Need a new feel-good show to add to your watchlist? CNN’s My Happy Place might just be the answer. Premiering April 27, 2025, this charming travel docuseries invites viewers into the personal “happy places” of celebrities — from childhood retreats to far-off dream destinations. Hosted by a rotating cast of stars, including the endlessly charismatic Alan Cumming, the series is already generating buzz for its heart, beauty, and escapism.
What My Happy Place Is All About
At its core, My Happy Place is a celebration of travel, nostalgia, and self-discovery. Each episode features a different celebrity guiding viewers through a destination that holds deep, personal meaning for them. It’s not just about sightseeing — it’s about storytelling. These journeys are intimate, reflective, and, at times, surprisingly emotional.
In the premiere episode, Scottish-born actor Alan Cumming returns to the rugged Highlands of Scotland — a place where he once sought refuge as a child. Viewers not only get to experience breathtaking landscapes but also get a window into Cumming’s formative years, offering a blend of stunning visuals and candid moments.
Future episodes will see:
- Taraji P. Henson recharge her spirit in Bali
- Questlove find inspiration in Austin
- Billy Porter bask in the freedom of Mykonos
- Octavia Spencer reflect on her love for New Orleans
- Simu Liu explore his dream destination, Bangkok
According to CNN’s Amy Entelis, the series promises to be both “poignant” and “illuminating,” offering glimpses into the deeper emotional connections celebrities have with these special places.
Why Alan Cumming Was the Perfect Choice to Kick Off the Series
Alan Cumming’s episode sets the tone beautifully for the show. Known for his versatility on stage and screen, Cumming is also beloved for his warmth, wit, and authenticity — qualities that shine through as he shares his personal journey. His connection to Scotland isn’t just geographical; it’s emotional, historical, and deeply human, making for a compelling start to the series.
Fans of The Traitors US or Instinct will recognize Cumming’s ability to blend humor and vulnerability — a combination that adds real heart to his My Happy Place episode.
How to Watch My Happy Place
Tuning in is easy:
- Live TV: Watch new episodes Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on CNN.
- Streaming: Available via live TV services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
- On-demand: Pay-TV subscribers can also stream through CNN.com or CNN’s connected apps for mobile and smart TVs.
If you’re looking to stream without cable, most of these services offer free trial periods — so you might be able to catch a few episodes without paying upfront.
Why Viewers Are Excited
Several factors are fueling the early excitement:
- Personal storytelling: Fans love seeing a more human, relatable side of their favorite stars.
- Visual escape: The cinematography showcases each location’s natural beauty, offering a mini-vacation for the mind.
- Positive vibes: In an often chaotic news landscape, a show focused on joy, memory, and personal growth feels like a breath of fresh air.
- Big names, bigger hearts: With stars like Octavia Spencer and Questlove opening up about their journeys, viewers are treated to honest, often surprising revelations.
Early buzz suggests that My Happy Place will find an eager audience among travel lovers, pop culture fans, and anyone simply looking for a bit of light in their Sunday nights.
Final Thoughts
My Happy Place isn’t just another celebrity travelogue — it’s an invitation to remember our own happy places and the memories that make them meaningful. With its heartfelt storytelling, gorgeous settings, and authentic emotions, the series offers a rare kind of television magic: the chance to travel not only across the world but into the heart.
Ready to find your happy place? Alan Cumming and the rest of the cast are waiting to take you there.
