The Best TV Shows About Expat Life

Our Favourite Expat TV Programs

There are so many people taking the plunge to become expats that of course the subject is bound to crop up as the subjects of reality TV shows and the like. Here we take a look at some of the best TV show to watch if you’re thinking of becoming an expat- or if you already are one and want to see what other people are up to or are fancying a move to new shores!

Brits in Bangkok

“Some 40,000 Brits have set up home in Bangkok, a city of opportunity where the spirit of enterprise is strong. This three-part series introduces some of the colourful characters who are striving to be big in Bangkok.”

No! Before you jump to conclusions this is about people and families moving to Bangkok to work not about the seedy goings on! It’s a really great documentary that shows the ins and outs of becoming an expat and we know that a lot of expat women will really resonate with Brit mum Natalie’s first time expat experience. We actually cried when she was feeling really home sick and also had to abandon a mission of going to the park with her two kids.  (Don’t worry she does find a friend in the end to help her settle in!)

Ramsey’s Costa Del Nightmares

“Gordon Ramsay visits some of Europe's holiday hotspots, meeting Brits abroad struggling with restaurants in crisis.”

You know we’re big fans of Gordon Ramsey on EW and we’re loving his latest series… focusing on expats who have moved to Spain to open restaurants. It’s really interesting to see how they are coping? Have they done the right thing? Can they cope with expat life? Is the business going to be a success? Oooh the stress! Lots of people have the “let’s open a restaurant in a quaint village and live a relaxing life” dream but is that going to be the reality? Watch and learn!

A Cabbie Abroad

“London cabbie Mason McQueen takes on the challenge to drive a taxi in three very different cities around the world.”

This program is a joy to watch and whilst the lovely, cheery chappy Mason is not moving to the countries to be an actual expat he is working a job there and getting a taste of life… and of the poverty that is unfortunately prevalent in many places in the world. This show will really make you feel humble and learn about the challenges the local population may face in your expat posting.

House Hunters International

“House Hunters International follows homeowners around the world as they search for the perfect home- both inside and out- at a price they can afford.”

This spinoff of the wildly popular US focused House Hunters globe trots from Sao Paolo to Prague. Home hunters and their real estate agents check out all sorts of architectural styles and work through the idiosyncrasies of buying real estate in other countries. In any language, home buying is an emotional experience. Get the inside scoop on international property with this fab show!

Living Abroad- US version

“HGTV's Living Abroad picks up where House Hunters International leaves off, showing how Americans actually live in a foreign city.”

Host Chi-Lan Lieu gets to know each family and uncovers what it really takes to make the move and adjust to everyday life in a completely foreign land. Should you buy or rent a house? How do you find adequate kitchen appliances and furniture? What about the language barrier? What type of school will the kids go to? Before you pack your bags, see how others have tackled the expat challenge.

A Place In The Sun: Home or Away

“Jonnie Irwin, Jasmine Harman, Laura Hamilton and Luke Doonan help property owners find the homes they've always wanted - but will they stay on British soil or settle on a distant sunny shore?”

This is one of the spin offs from the original A Place In The Sun. Each episode shows a British couple wishing to buy a property in a sunny foreign country that are shown three or four places found by the show's researchers. The presenter gives the couple useful local information relating to buying, running and maintaining a property in this particular location. After viewing each property the couple are asked for their opinions. At the end of the show they are asked if they have a favourite property and we're finally told if they went on to buy the property or another in the region.

Poms In Paradise

"Is moving down under everything it's cracked up to be? Will it be like Marmite, or should we say, Vegemite and bring out a love/ hate relationship with this pluck bunch of expats? Tune in to find out!"

Every year around 34,000 Britons emigrate to Australia and many of them settle in Sydney. This documentary follows the stories of expats who have made their home in the city, beginning with a man preparing to get married, a paramedic and the owners of a B&B. It shows the reality of being an expat in Australia- some people love it and some people want out… without giving expat life much of a chance. It’s a real eye opener of a series and a must watch if you’re thinking of making the move down under! It’s an oldie but a goodie!

We do hope you manage to catch some of these shows and that they help you on your expat journey. We'll add to this list as we come across more and new ones. Some of the shows are a little bit older but have stuck in our expat minds and you can usually find them on Youtube, DVD or on demand players, lots are repeated on lifestyle type cable channels too.