Season 1, Episode 1
Air Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2016, 10/9c on NBC
Rating:
“You’re all too old for this.” – William Shatner
Which way is out?
A group of living legends decides to check off items from their bucket list by embarking on the trip of a lifetime across Asia. Not speaking the language and unaware of the countries’ cultures creates some funny problems for the five men. On their own, the group navigates through each city without personal assistants or limousines as they immerse themselves in learning each country’s traditions, while partaking in the local cuisine. What could possibly go wrong?
The group, playing themselves, consists of actor Henry Winkler, actor/director/writer William Shatner, football legend Terry Bradshaw, boxing champion and Olympic gold medal winner George Foreman, and standup comedian Jeff Dye. The men bid the United States adieu and take off for Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; Hong Kong, China; and Phuket and Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The easiest way to sum up Better Late Than Never is something Dye says about Bradshaw, although it applies to all the men; “You know how your grandpa sometimes says things that you’re like ugh but you still love him because he’s your grandpa? Well, that’s Terry Bradshaw. Now, picture taking that same grandpa to a foreign country.”
Where are they going?
I admit, I had low expectations upon first hearing about Better Late Than Never, which is based on the South Korean series Grandpas Over Flowers. It’s not that Winkler, Shatner, Bradshaw, and Foreman are not entertaining; I simply wondered what could be funny about a group of old guys traveling through Asia. The answer is, everything!
I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. What makes the show so funny is Winkler, Shatner, Bradshaw, and Foreman are often left in the dark about meal plans and itineraries often set up by their young “sidekick,” Dye. There’s a fish out of water aspect as the celebrities walk into some outrageous situations unaware of what they are getting into.
The food antics alone are worth watching. Simple things like a pleasant meal become hilarious after one of the men inquires about what they’re eating. Apparently, America’s ‘Asian cuisine’ is very different than the food served in Asia. As a picky eater myself, I couldn’t help but feel for some of the guys as they found themselves craving a burger and fries rather than the local fare.
The culture shock experienced by the group of five is very entertaining. While they have a pre-planned itinerary, getting from point A to point B turns out to be an amusing adventure of its own, especially since none of the celebrities speak the language. It’s hard not to laugh as the guys appear desperate at times trying to find someone who speaks English to help them.
Some male bonding.
In America, ‘Captain Kirk (Shatner)’ and ‘the Fonz (Winkler)’ are household names, but the same can’t be said in other parts of the world. One of the things I found fascinating was not that the celebrities were recognized, but what fuels the recognition. It’s quite surprising! It’s also amusing to watch the other celebrities standing around as one of their travel companions signs autographs.
It’s refreshing to see reactions to various experiences that appear natural and unscripted. While many will watch for the hijinks, the male bonding that takes place is equally entertaining. It’s clear these five men have a true friendship, even if Dye is the butt of many jokes. The friendship among Winkler, Shatner, Bradshaw, Foreman, and Dye doesn’t mean there aren’t conflicts that flair up along the way.
Better Late Than Never is one of those shows you’ll either love or hate. The graphics used throughout the premiere are loud and in your face and take a while to get used to. There’s some digitally blurred nudity that might bother a select few. At times, some of the cultural ignorance by the group might be interpreted as offensive to some. That said, I absolutely loved the “Pilot” and can’t wait to see where their adventures take them next.
Tune in to the series premiere of Better Late Than Never, Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 10/9c, only on NBC.
Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about Better Late Than Never – “Pilot.”
For more information on Better Late Than Never, visit the official website.
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Photos: ©2016 NBC Universal. All Rights Reserved.
Greg Staffa
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