Travel Man Hamms it up
TV’s funniest travel show is back. Hosted by the hilariously acerbic Richard Ayoade, Travel Man is ‘‘touring, with added mirth’’ as he and a celebrity guest spend two full days trying out the weird and the wonderful sights, sounds and sustenance a particular global destination has to offer.
In this latest instalment (8.30pm, Sunday, December 2, Choice TV), the British comedian and film-maker is joined by former Mad Men star Jon Hamm.
The pair embark on an exploration of the ‘‘Pearl of the Orient’’, the ‘‘sprawling archipelago’’ that is Hong Kong.
Those hoping for some budget-friendly advice will be sorely disappointed as the dynamic duo begin with a helicopter ride, drop almost NZ$150 on a 200m ride in a Rolls Royce, and stay at the sumptuous Peninsula Hotel, which even Ayoade admits cost an ‘‘embarrassing’’ amount of money to lodge at.
However, such flights of fancy don’t mean this isn’t entertaining and informative television. As Ayoade confuses his American compadre with extended references to Peter Andre and ‘‘Eric and Ernie’’, they sample Hong Kong’s favourite drink Yuanyang (three-parts coffee, seven-parts milky tea which, after tasting, Ayoade witheringly believes he can ‘‘see why that’s local’’), test out the world’s steepest tram line and join a Food Crawler tour.
They both have more favourable opinions on the offerings at a fusion Dim Sum restaurant, but a foot massage is a traumatic experience for Ayoade (‘‘it’s an onslaught of unparalleled brutality’’), and a palm reader fails to impress.
Occasionally there’s an opportunity for Ayoade and us to learn more about his travel partner, as Hamm reveals that his first role was as a primary schooler playing Winnie the Pooh in a handmade costume but, for the most part, the pair are like two old mates on holiday.
Meanwhile, Prime has finally got around to showing a new season of venerable British panel show QI (Saturdays, 9pm). We’re up to M, a series that debuted in the UK three years ago.
However, it provides the usual mix of fascinating, curly questions and terrific oneliners, as comedians such as Jimmy Carr, David Mitchell, Bill Bailey, and Aisling Bea lineup to have their knowledge tested by the always entertaining and erudite Stephen Fry.