An Idiot Abroad

43min

Comedy

Documentary

An Idiot Abroad is a British travel documentary television series broadcast on Sky1 and Science, as well as spin-off books published by Canongate Books, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and starring Karl Pilkington. The ongoing theme of both the television series and the books is that Pilkington has no interest in global travel, so Merchant and Gervais make him travel while they stay in the United Kingdom and monitor his progress.

Production Companies

Sky

Me + You Productions

RiSK Productions

Sky One Productions

Episodes

Cast

China

1. China

43min

23rd Sep 2010

Karl Pilkington's journey begins in the Far East. As well as casting his verdict on The Great Wall of China, he immerses himself in the culture with laugh-out-loud results.

India

2. India

43min

30th Sep 2010

Karl travels to India and gives own unique verdict on its ancient customs and vibrant culture.

Jordan

3. Jordan

42min

7th Oct 2010

This week, Karl Pilkington's voyage takes him to Petra in Jordan, by way of Israel. What will he make of the 'rose-red city half as old as time'?

Mexico

4. Mexico

43min

14th Oct 2010

Karl travels to Mexico where he pays a visit to Chichen Itza. He also tries his hand at wrestling, learns how to become a cowboy, and hunts for a Mexican jumping bean.

Egypt

5. Egypt

43min

21st Oct 2010

Karl Pilkington's journey continues in Egypt, where Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have arranged for him to sample the local culture. He tastes delicacies including rabbit meat, takes a boat ride down the Nile and is entertained by a belly dancer, before visiting the pyramids

Brazil

6. Brazil

42min

28th Oct 2010

Tag along with Karl Pilkington as he takes up temporary residence in Rio de Janeiro. On his way to Christ the Redeemer, he experiences a back wax and Brazil's famous beaches.

Peru

7. Peru

44min

4th Nov 2010

Reluctant explorer Karl Pilkington visits Peru, where he is unhappy with the Amazon jungle's toilet arrangements, and fails to impress a local tribe with his hunting skills. Arming himself with oxygen, the Mancunian then sets off on a high-altitude, eight-hour trek to witness Machu Picchu, the fortress city of the ancient Incas.

Karl Comes Home: The Debrief

8. Karl Comes Home: The Debrief

43min

11th Nov 2010

Reluctant globetrotter Karl Pilkington is reunited with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant to reflect on his journeys to the seven wonders of the modern world, considering whether travel has truly broadened his mind.

First air date

23rd Sep 2010

Last air date

14th Dec 2012

Status

Ended

Type

Documentary

Original language

en

Networks