Better Late Than Never

It sounds gimmicky and completely set up, but with this bunch it works.

The rapid-fire editing suggests the producers are people who find MTV’s pace too slow. But Better is devilishly clever about dropping teasers about its destinations to get you as excited as its travelers about the journey. This is a Travel Channel spectacular with 10 times the budget and 100 times the star power.

Reality hilarity, and tons of fast editing and confessional commentary, ensue.

The reality event series eventually reveals itself to be a slightly crotchety and mostly warmhearted buddy comedy about bucket lists.

On paper this seemed as though it could be a bit of fun. In execution, it’s labored and way over-cooked.

The program has the depth of a tuna can and is edited so frantically it feels like a trailer for itself. The four stars are basically there to present their well-established personae.

This mercilessly edited program isn’t interested in thoughtful observations about the countries it visits, but on a sort of crass disaster theater, in which real-life, celebrity grumpy old men go on a Bucket List-style misadventure.