Sue Perkins’ Big American Road Trip: where does presenter go in Channel 4 travel series - and when’s it on TV?

Sue Perkins may be famous for her witty one liners and hilarious puns as one-half of the former GBBO hosts, with pal Mel Giedroyc.

However, in recent years she has shown her more adventurous side as she explores the less documented villages of the world and more simple ways of life.

Her latest is Sue Perkins: Big American Road Trip, in which she travels the States in a campervan while learning from Nomads who have welcomed this largely off-grid way of life.

So, what is the series about and where does she travel to? This is what you need to know.

Where does Sue Perkins travel to in Big American Road Trip?

While the nomad way of living is becoming increasingly popular in the US, particularly in parts of Texas, California and Oregon, Perkins visits only a few of these places.

Across the two-part documentary, Perkins takes viewers through California and Colorado as she meets some of the one million Americans who have opted to live the ‘van life’.

Speaking of her travels, Perkins said: “More and more people are starting to question why they should pursue the norm.

“I feel ready to get into the RV life. I like the idea of freedom. We do beauty in the UK but in America, everything is supersized, it’s explosive and unbelievable. You feel like you’re king of the road, which you don’t get on the A1.”

Perkins made use of an RV and later a campervan, as she got into the swing of living on four wheels.

As she rightly highlighted, the homes on wheels available in the US are somewhat fancier than our highest end motorhomes.

At the beginning of her travels, she meets young YouTubers Blix and Bess who are part of a large group of millennial travel-seekers who have recently converted from mainstream living.

Perkins also learns how to climb rock and faces the inevitable poop in the woods, when she spends time with YouTuber Alexandria who has been living in her trailer for seven years.

Following her time with a younger crowd, she learns more about traditional van-life from veteran nomad, Bob Wells.

He has become famous for his role as himself, in Oscar-winning Nomadland. Wells is known throughout the community for his handy tips and advice for newbies who have yet to learn how to live life at the wheel.

“Bob’s unique and special, he’s a legend and has a cult status. He has got a set view but it works for him and it works for the people he has really helped. I enjoyed being part of the church of Bob,” said Perkins.

By episode two Perkins is learning the ropes and travels to Colorado, where she meets a family who have welcomed their little one while living in their van.

Justin and Juby are raising their toddler while making earnings from their YouTube, in which Jamie shares how the community of Nomads keep in touch and live among one another.

By the end of her trip, Perkins is fully onboard with the van life concept and enjoys getting fully immersed in the annual ‘Gutted’ festival in the Colorado desert.

What has Sue Perkins said about her time living on the road?

While it appears the 52-year-old presenter has had a lot of fun living a simpler existence, she also offered her take on how and why nomad communities are growing.

“People watching might think to themselves, ‘Oh I can do that, what a great lifestyle choice’, but without exception those I have met didn’t do this out of choice," she said of those she met.

"They did this because something profound happened in their lives and I admire the fact that they can emerge from difficult times with strength.”

When is Sue Perkins: Big American Road Trip on TV?

The two-part documentary premieres on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday 16 January, episode two airs the following Sunday.

Both episodes will be available on All4, shortly after broadcast.

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