So, Rob Brydon’s Destination X—is it the new Traitors or more like Race Across the World?

Well... kind of both, but also its own weird and wonderful thing.

What’s the setup?

Basically, a group of contestants travel across Europe on a bus with blacked-out windows. They can’t see where they’re going, and they have to guess their location based on clues, challenges, and some cheeky misdirection from Rob Brydon, who’s clearly having a great time messing with them.

 Travel vibes like Race Across the World?

A bit, yes. It has that "epic European journey" feeling—different countries, cool landscapes, geography-based challenges. But the big difference is that contestants aren’t planning their own route or budgeting like in Race Across. They’re passengers, not planners. So, while it has the same sense of movement and discovery, it’s not quite as raw or emotional.

Trickery like The Traitors?

Sort of! There’s no lying or secret traitors here, but there is a lot of trickery. Brydon is the game master, dropping fake clues, setting up red herrings, and generally keeping everyone on their toes. It’s less about alliances and backstabbing, more about puzzles and second-guessing everything.

The tone?

Definitely lighter than The Traitors. It’s playful, funny, and kind of surreal at times. Brydon brings a lot of dry humour to it, and the contestants often don’t know whether to laugh or scream. Think less drama, more quirky chaos.

So what’s the verdict?

If you love Race Across the World for the travel, you’ll enjoy the scenery and sense of adventure.
If you’re into The Traitors for the twists and mind games, you’ll get a kick out of the constant misdirection.

But it’s not a copy of either. Destination X is its own beast—a travel-puzzle hybrid with a cheeky host, some very confused contestants, and a whole lot of guessing.

It’s airing on BBC One and iPlayer this summer, and honestly? It might just be your new obsession.

Here’s a spoiler-free preview of the first episode and how the format works in more detail.

Episode One: What to Expect (No Spoilers)

From the get-go, the show throws contestants—and viewers—straight into the unknown. There's no easing in. The blacked-out bus pulls away, Rob Brydon starts weaving his mischievous narration, and the contestants are already trying to make sense of their surroundings… which they can’t see.

You’ll see:

·         The first geographic challenges—testing how observant and intuitive the players are.

·         Early dynamics between contestants. (No villains yet, but definitely some personalities.)

·         The tone is immediately playful and mysterious—Rob’s voiceovers are full of little nudges and jokes, and the editing leans into the weirdness.

·         The first “X Point,” where players make their guesses about where they are—and the stakes start to become real.

It’s stylishly shot, with beautiful drone footage contrasting the claustrophobia of the bus. And while no one gets eliminated just yet, the game is definitely underway.

🧩 How the Format Works

Here’s the structure that repeats and builds throughout the series:

🚌 The Journey

·         Contestants travel together in a coach with blacked-out windows—so they don’t know where they’re going.

·         They’re dropped off in different locations across Europe but never told exactly where they are.

🧭 Clues & Challenges

·         At each stop, they face puzzles, local games, or observation challenges designed to give hints—or mislead them.

·         Sometimes they interact with locals. Sometimes the clue is hidden in what isn’t said.

·         Brydon, as host/narrator, is the wild card—often intentionally misleading them or planting fake signs, like made-up maps or phony accents.

❌ The X Point

·         After each leg, contestants mark on a digital map where they think they are.

·         Those furthest from the correct location are at risk of being eliminated.

·         Over time, the map fills in, and the players' guesses either sharpen—or spiral wildly off.

💥 Eliminations

·         Not every episode has an elimination, but the tension builds with each wrong guess.

·         Being bad at geography can cost you the game.

All About Ron Brydon and the production of Destination X..

Rob Brydon has been named the host of upcoming adventure reality competition series, Destination X. The innovative show coming to BBC One and iPlayer in 2025, will combine spectacular adventure travel and immersive gameplay with the ultimate guessing game.

Rob Brydon MBE is a Welsh actor, comedian and presenter most known for his role as Uncle Bryn in the hit BBC comedy ‘Gavin & Stacey’ for which he was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance. He also starred in the highly successful series ‘The Trip’ with Steve Coogan and has presented the wildly pupular panel show ‘Would I Lie to You’ since 2009. As well as a number of iconic roles in British television, Brydon has starred in Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Barbie’ as well as writing and producing his own comedy shows.

Rob Brydon says “How could I turn down the opportunity to become the mastermind of Destination X, the thrilling new travel adventure series coming to the BBC next year. It’s a show that turns the whole of Europe into a board game - manipulating the players and the audience at home along the way. I can’t wait to be the puppet master orchestrating every twist and turn as our contestants are taken on a journey where everything is not as it seems. It’s going to be a wild ride!”

Dan Adamson, Managing Director at Twofour says “We are so delighted to have Rob Brydon as the host and puppet master of this incredible series. Playful, smart and mischievous, we know Rob will strike the perfect tone and be the very best guide for our cast and audience alike, as they embark on a journey like no other. At Twofour, we always love working with brilliant talent on our shows and there is no doubt that Rob is the perfect fit for this epic and ambitious new series.”

Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events at the BBC says “Rob is the perfect host to guide our cast and audience over the course of this extraordinary road trip where nothing is quite what it seems, and we are delighted to be working with him on this amazing series”

Merging fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition series, viewers will follow contestants as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime but have no idea where they are. In order to win, they must figure out their mystery locations. Once they're on the blacked-out Destination X bus, the journey transforms into a real-life boardgame with challenges designed to offer clever clues as to their location, along with a few misdirects to keep them, and the viewers, always guessing.

At the end of each episode, contestants must guess where they are and the furthest from the actual location will leave the competition. The first player to reach the final destination, Destination X, will be crowned the winner. With high stakes and mind-blowing spectacular gameplay, the series will continuously keep viewers engaged and take them along for the ride.

Destination X is based on the award-winning Belgian format that was created and produced by Geronimo, and launched in Belgium in 2023 on commercial broadcaster VTM. It consistently won the Monday evening timeslot with an impressive 42% market share over the first eight episodes (18-44, Consolidated).

The Executive Producers of Destination X are Saul Fearnley and Lee Smithurst, alongside Twofour MD Dan Adamson, Chief Creative Director David Clews and Series Editor, Ben Cook. Director of Production and Operations Shireen Abbott will oversee production of both series. Twofour is part of ITV Studios.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, and Syeda Irtizaali, Editor of Unscripted, secured the UK rights for BBC One and iPlayer. The series was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Michael Jochnowitz.