Episode 1
China
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.
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
TV series
An Idiot Abroad
2010TV-MA3 seasons7.7 / 10
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
You can also rent or buy it from Google Play and Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
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.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
India
Karl travels to India and gives own unique verdict on its ancient customs and vibrant culture.
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 3
Jordan
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'?
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 4
Mexico
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.
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 5
Egypt
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
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 6
Brazil
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.
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 7
Peru
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.
Where to watch An Idiot Abroad
Episode 8
Karl Comes Home: The Debrief
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.
Where to watch An Idiot AbroadEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
More about An Idiot Abroad
Cast
Karl PilkingtonSelf
Ricky GervaisSelf
Stephen MerchantSelf
Warwick DavisSelf
Chas HodgesSelf
Dave PeacockSelfCredits
- Created by
- Ricky Gervais
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 19
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Sky OneUnited Kingdom
SkyItaly
Me + You ProductionsUnited Kingdom- RiSK Productions
- Sky One ProductionsUnited Kingdom
Themes
travel
You may also like
More shows like An Idiot Abroad.
Available nowMonty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)
Similar story and audience
Available nowThe Moaning of Life
Similar story and audience
Available nowAdam Ruins Everything
Similar story and audience
Available nowMysteries at the Museum
Similar story and audience
Available nowParanormal Witness
Similar story and audience
Available nowThe Story of God with Morgan Freeman
Similar story and audience