-exclusive film – which was originally intended as a Meryl Streep-led theatrical release – follows a fictional broadway star (Jessica Lange) as she prepares for a new show while dealing with the early symptoms of dementia. Lily Rabe, Pierce Brosnan, Kathy Bates and Jesse Williams also star.

Lange’s performance as the titular actress has earned near-unanimous acclaim from critics, so The Great Lillian Hall could be among the best Max movies of the year.

Now available to stream on Max.

The Famous Five (Hulu)

Acclaimed Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn turns his talents to British literature this weekend with The Famous Five on Hulu.

This BBC-produced adaptation of Enid Blyton's beloved children's novels – which first aired in the UK back in December – follows the action-packed adventures of five young explorers (including one dog) in the English countryside during World War II. 

Despite being accused of “going woke”, this six-episode series supposedly manages to improve on Blyton's source material, so it sounds like a treat for both existing Famous Five fans and anyone encountering Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy for the first time.

Now available to stream on Hulu in the US.

Camden (Hulu, Disney Plus)

The first of three documentaries on this week’s list of recommendations is Camden , which is now streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK.

Produced by Dua Lipa and directed by Amy and Senna filmmaker Asif Kapadia, this four-part docuseries reveals how the lives and careers of some of the world’s most iconic music artists were influenced by the titular London district.

Noel Gallagher, Nile Rodgers, Boy George, Chris Martin, Mark Ronson and Dua Lipa herself all feature in Camden , so music fans of any age will likely find plenty to enjoy here.

Ren Faire (Max)

If you’re in the mood for a so-strange-it-can’t-be-true docuseries this weekend, look no further than Ren Faire on Max.

Produced by the Safdie brothers, this three-part HBO feature follows a group of employees at the world's largest Renaissance festival – the Texas Ren Faire – as they vie to succeed its 86-year-old leader, King George Coulam. 

The first episode of Ren Faire – which critics have described as a “beautifully shot, slightly demented fairy tale” – is available to stream on Max from Sunday, with the show’s remaining two installments due to arrive a week later, on June 9.

Available to stream on Max from Sunday.

For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign (Prime Video)

The last of this week’s documentary picks is For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign on Prime Video, which sounds like a tough watch, but an important one.

This feature-length production chronicles the life of Brian and Sandra Wallach, two political campaigners who fell in love on Obama’s 2008 campaign trail and proceeded to form an ALS awareness movement following Brian’s diagnosis with the disease at the age of 37.

Now available to stream on Prime Video.

For more streaming coverage, check out our guides on the best Disney Plus movies , best Netflix films , new Prime Video movies and new Max films .

Axel is TechRadar's UK-based Phones Editor, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site's Mobile Computing vertical. Having previously written for publications including Esquire and FourFourTwo, Axel is well-versed in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and his coverage extends from general reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion.  Axel studied for a degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick before joining TechRadar in 2020, where he then earned an NCTJ qualification as part of the company’s inaugural digital training scheme.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

New Netflix film with A-list cast slammed for ‘copying’ rival’s recent hit

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Netflix has released the trailer for its latest original film, stuffed full with A-list actors, but it’s attracted the ire of fans who claim it’s suspiciously similar to another recent movie on streaming rival Amazon Prime.

A Family Affair stars Zac Efron , Nicole Kidman and Kathy Bates, and promises a steamy age-gap romance with plenty of laughs.

The official synopsis reads: ‘A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.’

The Iron Claw star Efron , 36, plays obnoxious movie star Chris Cole, who gets involved with his put-upon assistant Zara’s mother, played by 56-year-old Nicole Kidman.

Obviously, Zara (Joey King) is less than impressed at this turn of events, fuming in the trailer: ‘After two years of being his assistant, I know him very well. He’s self-absorbed and selfish.’

While the film’s spicy scenes between its two stars are sure to make headlines, it’s been accused of being just another version of Prime Video’s The Idea of You .

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That recently released film on Netflix’s rival focused on the affair between a 24-year-old boyband singer (Nicholas Galitzine) and a 40-year-old single mother (Anne Hathaway), which she puts on hold for the sake of her daughter – who was also a big fan of his group when she was younger.

‘Wasn’t Anne Hathaway just in this movie?’ asked fan Kel as they reacted to the first look at A Family Affair.

‘The Idea of You and A Family Affair both [are] coming out this year,’ observed Courtney Myrden A the trailer released, adding: ‘I just find myself suspicious of Hollywood giving us two older woman/younger man romcoms at the same time.

‘I’m ALWAYS suspicious when it looks like they’re suddenly subverting old and baked-in formulas.’

Rick G. Rosner then tweeted: ‘Hey ChatGPT – I need 800 words on how A Family Affair is the same dang movie as The Idea of You. Not that that’s a bad thing.’

However, others rubbished the claims that the films were too similar, just because they featured age gap romances with an older woman.

‘Bro there is no way they knew about each other’s movies and it’s a completely different premise,’ insisted @elithebomberx3798 on YouTube.

‘Nobody copied but it has similar vibes,’ observed @kincyy, while @delrey wasn’t a fan of the competition anyway.

‘Well, this looks a little better than The Idea of You. That movie was a cringe fest,’ they commented.

Others also pointed out that A Family Affair had its release delayed to after The Idea of You’s May 2 streaming release due to the 2023 Sag-Aftra actors’ strike, which pushed it from the original planned date of November 17, 2023.

‘They started filming this movie BEFORE the idea of you and it was supposed to be released in late 2023,’ posted @dashithedoberman.

It’s also worth pointing out that the tone of both films is different, with The Idea of You leaning more towards a sweet and yearning romance with the odd laugh, while the trailer for A Family Affair suggests a much broader comedy take.

From King’s slapstick hitting her head on the doorframe in disgust over discovering her mother and boss in bed together to Efron complaining about only having two of his ‘one of a kind’ shahtoosh (wool from a rare Tibetan antelope) and referring to his Teen Choice Award, it’s not quite the same vibe.

Efron previously opened up about the movie’s racy scenes, admitting that he was rather nervous to star opposite Hollywood heavyweight Kidman once again.

The pair previously shared the screen in 2012’s The Paperboy – where their characters were also intimate and Kidman memorably urinates on him – but that was a gritty drama, about a reporter who returns to his Florida hometown to investigate the case of a death row inmate.

Speaking to People Magazine , the actor described their chemistry onscreen as ‘seamless, natural and fun’.

‘I was still a bit apprehensive but reuniting with Nicole is always so great and as talented as she is an actress, she is equally kind, caring and wonderful to spend time with,’ he praised.

A Family Affair releases on Netflix on June 28. The Idea of You is streaming on Prime now.

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