Honorary Mayor Eugene Levy ‘Reluctantly’ Travels the World in Apple TV+ Series

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Viewers are invited to join award-winning actor—and Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades—Eugene Levy on a “whirlwind tour of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations” with Apple TV+’s “The Reluctant Traveler,” which began streaming this February.

“I’m in the Arctic Circle and the big question for me is, ‘Why?’” Levy shared in a trailer for the show. “‘The Great Outdoors’ means different things to different people. I’m more ‘The Great Indoors’ type of guy.”

Levy explained in the trailer that through the show, he has agreed to explore outside of his comfort zone: “A world I’ve spent my whole life avoiding.” Levy has visited all corners of the earth for the show, from the Arctic Circle to Tokyo, Utah, South Africa and Costa Rica.

All eight episodes of the series were released on February 24. In episode one, Levy heads to Finland to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel for “ice fishing, husky sledding, vodka sipping and a deep dive into happiness.”

“Self-confessedly not your typical travel show host—he’s not usually adventurous or well-versed in globe-trotting, Levy agrees the time is finally right for him to broaden his horizons,” according to a press release about the show. “Levy packs his suitcase with some trepidation but hopes his experiences might lead to a whole new chapter in life, even if it means confronting some of his long-held fears. Join him as he buckles up for the ultimate eye-opening adventure.”

Part travel documentary, part comedy, “The Reluctant Traveler” was executive produced by Levy and David Brindley through Twofour production company. Apple TV+, which is home to shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” first announced the series premiere date on December 13, 2022.

“I’m not entirely sure what I signed up for,” Levy shared, “but what’s the worst that could happen?”

The series premiered two weeks ahead of Levy’s upcoming appearance at Palisades Branch Library—much closer to home—as part of the Pacific Palisades Library Association’s Writers, Artists and Musicians Series on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. Though tickets for the in-person component were claimed within hours, the event will be live-streamed.

For more information or to sign up to receive a link, visit friendsofpalilibrary.org.