Home / Arts / Toronto’s Eugene Levy stars in new show THE RELUCTANT TRAVELER out now on Apple TV+

Toronto’s Eugene Levy stars in new show THE RELUCTANT TRAVELER out now on Apple TV+

TORONTO, March 10, 2023 – When producers at Apple TV asked Canadian award-winning actor Eugene Levy if he would like to host a show called Room with a View where he could visit luxury hotels around the world, Eugene Levy said no – with a furrowed brow I suspect. He told the show producers that he’s never been much of a traveller and described himself as an anxious and reluctant traveller. The ingenious producers picked up on the ‘hesitant traveller’ theme and a new travel show was born which Levy agreed to host. Called The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, the show is now airing on Apple TV+.

This show proves that ‘we aren’t in Kansas anymore’, or at Schitt’s Creek Rosebud Motel either. The eight-episode series follows Eugene Levy as he visits some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations in Costa Rica, Finland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Portugal, South Africa and the United States.

Levy checks into some remarkable and truly unique hotels. Part travel show and part comedy TV, the funniest moments are when we witness Levy’s obvious lack of wanderlust and reluctance to step outside of his comfort zone. Such as when Levy tries to talk himself and his companions out of walking over a suspension bridge (he’s afraid of heights) or to climb into a helicopter.

But somehow Levy gets talked into doing things like driving a dog sled, riding a horse, and yes, crossing that suspension bridge.

In Finland, a sleigh ride takes Levy to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel where he tries his hand at ice fishing, driving a dog sled and later, sipping vodka.

From snow and ice in Finland to the steamy hot jungles of Costa Rica (episode 2), Levy journeys into the jungle and sleeps among the trees. He comes face- to-face with deadly wildlife and conquers one of his fears.

Who doesn’t dream of going to Venice? In Venice (pictured above), Levy stays at the historic Gritti Palace and then bonds with a gondolier during his boat trip on the canals. In Tokyo, Levy gets to experience sumo wrestling, typhoon training and sushi tasting.

Eugene Levy stars in The Reluctant Traveler on AppleTV+ airing now. Here is reluctantly takes a ride in a helicopter in Utah. *photo supplied by Apple*

During the episode filmed in Utah (pictured above), it’s obvious (probably due to his fear of heights) that Levy is not comfortable taking a helicopter ride. We watch as the anxious and reluctant actor climbs aboard for a tour, landing in the desert at Amangiri, where he connects with the surrounding Navajo Nation.

In Maldives, Levy stays at the ultra-luxurious Kudadoo, a personalized island resort known for providing “anything, anytime, anywhere” to make your every wish come true. From one unique destination to another, in South Africa, Levy checks into a train hotel that is suspended above Kruger National Park and gets a chance to explore the wonders of the local wildlife with animal conservationists.

**Above** In South Africa, Levy checks into a train hotel that is suspended above Kruger National Park and gets a chance to explore the wonders of the local wildlife with animal conservationists. *photo supplied by Apple*

Born in Hamilton, Eugene Levy’s first professional role was in the production of Godspell in Toronto. The cast included Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner and Victor Garber. Levy, Short and Martin then joined John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis and others on SCTV (1976-84), the Canadian sketch comedy show that emerged from the Second City Toronto improv group.

More about Eugene Levy

Levy is a renowned actor, writer and producer who has appeared in over 60 motion pictures and television shows. He’s won multiple awards over his career including four Primetime Emmy awards, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Perhaps one of his most well-known roles is as the writer and star of Schitt’s Creek, a comedy he co-created (and stars in) with his son Dan Levy. (His daughter Sarah plays the role of diner waitress Twyla on the show). In 2020, Eugene won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. He received the Order of Canada in 2011 and was made Companion of the Order of Canadian 2022.

His latest role? That of a “Reluctant Traveler” on his own travel show now playing on Apple TV+.