September 10, 2023 Samuel Hames 0

‘Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham – New Zealand’ – Review

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Sam and Graham are back and ready for another fun-loving, adventure-filled road trip as they swap the Scottish Highlands for a tour of New Zealand in Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham – New Zealand. And this is one of the most joyous television shows you’ll see all-year.

Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish hit the road again for another travel adventure and this time they’re going to New Zealand. Exploring Scottish connections to NZ, while diving into Aotearoa’s own history, people and culture.

Best buds and Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish have won over a legion of fans with their work on the beloved historical romance series, and their back-and-forth banter made for plenty of fun as they explored the length and breadth of Scotland in Men in Kilts. Now they’re back and ready for more as Sam decides it’s time to drop in on his long-time friend Graham, who enjoys a quiet and relaxed life in New Zealand. Things soon get shaken up as the two besties and sometimes frenemies explore New Zealand top to bottom in a warm and enjoyable road trip that will warm your soul.

Much like a finely aged Scotch, this dynamic duo’s chemistry has only improved with time. Their infectious enthusiasm and banter remain the heart and soul of the show, and at times, they feel like a old-married couple with their back and forth. Sam is the far more adventurous of the two, and his desire for adrenaline leads to plenty of hilarity as he puts Graham through the ringer. Graham, on the other hand, is a far more ‘refined man of leisure’ type and basks in the hospitality, food and drink of New Zealand’s shores, and his local knowledge and appreciation of the culture leads to plenty of fun moments on screen.

The breathtaking cinematography is, once again, a standout feature of the series. New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains, are showcased in all their glory. The drone shots alone are worth the price of admission, offering sweeping vistas that will leave you yearning for your own adventure in this picturesque land.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham – New Zealand is the way it immerses you in New Zealand’s rich culture and history. Sam and Graham aren’t content with just visiting the tourist hotspots; they dive headfirst into the heart and soul of the country. Whether they’re learning about Maori traditions, exploring the legacy of New Zealand’s Scottish settlers, or trying their hand at traditional activities, their deep respect for the culture shines through. There’s also a lot of emotional resonance in this series as Sam and Graham offer up anecdotes and stories of their only family lives, and this shared connection between the two of them makes the series deeply sentimental at times.

Sitting centre stage in the series is the connection of the New Zealand film industry to Sam and Graham, with Graham recounting his connection to Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and how the three-year experience changed his life completely. A return to Weta Workshop and reunion with Sir Richard Taylor makes for a uniquely fun moment, and with the help of some special effects wizardry, we see Sam and Graham stepping into the world of Middle Earth once more. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the creative talent that New Zealand has to offer, and it makes for a very special watch.

In a world filled with travel shows that often feel formulaic, Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham – New Zealand stands out as a heartfelt, genuine, and thoroughly enjoyable series. It’s a testament to the power of friendship, curiosity, and cultural exploration. Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish have once again delivered a delightful travelogue that’s bound to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of New Zealand.