Whether it’s a train ride through the awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands, a road trip through the most remote and spectacular parts of Australia’s outback, or a journey into the past to discover ancient civilisations, there is a world waiting to be explored. As the documentaries in the People, Places, Famous Faces collection prove, however, it is the people that one shares the journey with that can make an already incredible destination even more unforgettable.
With a selection of beloved personalities as your guide, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey for everyone now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Bill Bailey’s Vietnam
Armed with his signature brand of humour and an appetite for adventure, musician and comedian Bill Bailey travels to Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of US forces from Saigon, a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
Bailey begins his travels in Hội An, before making his way through Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Hanoi, and Sa Pa, rounding out his culinary and cultural exploration amidst the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, Bailey discovers unique and unexpected aspects of Vietnamese culture and immerses himself in Vietnam's history. Get to know more about this beautiful country, and the ever-funny Bailey, over six unmissable episodes.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain
Eva Longoria might be best known for her acting credits, but the producer, director, and activist is also a keen traveller, and in Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain, she takes a very special trip through a country close to her heart.
As she sets out on a gastronomic pilgrimage across the land of her ancestors, Longoria seeks out the very best of Spanish cuisine from Barcelona to Madrid, San Sebastián to Marbella. The diversity of dishes and cooking methods across the country’s various regions is celebrated, and each moment is savoured with the family and friends she meets along the way. If vibrant cities, spectacular scenery, and world-class food are your criteria for the perfect holiday, there are eight episodes to enjoy that will transport and inspire you.
Travels with Agatha Christie and Sir David Suchet
She is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful authors, and now acclaimed British actor Sir David Suchet is following in Agatha Christie’s footsteps, travelling to the countries that served as some of the literary enigma’s inspirations.
It’s an expedition, taking in the far-reaching corners of the globe, including South Africa, Hawaii, Canada, and our very own backyard, and Suchet is up for the challenge. The specific focus of his travels allows for a new perspective on popular tourist destinations, and the significance of Christie’s own itinerary from her time abroad is presented in tangible terms. The power of travel as a catalyst for creativity and passion is on full display, as audiences get to know Sir David Suchet and are afforded a glimpse of the person of Agatha Christie, beyond her reputation as a giant of crime fiction.
Scotland’s Poshest Train with Alan Cumming
It would be hard to find a more entertaining travel companion than Alan Cumming, and to join the Scottish actor as he travels his own country in Scotland’s Poshest Train guarantees a good time. The Royal Scotsman is the transportation of choice for Cumming as he invites audiences to experience not only the best of Scottish scenery, but the opulence and luxury of this magnificent rail service. There’s a sense in each of the four episodes that make up the series that this is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for Cumming. He relishes the opportunity to explore every aspect of the train, from the kitchen to the onboard spa, and even the driver’s seat, all the while marvelling at the breathtaking Scottish landscape beyond.
Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey
Shaun Micallef puts a new spin on the concept of a travel show, joining with fellow Australian comedians to visit their homelands and discover the cultures that have shaped who they are in six-part series Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey.
From meeting Aaron Chen in China to experience traditions and local delicacies, to a Swiss adventure with Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, and a look at Lizzy Hoo’s Irish roots, Micallef proves himself the perfect holiday companion. What unfolds is a series that is meaningful and fun in equal measure, and while plenty of laughs are guaranteed, it is also a beautiful celebration of Australia’s multicultural makeup told through some of our best comedic talent.
Michael Palin in Venezuela
Venezuela is a country that has faced its fair share of tumult and trouble, often called the most dangerous place in South America. As presenter Michael Palin discovers in his series Michael Palin in Venezuela, however, there is so much more to this South American country of immense natural beauty if you are prepared to look for it.
Beginning in Caracas, a city with a global reputation, Palin is the ideal guide, calm and open in his approach, and ready to embrace everything that the capital has to offer. It’s a sentiment that he carries throughout the three episodes of the series, and audiences are all the better for it, afforded a new lens through which to view the many faces of Venezuela.
Going Places with Ernie Dingo
Ernie Dingo brings a wealth knowledge to his travels around Australia in Going Places with Ernie Dingo. Now in its seventh season, Dingo, and fellow hosts Mark Coles-Smith and Rae Johnston, are joined by proud Noongar-Yamatji woman and beloved Australian television personality Brooke Blurton to share the stories, communities, and individuals that make up some of the country’s most remote and remarkable locations. Blurton is a welcome addition to the team, bringing a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to her role as presenter, and in a change to the series’ format, each co-host accompanies Dingo to get a deeper and more detailed look at the places they visit. It’s a welcome reminder that, while there are amazing destinations to be found all around the world, some of the most spectacular are to be found right here at home.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Italy is a country that has captured the imagination of generations for its delicious food, warm people, incredible cities, and stunning natural environment. With a proud Italian heritage, American actor Stanley Tucci is perfectly placed to take audiences the length and breadth of the country as he searches for the best it has to offer in ingredients, skill and creativity.
Tucci's passion for quality Italian cuisine and love for the culture that accompanies it is clear, and as he visits different regions in each episode of this award-winning series, the distinctiveness of each area is revealed. Tucci marvels at both the preservation of heritage and ingenuity he encounters and captures Italy in a way that will keep audiences coming back for more.
