An Idiot Abroad

10 Best Episodes of An Idiot Abroad

Karl Pilkington is sent to foreign countries under the guise of visiting the New Seven Wonders of the World. Most of each episode focuses on Karl’s reactions to cultural differences and idiosyncrasies in the countries he visits.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 06, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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An Idiot Abroad - S2E3

#15 - Dolphin Swim (Season 2 - Episode 3)

Karl gets the chance to swim with some dolphins but with Ricky and Steve as the holiday planners there are a few surprises.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 280 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S3E2

#14 - The Short Way Round: India (Season 3 - Episode 2)

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Karl and Warwick's journey continues as they make their way to India. Laughing yoga and parts in a Bollywood film are trumped after Karl experiences his first holiday highlight.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 250 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E1

#13 - China (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 533 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E4

#12 - Mexico (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 337 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E8

#11 - Karl Comes Home: The Debrief (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 224 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E2

#10 - India (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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

The episode was rated 7.83 from 412 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S3E3

#9 - The Short Way Round: China (Season 3 - Episode 3)

It's the final part of the journey as Karl and Warwick get ready to make their way to China. A surprise makes sure that the series ends on a high.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 259 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E6

#8 - Brazil (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 255 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E1

#7 - Desert Island (Season 2 - Episode 1)

Karl makes his way through the 'Bucket List' that has been created. First up he ends up spending a a night on a private island.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 331 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S1E3

#6 - Jordan (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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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'?

The episode was rated 7.89 from 370 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E2

#5 - Trans-Siberian Express (Season 2 - Episode 2)

Karl takes a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express. He is expecting luxury, but Ricky and Steve have other ideas for the trip.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 292 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E7

#4 - Climb Mount Fuji (Season 2 - Episode 7)

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Karl’s last “thing to do” is seeing Japan’s most spiritual destination: Mount Fuji. On arrival in Japan Karl gets lost in Tokyo. Ricky and Steve put him up in a ‘capsule’ hotel, send him to a Sumo wrestling stable, arrange for Karl to meet a Zen Master and send him on the world’s steepest rollercoaster. And he has to attempt to climb Mount Fuji.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 255 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E6

#3 - Route 66 (Season 2 - Episode 6)

Karl wants to drive along the legendary Route 66 in the USA in an open top Cadillac but Ricky and Steve have other ideas. Along the way they want him join a high school choir, hang out with New Age therapists, meet the Amish before ending his journey by Wingwalking.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 268 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E5

#2 - Meet a Gorilla (Season 2 - Episode 5)

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Karl heads of to Africa to go meet a Gorilla. Before he travels to Uganda, Karl agreed to start in South Africa as he’s been there on holiday he heard it was alright. Ricky and Steve want Karl to have an authentic African experience so they arrange some time in a slum with a family and helping a charity rebuild a shelter. Karl visits Jessica the Hippo who lives with a family and Ricky sends him to join a Rhino conservation project before heading off traveling through the impenetrable forest in Uganda before coming ‘face to face’ with a Gorilla.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 247 votes.

An Idiot Abroad - S2E8

#1 - Karl Comes Home (Season 2 - Episode 8)

Karl is reunited with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant after returning home and he reflects on his experiences. There are also a few surprises.

The episode was rated 8.08 from 193 votes.

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