Okay, let's talk about Ben Fogle. Specifically, Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 2022. It was quite a year, wasn't it?
The Unpopular Opinion Zone
Here's my confession: Sometimes, I watch these shows and think, "Are they sure they're happy?". I mean, no central heating?
Don't get me wrong. I admire the dedication. The grit. But my sofa is comfy. Really comfy.
The Allure of the Wild
I get the appeal, I really do. The idea of escaping the rat race. Trading spreadsheets for sheep.
It sounds idyllic. Until you remember things like taxes, and rainy days, and sheep need shearing.
And then you think, maybe a long weekend camping is enough nature for one year. That is my truth.
The People: Heroes or Just… Different?
Ben Fogle always finds the most fascinating people, doesn't he? The ones who've just had it with civilization.
They ditch their desk jobs for a life of yurts and foraging. Fair enough. But are they secretly missing Netflix?
I bet some of them are. Or maybe they're too busy chopping wood to even remember what Netflix is.
The "Relatable" Moments
There are those moments in each episode where Ben Fogle looks slightly… bewildered.
Like when someone explains their composting toilet situation. Or their intricate rainwater harvesting system.
That's when I feel seen. Because, let's be honest, most of us would be totally lost. We are modern people.
The Scenery: Undeniably Stunning
One thing no one can deny is the breathtaking scenery. Ben Fogle knows how to pick a location.
Rolling hills, sparkling rivers, majestic mountains... It's enough to make you want to book a flight.
And then remember the lack of reliable Wi-Fi, and reconsider. Maybe just buy a nice landscape painting instead.
That One Episode…
There's always one episode that sticks with you, isn't there? The one with the truly eccentric character.
The person who lives off-grid in a converted school bus and communicates solely through interpretive dance.
You watch it thinking, "Wow, that's… something." And then go back to scrolling through TikTok.
Final Thoughts: Admiration with a Side of Skepticism
Look, I admire these people. I truly do. They're living their truth. Good for them!
But I also can't help but wonder if it's all a bit… romanticized. Is it really that simple?
Probably not. But hey, that's why it's entertaining, right? To see other people's lives. Even lives of New Lives In The Wild
So, thanks Ben Fogle. For giving us a glimpse into lives less ordinary. Even if it just makes us appreciate our central heating even more.
Perhaps there's some wisdom in that. Maybe. Or maybe I just need a stronger cup of tea.