User Reviews

In a televisual age where almost everything you watch contains sex, violence or overly competitive people being horrible to each other it is truly wonderful to watch a programme that is totally innocent.

As much as I love canals and boating the real attraction of this show is watching two delightful people sharing happy moments in the twilight of their years together.

The genuine love they have for each other brings a warmth to my heart that simply no other T.V show does at his moment.

I can only hope that Tim and Pru stay fit and healthy for as long as possible so we can share more wonderful moments with them.

10/10

Just one of the most joyous programmes channel 4 have ever made; delightful, whimsical, lighthearted and funny in in the most touching way. Tim and Prue are one of the great theatrical partnerships, both professionally and privately. Who could not be moved by their deep love for one another and all that is beautiful on the canals? Also, they're doing a fantastic PR job for our great canals which can only have a positive knock on effect. Long may they both continue on these wonderful adventures set to exquisite scenery and that hauntingly lovely soundtrack. If only all documentary/reality TV was made as brilliantly as this - Channel 4 please reassure me there are more series to come?

This programme caught me completely by surprise, I tuned in assuming it would be full of great scenery, amazing vistas and a little bit of history about the canals themselves... and it was, in fact the history aspect was extremely well covered by Tim, who is a very well informed man and a joy to listen to as his passion for the subject matter is mesmerising... but here comes the punch, through Tim and Pru, who are well into their 80s you get this fantastic insight into love, relationships and getting older. I found the journeys quite emotional, Tim and Pru's spirit of adventure lifted my heart so much as I watched them navigate the waterways. Absolutely brilliant, a hidden gem.

I'm going to sound ancient, but here me out. This show is so much more than a travelogue. It's a documentation on how a couple who've been together for over 50 years are still going strong. Compare that to most couples today who split up. It's also a release from watching copious amounts of sex, swearing and violence, as well as D-list celebrities in the jungle munching down on kangaroo privates or gangs of orange, fake-tanned morons who can barely count past two.

A brilliant series that works on so many levels - travelogue, history documentary, living with Alzheimer's story and, most successfully, insight into a couple who are still devoted to each other after so many years.

Happy to say that, after a number of e-mails to the production company Spun Gold and numerous promises of imminent dee vee dee (sorry, a rather over-zealous IMDb thinks capitalising dee vee dee is shouting) releases, I've finally heard that a two-disc 'highlights' package will be released on July 3rd. At last!

This programme is ostensibly a travelogue about canal and river journeys on barges, riverboats and other small craft.

But that's not why we watch it, I don't think. Two of the great British character actors of a former generation, they are two personalities redolent of our childhoods.

And they have a truly special relationship to which most can only aspire. GCJ charts their journey into an old age beset by Pru's failing health.

It's a true love story, and one of the most heartwarming programmes I've ever watched.

A wonderful TV series reviving many memories of the locations and the personalities involved especially of course Prunella and Tim a great pity one cannot view on line especially the 2017 series containing the Norfolk Broards where we lived for many years while living in the UK before moving to New Zealand

Despite the very occasional boring stop-off, this travelogue series is groundbreaking TV. Seeing veteran actors and well-seasoned boaters Prunella Scales and husband Timothy West still living life to the full at such a range of locations - even with the limitations of Alzheimer's - is the best form of entertainment. I always assumed this series would sadly end with the inevitable, but making the brave decision to continue the show with barging novices Gyles Brandreth and arthritic Sheila Hancock proved to be genius - I've only see their first episode so far, but I laughed so much! Hopefully Great Canal Journeys will continue for many more years.

Who knew how beautiful a leisurely float through the British countryside could be. This show is like therapy for the eyes. Prunella is a peach and I know what I want to do with my life come summertime.

Having been a long time fan of Prunella Scales, I approached this series with interest. She was great as the long suffering Sybil Fawlty, and better still as Miss Mapp in the miniseries Mapp and Lucia.

Seeing her with her husband of many decades traveling down canals was a great treat. I was amazed that the couple found so many unusual and out of the ordinary places to visit.

Such a love affair. How wonderful to be let in for a peek. Great talents, kind and generous souls, and then there are the canals.

It is sad, scary and uplifting to see the challenges of aging writ large. Facing dementia of two parents who are not able to get around anymore, makes me wistful.

Well done. And, thank you for taking me on such a personal journey.

The first season, especially, every episode was more breathtaking than the last (not sure if they chose the canal order on purpose, changed the order in which the episodes were aired, or it was simply a happy accident) and I looked forward to new episodes and seasons. But as time goes on--I'm sorry to say it--Tim West comes across more and more as a cranky old man and is, at times, an arsal to his wife. Coupled with an occasional, unnecessary focus on Ms. Scales' illness and the errors she makes as a result, the show has an underlying (surely unintentional) mean-spiritedness that detracts from the beauty of the settings and the tranquility of the concept.

I still watch, but now that I've noticed these other aspects, it's hard to unsee them.

And he's not that great an actor, either.

Romantic travel and heritage series. The hosts are so charming and appropriate for this beautiful series. I'm delighted and edified watching this series and happy to see that it expands beyond the UK canals. Sweden is a true dream.

If you're interested in boating and a bit of adventure, this series is for you. It is calming and gorgeous.

The archival footage and beautiful vistas of heritage sight is stunning.

The couple hosting this documentary series is so well suited. There couldn't have been a more appropriate couple.

Absolutely charmed.

Watching this series will make you plan your next adventure.

This show is like being on vacation with your grandparents. In a good way. The scenery along the various routes is beautiful. Wonderful to see two 80+ love birds enjoying life. The only con is Tim's constant reminder that Pru has dementia. It's repeated at least four times during each episode. The real problem may be the amount of alcohol these two consume. If you play the drinking game with this show you'll be sloshed. Aside from that the Wests are a welcome and gracious relief from current worries. I'm glad to have met them.

Kanaler, båtar och kärlek Is the swedosh title

Werry sharming to follw this old couple in ther hobbye

So this is such and interesting and entertaining series but I just cringe when Pru's issues are continually focused on. Every episode begins with her forgetting to cast off but nothing is mentioned about Tims consistent issues with navigation. Crashing into boats, locks, getting lost, falling. Pru is over 80 years old! And she gets around better than I do. Focusing on her small limitations is just unfair and mean. She stands out as a completely lovely, intelligent, loyal companion.

Tim however does not. He for some reason needs to bring up her Alzheimer for no reason. Even their children don't seem to understand Tim's questions and almost cruel position at times.

I have learned so much and enjoyed the calmness and beauty of their adventures but I am also so very sad the Pru is depicted in such a negative light.

The scenery is gorgeous. I am now on the fourth season and have enjoyed visiting The Netherlands, Sweden, England, and everywhere else they've been. Unlike other people, I have not warmed up to them as a couple. Pru seems like a lovely person who cares about nature and animals. When she went to say good bye to the horse who pulled their boat, Taff, I let the tears come out.

Very early in the series their actor son visited them, made a comment to the effect that he knew they would be drinking alcohol, and is asked by his father what he thinks about Prunella's "condition" right in front of her. I am not sure I will continue after this season since her decline is already so apparent and probably will not be pleasant to watch.

The son says his father is not a patient person. I would use other adjectives to describe him and I really have found the amount of their drinking unattractive. It's as if they can't wait to get to the bottle every day.

I love this programme, but alas it has gone the way of many other programmes and fallen foul of the American belief that subtitles are needed when anyone, other than an American or Englishman are speaking. The latest episode I am watching is in India. I have no problem understanding the people of India speaking English and Quite honestly feel it is a slight to them adding subtitles.