subject: Must-See TV, An Idiot Abroad [print this page] Must-See TV, An Idiot Abroad Must-See TV, An Idiot Abroad
In many situations, three is indeed a crowd. But not so for the happy triptych of Ricky Gervais (he of the just-hosted the Golden Globes and creator of the original, British version of "The Office) , his partner Stephen Merchant (who stars in the new feature film "Hall Pass"), and their third, the Karl Pilkington.
Gervais slowly gained popularity in the United States when BBC America aired his hit British limited-run comedy, "The Office." Gervais followed "The Office" up with the HBO series "Extras" (in which he plays a disgruntled "extra," who has visions of becoming a "star"). Gervais' stand-up shows aired on U.S. television and he was asked to host the Golden Globes (he's done it, two years in a row and created such a furor with his biting digs that he might not get asked back for a third.). He landed lead feature film roles, too: "Ghost Town" and "The Invention of Lying."
The preternaturally tall Merchant he' 6'7 provides a voice (Paris) for "Gnomeo & Juliet," plays Gervais' agent in "Extras," and has many roles in films and TV ("Tooth Fairy," "The Invention of Lying," " Run, Fatboy,Run," "24").
Gervais and Merchant are executive producers and writer on the U.S./NBC version of their show, "The Office. They co-starred on the Xfm radio/podcast "The Ricky Gervais Show," starting in 2001, where they were given a producer, Karl Pilkington, who they would talk to on air to get his thoughts on various topics. In 2003, he officially became the third on the radio show, which has, more recently, been animated and turned into an HBO series. The show was consistently the No. 1 podcast in the world and BBC noted that it has been downloaded more than eight million times. Pre-"Office," Merchant and Gervais had a radio show on Xfm in 1998.
Pilkington's position on the show grew as they began to focus more and more on his views and life. The very popular show ran through 2008. "The Ricky Gervais Show" gained an ever bigger audience when its audio books were animated. It airs on HBO in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the U.K.
Gervais then had the idea of "An Idiot Abroad," which currently airs on The Science Channel. It is described by the network thusly, "Ricky Gervais calls An Idiot Abroad, "The most expensive practical joke I've ever done." Ricky and longtime friend Stephen Merchant are sending their uncultured colleague, Karl Pilkington to visit the 7 Wonders of the World. Will it open his eyes or will he hate every second?"
Needless to say, while providing audience with exotic locales and settings, "An Idiot Abroad" also gives Gervais and Merchant plenty of Karl material. They send Pilkington on this world-tour adventure alone (albeit with a camera crew), and he can make his unintentionally hilarious observations.
Here's a breakdown of what may be the funniest show on television (from the Science Channel website). Episodes are rebroadcast frequently, so there's plenty of opportunity to watch.
China
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to see the Great Wall of China. En route Karl is forced to experience traditional fire massage, learn the ancient art of Kung Fu, and discovers a disturbing fact about his future.
India
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to India to see the Taj Mahal. But before he can even get there, he's forced to visit the largest religious festival in the world, stay in an Ashram with a living Saint, and get cow poo smeared on his head at a cow sanctuary.
Jordan
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to see Petra in Jordan. But before he even gets there, Karl's forced to go on a tour of the Middle East that takes in the religious sights of Israel, a tour of Palestine, and the Dead Sea.
Mexico
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to see Chichen Itza in Mexico. Arriving in the middle of the Easter celebrations, Karl witnesses a crucifixion, is forced to do Mexican wrestling, and learn cowboy skills.
Peru
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to Peru to see his final wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. But before he gets there he's unexpectedly dropped in the middle of the Amazon where he's forced to survive in the jungle.
Brazil
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to Brazil to see Christ the Redeemer. But before he can even get there he takes part in the Rio Carnival, immerses himself in Rio's gay scene, and learn about Brazil's beaches.
Egypt
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send reluctant Karl Pilkington to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids. He tries out a traditional Egyptian outfit, experiences Cairo night life, and comes across a restaurant whose staff are all deaf.
Karl Comes Home
Karl Pilkington finally returns home after traveling around the world to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Back in Britain he's quizzed about his travels abroad by his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who want to find out if he's actually learned anything from his experiences.
