David Tennant, known for his roles in “Doctor Who,” “Good Omens,” and “Jessica Jones,” returns to captivate audiences in a fresh and engaging adaptation of Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days.”
This eight-part series, created by Ashley Pharoah, premiered on BBC1 in December 2021 and aired its first episode on PBS Masterpiece on January 2, 2022, with new episodes releasing weekly. The good news for fans is that the show has already been renewed for a second season.
The new adaptation offers a fun and meaningful experience for families and breathes new life into the classic adventure story. David Tennant plays Phileas Fogg, an adventurous but somewhat timid traveler, who, bored with his routine life, is inspired by an article to travel around the world in 80 days. His plan is met with skepticism, leading to a daring bet at a gentlemen’s reform club: if he fails, he’ll owe 20,000 pounds to the villainous Mr. Bellamy.
Joining Fogg on his journey are Jean Passepartout, his new valet played by Ibrahim Koma, and Abigail “Fix” Fortescue, a young journalist whose article sparked Fogg’s interest. Abigail, whose father owns the newspaper, is determined and ambitious despite her father’s disapproval.
Their adventure takes them to exciting places like Italy, Paris, and Hong Kong, echoing the likeness of a “Doctor Who” episode with historical settings and heartfelt storytelling.
The cast also includes Leonie Benesch as Abigail Fortescue, Jason Watkins as Donald Fortescue, and Peter Sullivan as Nyle Bellamy. Expect to see talented guest actors like Lindsay Duncan, Gary Beadle, and Dolly Wells.
What makes this adaptation particularly inspirational is its message that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and find strength within oneself, despite others’ judgments. Though some changes from the novel, like the addition of Abigail’s character, might not please purists, they add a modern and fitting touch to the story. Abigail is inspired by the real-life journalist Nellie Bly, who traveled around the world in 72 days, further enriching the narrative.
David Tennant shines as Phileas Fogg, bringing depth and humanity to the character. His portrayal of Fogg, a depressed man who finds the courage to live again, is both charismatic and compelling.
The production quality is top-notch, with a polished script, well-developed characters, and epic settings. The series even features a central theme composed by Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer, adding to its grandeur.
Overall, “Around the World in 80 Days” is an exciting and heartwarming series that promises to capture the hearts of viewers all over the world. It might even inspire some to embark on their own adventures.
In the UK, you can watch the series weekly on BBC1 or the BBC iPlayer. In the US, it airs on PBS Masterpiece on Sundays at 8/7c, and is available for streaming on PBS Passport, the PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, and PBS.org. The series can also be bought on Digital once all episodes have aired.
