Plot Synopsis

Following an outrageous bet, Phileas Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, take on the legendary journey of circumnavigating the globe in just 80 days, swiftly joined by aspiring journalist Abigail Fix, who seizes the chance to report on this extraordinary story. Just like in Jules Verne's 1872 classic adventure story, Fogg is affluent and not necessarily intrepid, and Passepartout is a foil to Fogg's character -- he is a man who has lived a gritty, well-traveled life. ("Passe-partout" is French for "pass everywhere".) In the original story, Fix was Scotland Yard detective who believes Fogg has robbed the Bank of England, but in this re-telling, the character has been transformed "from a fairly simple male antagonist into a pioneering female journalist who accompanies them on the trip," according to executive producer Simon Crawford Collins.

The story opens in London, 1872. Inspired by a news story, Phileas Fogg is goaded into betting that he can circle the globe in just 80 days, despite never having been abroad before. He sets off with his new valet, Jean Passepartout, and finds that journalist Abigail Fix, the daughter of his friend Fortescue, is joining him to document the journey. When they reach Paris, they find the city in the middle of a riot. Passepartout is reunited with his revolutionary brother, who leads him and Fix into the heart of the unrest. Meanwhile, Fogg nearly falls at the first hurdle. Is he really cut out for this adventure?

Next, the trio land in the heart of the Italian countryside and hitch a ride on the train to Brindisi. But on board, Fogg encounters an arrogant bully who is challenged by Fogg's easy rapport with his young, grieving son. Passepartout is struggling to process what happened in Paris, and Fix is concerned that she may have backed the wrong horse. When disaster strikes, can Fogg apply his brilliant mind to the problem and save the day? Back home in London, Bellamy worries that Fogg might have what it takes to make it around the world.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS made its U.S. debut on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 8pm on PBS (check local listings).
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On Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 8pm (check local listings), PBS aired the U.S. debut of the season finale of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Fogg meets an old friend at New York's Grand Central Depot and must decide whether to continue his trip. Unbeknownst to him, astronomical effects will decide the outcome.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS has been renewed for a second season.