Grandpa Over Flowers

Grandpa Over Flowers, first released in 2013 by CJ Entertainment, is a unique and vibrant reality travelogue show that captures the heartwarming experiences of four veteran South Korean actors in their twilight years, on an adventurous backpacking expedition overseas.

The show adopts a very distinct and fascinating concept — a cohort of septuagenarian celebrities venturing out on a backpacking tour, with the quest navigated by their much younger guide, Lee Seo-jin. This simple premise challenges the conventional societal image of elderly people as frail or homebodies, instead, emphasizing their vivacity, adventurous spirits and continuous enthusiasm for life.

At the core of the show, we find Baek Il-seob, Lee Soon-jae, Shin Goo, and Park Geun-hyung, all immensely respected actors with careers spanning several decades in the Korean entertainment industry. Viewers watch as the quartet navigates foreign environments while remaining full of life and energy, demonstrating age is truly just a number. Their camaraderie shines through, providing moments of warmth, heartfelt emotion, and a fair share of humor.

Their guide, Lee Seo-jin, a popular actor in his early forties, also adds a dynamic twist to the show. Lee has been thrust into a caretaker role, herding the elderly men through their travels, managing their schedules, and even handling their luggage. The age gap and contrasting views lead to comedic and sometimes nerve-wracking interactions. The dialogue exchanges provide plenty of hilarious one-liners and tongue-in-cheek moments, adding light-heartedness to the travelogue.

The beauty of Grandpa Over Flowers also lies in its capability to draw clean humor and pure entertainment from everyday situations, rather than relying solely on scripted activity. As soon as the grandpas reach the airport, the adventures kick off, encompassing prosaic things like lost bags, forgotten items, dietary preference issues, rest periods and even miscommunications. These naturally occurring incidents add color, humor and a dose of reality to the unfolding travel adventure.

From exploring the bustling local markets in Taiwan to admiring the beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands, the program introduces viewers to multiple cinematic locations. Each episode is not just about the journey, but also about the destination. The stunning visuals and eloquent descriptions of each spot make the audience part of the travel experience, enhancing the aesthetic and educational value of the show.

In a unique fusion of human-interest story, adventure, and humor, Grandpa over Flowers consciously underlines the invaluable wisdom and life experiences that come with age. It gives the audience a chance to see the world through the eyes of people who have witnessed it for over seven decades and are still ready to see more. The show subtly schools viewers about accepting and embracing the ageing process, and encourages them to live life to the fullest, regardless of age.

Moreover, it sends an essential message about the importance of familial bonds, friendships, and connections. This reality series is not only a fun-filled travel adventure but also a chronicle of nostalgic memories, laughter, and the unmistakable bond forged between the actors and their guide.

Grandpa Over Flowers is an excellent choice for viewers of all ages, packed with fun, expensive life lessons, endless laugh-out-loud moments, and excess doses of inspiration. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming binge-worthy show, an adventurous travelogue, or simply interested in Korean culture and entertainment, this delightful blend of humor, adventure, and camaraderie will undeniably keep you hooked and craving for more.