Rob Rinder and Rylan are to embark on a “Greek Odyssey” for their third ‘grand tour’ series for BBC Arts.
Their Grand Tour of Italy and Passage to India taught Rob and Rylan how to appreciate art and culture and how to live their best lives. Next, they’re on a mission to find out how to make today’s world a better place – by learning from the wisdom of the ancient Greeks.
In the new series, Rob and Rylan’s Greek Odyssey (3×60), the pair’s journey will take them from the splendour of the Acropolis in Athens to the Oracle at Delphi, to understanding the heroes of Sparta and getting to the root of hedonism on Mykonos.
Along the way they will unpack the ideas of philosophers and thinkers, from Socrates to Pericles to Epicurus, and discover the poetry and plays of Sappho, Homer and Aristophanes. At each stop they’ll ask whether the Greeks’ innovations in philosophy, politics, arts and ideas can help us today.
Rob Rinder says: “I can’t quite believe they’re letting us loose again and this time in Greece, a country where every stone and every sea view seems to have an opinion. For me, it’s paradise: philosophy, tragedy, democracy and the sublime. For Rylan, it’s sun, cocktails and the occasional god-like tan, but together we’ll prove that culture is never a dusty thing, it’s alive, hilarious and utterly necessary.”
Rylan says: “Exploring Venice and India was nothing short of incredible – from the breathtaking art and elegance of Italy to the vibrant energy and unforgettable experiences in India – it’s been a real adventure. I’m thrilled that Greece is our next destination. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-famous hospitality, I can’t wait to see what’s in store – though if I’m not found commandeering a beach club sun lounger and demanding a cocktail by noon, something’s gone very wrong!”
Alistair Pegg, Commissioning Editor for the BBC, says: “The ancient Greeks gave us so many of the ideas that make us who we are. But at times our own civilisation seems in danger of forgetting the lessons they taught us. I’m looking forward to finding out whether Rob and Rylan can bring back to life the glory that was Greece – for our own day and age.”
Lana Salah, Executive Producer, Rex, says: “I’m absolutely delighted that TV’s favourite culture explorers, Rob and Rylan, are heading to Greece for their latest adventure. Having already conquered India and Italy, they’ve decided that only a land of sandals, statues, and billowing loincloths could hold the ultimate answers to life, the universe, and everything.”
Rob and Rylan’s Greek Odyssey (3×60) is being made by Rex TV, part of Zinc Media Group. The Executive Producer is Lana Salah and the BBC Commissioning Editor for BBC Arts is Alistair Pegg.
Jon Creamer
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