Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness

Watch Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness

  • 2020
  • 1 Season
  • 8.1  (126)

Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness is a travel docuseries that follows the comedian and actor Ravi Patel as he embarks on a cross-cultural journey across the globe in search of happiness and personal fulfillment. Alongside his wife, Mahaley Patel, and friend Abdullah Saeed, Patel immerses himself in various cultures, trying out different lifestyles and exploring different approaches to happiness.

Throughout the eight-episode series, Patel travels to six different countries, including Japan, Mexico, Denmark, South Korea, Thailand, and India. In each location, he meets with locals and explores the cultural practices and philosophies that shape their approach to life. He tries out everything from forest bathing in Japan to hygge in Denmark, mindfulness in South Korea to Muay Thai in Thailand.

The show's central premise is based on Patel's own search for happiness and fulfillment in his life. As a first-generation Indian American, Patel, like many people, has found himself struggling to balance the cultural values and expectations of his family with his own personal desires and aspirations. Through his travels, he hopes to find new perspectives on life and happiness that will help him navigate these challenges.

Along the way, Patel's journey is guided by a series of interviews with experts in fields ranging from neuroscience to philosophy, psychology, and more. These interviews provide insight into the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of happiness, exploring what it is, how it works, and how we can cultivate it in our own lives.

Throughout the series, Patel's companions, Mahaley and Abdullah, provide an entertaining and often comedic counterpoint to his explorations. Together, the trio navigate the challenges of adapting to new cultures, overcoming language barriers, and grappling with the complexities of international travel. The show is also filmed in a cinéma vérité style, giving it a raw and authentic feel that makes it easy to get lost in Patel's adventures.

One of the standout episodes of the series takes place in Japan, where Patel immerses himself in the country's unique approach to wellness. Through experiences like forest bathing, Zen meditation, and communal bathing, he learns about the importance of mindfulness and connectedness in Japanese culture. Along the way, he struggles to adapt to the rigor and discipline required of traditional practices like Zen meditation, ultimately finding a newfound appreciation for the importance of self-care in his own life.

Another memorable episode takes place in Denmark, where Patel explores the concept of hygge, a Danish concept of coziness and contentment. Through experiences like gathering with friends for hot chocolate and cozy blankets, he finds a newfound appreciation for slowing down and savoring life's simple pleasures.

Overall, Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness is a heartwarming and thought-provoking series that will inspire viewers to think deeply about what happiness means to them. Through his travels, Patel highlights the importance of cultural exchange and empathy, showing how the magic of travel can help us connect with others in profound and meaningful ways. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply curious about different cultures, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in the pursuit of happiness.

Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on August 27, 2020.

Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness
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Seasons
Immigrants and the Border in Denmark
4. Immigrants and the Border in Denmark
August 27, 2020
Determined to leave his daughter with a country as welcoming and encouraging of the "American dream" as it was for his parents, Ravi travels to Denmark, where attitudes toward immigration are as divided as they are in the States. In Copenhagen, Ravi and his journalist friend Abdullah Saeed meet with local refugees and politicians who preach hygge and hope to squash anti-immigrant sentiments before they destroy their democracy.
Work Hard Play Hard in South Korea
3. Work Hard Play Hard in South Korea
August 27, 2020
Ravi and his entrepreneur friend Matt Pohlson travel to South Korea to see if workaholism is a mindset that can be changed, or something they'll have to contend with forever. As the friends eat their way through Seoul's spiciest foods--the country's way of "de-stressing through stress"--a trip to a "death caf?" puts one of life's most important commodities into perspective.
Overparenting in Japan
2. Overparenting in Japan
August 27, 2020
Ravi and his wife Mahaley visit Japan in hopes of finding that elusive balance between parenting and over-parenting so they can be better equipped to raise their young daughter. In a country that goes to extreme measures to ensure children's independence, Ravi and Mahaley begin to question how their own upbringings have influenced their parenting styles - and if there really is such a thing as the "perfect child."
Growing Old in Mexico
1. Growing Old in Mexico
August 27, 2020
With his mother Champa approaching her 65th birthday and his father Vasant settling into retirement, Ravi begins to realize they may have very different ideas about the future of their multigenerational family. Traveling to M?rida, Mexico--a hotspot for international retirees--Ravi and his parents take a tour of the "good life" with the help of local retired expats who prompt them to reimagine the decades to come.
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Where to Watch Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness
Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness is available for streaming on the HBO Max website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness on demand at Max.
  • Premiere Date
    August 27, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (126)