I don’t know how I missed this series last year. Four American icons, aged 69 to 86, travel together exploring countries and cultures, and the dynamics of friendship. They are accompanied by a younger sidekick, who rather than keeping them out of trouble, seems to delight in leading them astray!
I have enjoyed watching the hilarious adventures this year as the group travels across Europe, discovering the truth in the adage, better late than never.
Better Late Than Never stars William Shatner, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman and Jeff Dye. I say star…in this reality comedy these men are being themselves, and taking us along on their journeys. Each episode is an hour long. The series airs Monday nights at 8:00 Central Time on NBC.
On season one the group traveled across Asia. I intend to go back and watch those episodes. Season two follows the travelers through Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Spain and Morocco.
William Shatner and Henry Winkler are well known film and television actors. Henry has produced and directed behind the camera as well and authored a dozen children’s books. Terry Bradshaw quarterbacked for the Pittsburg Steelers in the 70s, leading his team to four Super Bowls. Legendary boxer George Foreman was undefeated in 40 consecutive fights. And Jeff Dye is an up and coming comedian and actor who got his start in stand up comedy and moved on to hosting popular music shows.
Better Late Than Never is a travel show…about friends. Or a friends’ show…about travel. Or perhaps it’s a comedy based in realism or a reality show that is comedic. I think it is all of those things. The five men have diverse backgrounds, with the common bond of celebrity status.
As they explore exotic places and meet new people and try unusual foods, they don’t relate to each other as icons, as stars. They chat with bystanders and allow a few photos, but for the most part, they are real men having real experiences in fun, but real, places. They have wild, crazy adventures. They push beyond their comfort zones. They learn new things.
I laugh, a lot, watching these guys. Surprisingly, I also tear up. In spite of the ages of four of the travelers, or perhaps because of it, the group makes the most of each visit. They are experiencing life with zest and seizing the day. They immerse themselves in whatever culture they are in, so that later, there are no regrets, no “I wish I woulda”, even when the results are laughable.
Bill, Henry, Jeff, George and Terry inspire me to see life as an ongoing adventure, no matter what my age. By their example they encourage me to seek out new places, new cultures, new people and be an active participant in that adventure, not just a tourist or a bystander.
And the group of friends shows me the value of having traveling companions to share the journey with. I think that’s what I enjoy most about this show…the oft times humorous interactions between these guys. Bill and Henry especially crack me up with their endearing banter and yet the mutual respect they have for each other is undeniable.
This show makes me want to grab some friends and head off on an adventure…in my city, across the US, in far off country. It creates in me the desire to experience all that life has to offer. Now. Better late than never, indeed.
