“For us, this series is about memories”

After the Cooris family makes Europe unsafe, Sam, Kelly, Shania and Kenji cross the big pond on ‘Expedition Cooris in America’ for an unforgettable road trip along America’s West Coast. “Sam had to practice his English first, and it was up to the audience to judge how well he did,” laughs Kelly.

“After a successful first season of Expedition Couris – which saw the friendly family go on a road trip through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy – their second family holiday was allowed to go a little further. Three weeks in America, from surfing the iconic Baywatch beach to visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco, dancing with the locals and spotting bears in amazing natural parks. Thanks to bustling cities, breathtaking beaches, vast landscapes and typical American culture, Goorissen offers an unforgettable adventure. It’s filled with tears of laughter, endearing family moments and surprising twists, but also with recognizable and hilarious family feuds – sometimes culminating when the music is chosen for the road.

Couris family in America. Whose dream is it?

“Kenji and Shania chose the destination this time. They had only been to America once when Sam and I renewed our wedding vows in Las Vegas fifteen years ago. Then we stayed there for only five days and were witnesses with our children. Kenji and Shania were now back in America and wanted to do all the things they didn’t have time for at the time.

Does VTM really have any concept in terms of destination?

“No, it’s not the channel that tells us where we’re going on vacation. I put that trip together and decide what my family wants to do. Last year, when we did those European projects, VTM asked us if they could follow us. We talked about it and agreed. But it was our journey. Again. If I notice that such a program is affecting their social life, work or studies, we will not do it again. Because my children and my family are priority number 1.

Last year your family didn’t know much about the plans. Now that?

“Last year they didn’t know anything. But Shania is like a mother, so now she’s allowed to help with the planning. She likes surprises, but also likes to put together a trip like this. She helped me a lot, after all, a trip like this requires a little preparation. Kenji and Sam were all short of it. .they want to be surprised.”

Season 1 was very successful. Did you enjoy watching it yourself?

“When we came up with the question of filming us traveling, we didn’t understand how fun it would be for the viewer. People suddenly started finding it really funny and we don’t know why. I think we laugh at very different things. The little features, the little nuances, the strange looks on our faces. We are in dire straits. But watching the first season often with the kids’ friends, I noticed they laughed at other times. Everything is better, surely? This is who we are, this is not a scripted reality. For us this series is about memories. Because you will quickly forget about such a holiday. Thanks to those records, all those memories are well preserved.

‘Expedition Curries in America’, every Tuesday at 8.35pm on VTM 2.