Ep 6. Pacific

Stephen Fry in America is a travel documentary series that follows the journey of Stephen Fry, a British actor, comedian, and writer, as he explores and discovers the culture, history, and people of the United States of America in an iconic London cab. Season 1 episode 6, entitled Pacific, takes viewers along the American West Coast, where Fry begins his journey in Seattle, Washington, and ends in Los Angeles, California.

The episode starts with Fry's arrival in Seattle, where he visits Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. Fry explores the vibrant atmosphere of the market, talks to the vendors, learns about the local produce, and tastes some of the iconic foods like the Dungeness crab. Afterward, Fry takes a break on a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, where he talks about the thrill of sailing and observes the landmarks of Seattle, including the famous Space Needle.

The next stop on Fry's journey is Portland, Oregon, where he visits the International Rose Test Garden, which is home to over 10,000 rose bushes and is considered the oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Fry learns about the history of the garden, the importance of roses in American culture, and even tries his hand at pruning roses under the watchful eye of an expert.

From Portland, Fry drives down the Pacific Coast Highway to California, stopping at San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. On Alcatraz, Fry takes a tour of the former prison and learns about the prison's history, infamous inmates, and notorious escape attempts. In San Francisco, Fry explores the cultural diversity of the city, visits the infamous Haight-Ashbury district, and stops by a Fortune Cookie Factory to see how fortune cookies are made.

The last leg of Fry's journey takes him south to Los Angeles, where he visits the Griffith Observatory, located in the hills overlooking LA. Fry learns about the advancements in astronomy, takes in the stunning views of the city from the observatory, and enjoys a performance at the nearby Greek Theatre.

The episode concludes with Fry's reflections on his journey across the United States and his newfound appreciation for the culture, history, and people of the American West Coast. Throughout the episode, Fry's wit, humor, and curiosity make for an entertaining and informative travel show that highlights some of the most iconic landmarks and experiences in the Pacific region.