Watch Around the World in 80 Days

Around the World in 80 Days is a thrilling adventure series that takes us on a journey around the world, following the exploits of a young Victorian gentleman named Phileas Fogg and his loyal French valet Passepartout. Based on the classic Jules Verne novel of the same name, the series was produced by ZDFmediathek and features an all-star cast, stunning locations, and top-notch production values.

The series begins with Phileas Fogg (played by David Tennant) and Passepartout (played by Ibrahim Koma) making a high-stakes bet with their fellow members of the Reform Club in London. Fogg claims that he can travel around the world in just 80 days, and his fellow club members wager a large sum of money against him. With the clock ticking, Fogg and Passepartout set off on their amazing journey, encountering all sorts of obstacles and challenges along the way.

Their first stop is Paris, where Fogg and Passepartout must evade the police and make their way to the train station. From there, they travel to Italy, where they get caught up in a deadly conspiracy involving a beautiful actress named Caterina (played by Leonie Benesch) and a band of ruthless criminals. Their journey takes them to Egypt, where they explore the mysteries of the pyramids and encounter a dangerous cult. They also visit India, where they must navigate the treacherous politics of the Raj and rescue a beautiful princess (played by Shriya Pilgaonkar) from an arranged marriage. Along the way, they are pursued by a relentless detective named Fix (played by Gérard Depardieu), who is determined to stop them from winning the bet.

The series is full of action, suspense, and humor, as Fogg and Passepartout face one challenge after another. They are aided by a variety of colorful characters, including a hot-air balloonist (played by Charles Dance), a cowboy (played by Brian J. Smith), and a Chinese warrior (played by Zhu Zhu). They also encounter historical figures like Queen Victoria, Louis Pasteur, and Captain Nemo, adding to the sense of adventure and wonder.

One of the strengths of the series is its production design, which takes us back to the Victorian era with its richly detailed sets, costumes, and props. The period feel is enhanced by the use of real locations, from the streets of Paris to the deserts of Egypt to the jungles of India. The series also uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to create some thrilling action sequences, including a chase across the rooftops of Paris, a hot-air balloon ride over the Alps, and a battle on a moving train.

At the heart of the series is the relationship between Fogg and Passepartout, who are an odd couple but ultimately become close friends. Fogg is a reserved and somewhat cold character, obsessed with precision and timing, while Passepartout is outgoing and impulsive, always ready for adventure. But over the course of their journey, they learn to appreciate each other's strengths and form a bond that will last a lifetime.

Overall, Around the World in 80 Days is a fantastic adventure series that will appeal to fans of classic literature, action-packed epics, and historical dramas. With its charismatic cast, stunning locations, and exciting plot, it is a must-see for anyone who loves a good adventure.