It has been said by many that traveling the world broadens the mind and lends perspective. Stephen Merchant agrees, but evidently Karl Pilkington does not. Which is great, because Ricky Gervais is banking on Karl having the worst time of his sheltered life in An Idiot Abroad. The three friends come together to create this series, with Merchant and Gervais kicking back as Karl is sent out on his own to take on the world. The series ran for three seasons beginning in 2010, but as Karl is something of a home body, there’s no way it could’ve lasted forever.
According to Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, their friend Karl has lived a less than extravagant life within his native country the United Kingdom. Both would like to see Karl travel and see what there is outside of the U.K. but both have very different reasons for why. Merchant truly believes it will do Karl some good, but Gervais has said openly that hopes Karl hates every second of it all for his own amusement. Even with this in mind, Karl agrees to do the show and is followed to each location with a camera crew to document his journeys.
An Idiot Abroad is a documentary in which Karl is followed through each country whilst he provides his own humorous insight to every situation.
The series is indeed a laugh, as Merchant and Gervais have Karl set up on multiple occasions to experience the worst of all these countries have to offer: one star accommodation, barely edible food, and many an unusual experience completely and utterly foreign to Karl’s way of life. The production team keeps everything pretty basic, styled as a comedic documentary in which Karl is followed through each country whilst he provides his own humorous insight to every situation. Karl is a riot with his dry sense of humor and his real reaction to everything he gets put through. Every time he thinks he’s seen the worst of his trip, something else pops up to prove him wrong. Aside from the comedic aspect, everything is shot on location so the footage of each country are Karl’s first-hand accounts. There’s also a great deal of culture to be learned about with each trip he takes, lending perspective to the audience whether Karl leaves with any or not. Some of the other high points include when Merchant and Gervais check in with Karl to see how his trip is going, and getting a laugh out of any displeasure he may be feeling from his day.
It’s interesting that Karl took part in an opportunity that most people would jump at in a heartbeat. It just goes to show that every person is different. Some people prefer to live in their bubble, where they are comfortable and with a life they know. Karl is definitely that person, but in the midst of all he had to deal with, he stuck it out for others to enjoy it at his expense. Hopefully he did gain something during his time abroad. Even if he didn’t, at least it’s been documented for everyone else to laugh at.
