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Must Watch reviews: Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping

Every week, the Must Watch podcasters review the biggest TV and streaming shows.

This week, Hayley Campbell and Scott Bryan Naga Munchetty to review ‘Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping’.

The programme sees Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris head off on a road trip across Europe to crack the code of ageing well.

For the last leg, the pair head to Switzerland to see if its cutting-edge treatments, medical science and health shortcuts can keep them younger for longer.

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Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping Trailer (short)

Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris are on a quest to crack the code of ageing well

Naga: “I used to love Top Gear as a kid, and I'll tell you why I'm starting here, because my parents loved it and it seemed different and it seemed lively. It was basically three guys having a lot of fun, being able to do whatever they want to do and have their adventures. You could laugh and laugh along for a bit but then it became formulaic.”

Nothing against Paddy and Chris, but I just think, where's the imagination?
Naga

“Then obviously, we had Freddie Flintoff who was left with really serious injuries after working at Top Gear, and Paddy and Chris were part of that presenting team. Here they have basically taken the same format. I found it really boring and predictable.

“Nothing against Paddy and Chris, but I just think, where's the imagination? You’re using two people who've got personalities who are obviously popular on television and appeal to a certain demographic and they’re doing the same old, same old? Is that harsh?”

Scott: “Top Gear, I think, was a product of its time. I think that parts of it felt sometimes a bit too manly and also alienating, and a lot of people were talking about cars that no one can really ever afford, and it sometimes felt a bit forced.

This provided an opportunity to try something different, where they could move away from the normal formula, but they haven't really worked out what this show is.
Scott

“This provided an opportunity to try something different, where they could move away from the normal formula, but they haven't really worked out what this show is.

“As they are both in their early 50’s, they decided to see whether they can learn anything from other European nations about how to live healthier, happier lives.

“They stick them in a car where they drive between these destinations, so it still has that Top Gear level of banter from time to time.

“But I was just surprised at how surface level all of it was. They go to a male sauna and there's a lot of like 'oh, they're all naked here, isn't that funny?'

Scott: “Then later on in the episode, they realise that they have a much better work-life balance. They don't really explore why Sweden is like this… I mean, they say I think Sweden's one of the top 10 countries with happiness and wellness but it doesn't feature the deeper reasons.

“For example, Sweden has much lower levels of income inequality compared to the UK. There is generous parental leave with more than 480 days granted between parents and a wellness bonus is offered by employers to help improve mental or physical health.

“All they say is: 'Oh, they're all outdoors here. Isn't that lovely?', and that was it!”

Hayley: “Yeah, that was really it. I found that it was so surface level in a way they really had to try hard to maintain, because I don't know if you guys have ever been in a sauna, but I find the weird thing about saunas is there's no time for small talk.

I think how much you like it will depend on how much you like these guys as personalities, even though they don't really get to show them off
Hayley

“Everybody goes to big talk, deep stuff immediately, whereas these guys were still just going 'hehe, bums and willies' and there was nothing to it.

“I think how much you like it will depend on how much you like these guys as personalities, even though they don't really get to show them off.”

Naga: “They are affable middle-aged men, which is all good, and they are obviously popular, as I said. I just think it was really unimaginative.”

Hayley: “It was really unimaginative. There's nothing revolutionary here. They discover saunas are nice, cold-water swimming is invigorating, and access to nature helps with your mental health. There is nothing that you haven't seen in every Guardian article.”

You can get in touch with Scott and Hayley by email on mustwatch@bbc.co.uk.

All three episodes of Chris and Paddy: Road Tripping are available on BBC iPlayer. Episodes are also airing on Sunday nights on BBC One at 8pm.

Must Watch is released as a podcast every Monday evening on BBC Sounds and all other podcast providers. This week the team also reviewed ‘Joan’ and ‘Ed Stafford in Jungle’.

Your reviews

As always, we like to include your reviews - on shows you love, loathe or lament.

Message @bbc5live on social media using the hashtag #bbcmustwatch or email mustwatch@bbc.co.uk.

Ludwig

Loads of you got in about Ludwig, which Scott and Hayley reviewed last week.

John: “Absolutely brilliant. The conceit in the series is fascinating. The acting from the two principle characters, John and Lucy is fantastic. The wit of the script, captivating. I cannot wait for next series.”

Pauline: “I have to say we loved it and watched all six episodes over three nights. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions and found I had a smile on my face throughout....not something that happens very often. Hopefully it'll have at least one more season if not more.”

Gill: “I loved this show! Light-hearted, not too heavy, funny and yes it wouldn't work in real life, but this is TV! It's about entertainment and this entertained me. David Mitchell and cast are superb. I don't want to be scared witless or go to bed depressed (I can watch the news headlines for that). Looking forward to another series.”

Mike: “Wow - my family (aged 14-63) totally loved this gentle, funny and totally implausible story. It’s programmes like this that show me how good the BBC can be. Great writing and good old-fashioned charm. Please let there be a Season 2.”

Only Murders In The Building: Season 4

Simon got in touch with us to let us know about Season 4 of Only Murders In The Building’

“I just want to say how disappointed I am with Season 4 of Only Murders In The Building. Very self-indulgent with lots of Hollywood in-jokes and trying too hard to be quirky.”