Pilgrimage (TV series)

Each series of Pilgrimage follows a group of celebrities as they walk a famous pilgrimage route, staying in hostels and monasteries, and engaging with local communities and religious traditions. The format blends observational documentary with personal confessionals, as participants discuss their own beliefs, doubts, and life experiences. The show emphasizes the physical demands of the journey, often highlighting blisters, fatigue, and the psychological impact of long-distance walking. Unlike many celebrity travel shows, Pilgrimage treats its subject with sincerity, avoiding mockery of faith while still allowing for humor and skepticism among the participants.

The first series (2018) followed the Camino de Santiago in Spain, with participants including comedian Shazia Mirza and actor Les Dennis. The second series (2019) tackled the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome, featuring personalities such as the Reverend Kate Bottley and actor Neil Morrissey. The third series (2020) focused on the Seven Churches of Asia Minor in Turkey, and the fourth (2022) on the Hajj, though the latter was adapted due to COVID-19 restrictions. The fifth series (2023) explored the Holy Land, following the footsteps of Jesus. Each series has been praised for its diverse casting, including people of various faiths and none, which fosters genuine interfaith dialogue.¹

Critics have lauded Pilgrimage for its thoughtful pacing and its ability to make religious history accessible to a broad audience. The series has been noted for its cinematography, capturing both the landscapes and the intimate moments of reflection. It has also sparked public interest in pilgrimage as a secular activity, contributing to a rise in walking holidays along the featured routes. The show has won several awards, including a Royal Television Society award for best documentary series in 2019. Some academics have used the series as a case study in media representations of religion, noting its role in normalizing spiritual exploration on mainstream television.

One of the lesser-known aspects of the series is its collaboration with local religious communities, which often goes uncredited. For instance, in the Turkey series, the crew worked with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to gain access to ancient churches. Additionally, the show has a companion podcast, The Pilgrimage Podcast, featuring extended interviews with participants. The series also faced logistical challenges, such as filming the Hajj series during the pandemic, which required a special permit from Saudi authorities. Notably, the show has never featured a participant who is a practicing Muslim on the Hajj series, a decision that drew some criticism for authenticity, though producers defended it as a way to explore the pilgrimage from an outsider's perspective.

Camino de Santiago

A network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Via Francigena

An ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy, passing through France and Switzerland.

Hajj

The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able.