TV series
Michael Palin travels to 18 countries around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
Availability
Checked Sep 3, 2026
Full Circle with Michael Palin premiered August 31, 1997. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Michael Palin travels to 18 countries around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
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Episode 1
Michael Palin travels around the Pacific rim. He starts in the Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait, goes to see the Kodiak bear in Alaska and visits the geysers and hot springs of Kamchatka.
Directed by Roger MillsWritten by Michael PalinGuest stars Rob Hehnlin
Episode 2
In this episode Michael Palin samples the oddity of Oriental life while passing through Japan and South Korea.
Directed by Clem VallanceWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 3
Michael Palin enters China by boat from Korea. He visits the cities of Qingdao and Shanghai and takes a local steamer down the Yangtze.
Directed by Clem VallanceWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 4
Michael Palin visits Hanoi, takes a sampan on the Perfume River, witnesses psychic surgery, sees the Cu Chi tunnels, judges a beauty contest and fails to see the Banaue rice terraces.
Directed by Roger MillsWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 5
From the Philippines, Michael Palin crosses the Sulu sea in a leaky ferry. He travels on through the Borneo jungle to Java where he climbs a volcano.
Directed by Clem VallanceWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 6
Michael Palin reaches Australia where his activities include a cameo role in Home and Away. He also looks for sperm whales in New Zealand's icy waters.
Directed by Roger MillsWritten by Michael PalinGuest stars Emily Symons, Norman Coburn
Episode 7
Michael Palin lands on Cape Horn, parties on Chiloé, visits Santiago, the Juan Fernández Islands and La Paz, and crosses the Andes by a train which is derailed.
Directed by Roger MillsWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 8
Michael Palin takes a reed boat on Lake Titicaca in the Andes, before an 1,000 mile journey along the Urubamba river to the Amazon.
Directed by Clem VallanceWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 9
From a canoe in the Peruvian rainforest, Michael Palin visits Machiguenga Indian villages in one of remotest spots on planet. He then he sails down Amazon on a restored riverboat.
Directed by Clem VallanceWritten by Michael Palin
Episode 10
Michael Palin travels from Mexico City to the Diomede Islands where his trek began. He meets up with illegal immigrants in Mexico, cruises San Francisco's gay scene and visits Alcatraz.
Directed by Roger MillsWritten by Michael Palin
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Full Circle with Michael Palin.
Michael PalinSelf
Emily SymonsSelf
Norman CoburnSelf
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
