There are certain television shows that seem as if they were created as an excuse for famous people to take nice vacations. “Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes” is one such program. But that doesn’t mean the series, streaming now on BritBox, isn’t a charming, escapist watch.
Cumming is the Scottish actor known for his work on Broadway in the likes of “Cabaret” and his stint on “The Good Wife,” but recently he has been using his thick brogue for reality TV hosting gigs. His stint lording over the bickering competitors of Peacock’s “The Traitors” won him an Emmy earlier this year. “Paradise Homes” continues the trend, but it features far less back stabbing.
In the five-episode first season, Cumming travels around Europe and North America, poking his nose into extraordinarily designed homes. Cumming bills himself as an architecture buff who has designed several building projects of his own, and as he tours each spot, he evaluates it based partly on whether it is the type of place he picture himself in. It makes the entire enterprise feel like “Architectural Digest” by way of your most fabulous friend with a judgmental side.
While I’m no expert, the houses really are incredible, mostly modernist palaces in unusual locales. Still, as is the case with most shows like this, the entertainment value varies based on who is living in the homes. The best subjects have the most curious houses, like the couple in rural Ontario who revamped a 19th century cabin with sleek and contemporary additions, painted black. The couple also get Cumming’s sense of humor, and they invite him to sing karaoke in their hot tub with them.
For all the gorgeous scenery, Cumming, with his penchant for snooping and his stylish suits, is really the main attraction. He wants to have a good time, and when he vibes with the homeowners, the show sparks. He is also delightfully thrilled by tasty (vegan) food and splendid (alcoholic) beverages.
“Paradise Homes” is light on the nitty-gritty of how these living spaces are funded and built, leaving the financial details vague. The lack of transparency can at times feel a little tone-deaf, but maybe it’s better that the show doesn’t get too bogged down in reality: “Paradise Homes” is an excellent distraction. For a couple of hours you can imagine you’re living the good life, sipping on wine with a amusingly cheeky guide.
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