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!
Karl isn’t really prepared for the arctic conditions in Alaska. Ricky and Steve have also planned some dog sledding, a meeting with Innuits and a visit to the North Pole. When Karl finally gets to catch his whale watching cruise, he learns that Ricky and Steve have stuck him on a deep sea fishing trawler.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 248 votes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
