Destination X melds elements of The Traitors and Race Across the World, but with a twist that keeps viewers guessing. This latest reality competition from the BBC brings together a diverse group of contestants at Baden-Baden airport in Germany. From there, they embark on a series of mysterious challenges set against the scenic backdrop of Europe, all while being whisked away via helicopter and luxurious coach.
The format is straightforward: 13 contestants travel to a different location in Europe each episode, gathering clues to figure out where they are. At the end, they enter the “map room” to guess their location by placing an X. The one who is furthest from the correct answer faces elimination, with a grand prize of £100,000 awaiting the winner.
In the U.S. version, The Walking Dead‘s Jeffrey Dean Morgan takes the helm—a pick that raises eyebrows considering his infamous role. The British version, however, opts for the charmingly warm Rob Brydon, who adds a touch of humor with his dapper suits. “I’m actually Anton Du Beke,” he quips.
The casting is deliberate, showcasing a mix of personalities. There’s James, the inexperienced traveler; Deborah, a guilt-ridden author; and Nick, an ultra-competitive athlete whose ambition knows no bounds. Ben, a surf school owner, also exhibits competitive instincts hidden beneath a friendly facade.
As is typical for reality competition formats, not all contestants make it past the first challenge, with three failing to leave the departure lounge. The remaining ten embark on a bewildering 125-mile helicopter journey, where they engage in puzzling challenges to earn clues. At one point, they find themselves in a mysterious market square, required to answer tricky questions while navigating their unfamiliar surroundings.
The challenges encourage both alliances and betrayals, yet they can be overly confusing—leading to a surreal viewing experience. Viewers can engage further by playing along using QR codes, adding an interactive twist to the show.
While Destination X doesn’t grip you like The Traitors, nor does it warm your heart as Race Across the World might, it still offers an enjoyable adventure worth tagging along for.
Destination X aired on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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