You’ve seen the memes. The "rich auntie" energy. The impeccable outfits. But honestly, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross is doing something a lot deeper than just showing off a nice hotel in Morocco. When Roku greenlit this thing, they probably knew it would do well—she’s Tracee Ellis Ross, after all—but I don’t think anyone expected it to become the most-watched unscripted original in the platform's history.
It’s weirdly addictive.
Basically, the show follows the Black-ish star as she navigates the world entirely on her own. No entourage. No "TV magic" to hide the awkwardness of eating a five-course meal at a table for one. It’s just her, a truly absurd amount of luggage, and a tuning fork. (Yes, a tuning fork. We'll get to that.)
What is Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross actually about?
Most travel shows are about the "where." They want to show you the best tacos in Tulum or the secret bars in Berlin. This show is kinda about that, but it's mostly about the "how." How do you exist in your own skin when there’s nobody there to distract you?
Ross takes us to three main spots in the first season:
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- Marrakech, Morocco
- Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Marbella, Spain
It’s not some "roughing it" backpacker diary. Let’s be real: Tracee is staying in high-end resorts. But the vulnerability is there. She talks openly about the "muscle memory" of being uncomfortable. She’s 52, single, and child-free, and she leans into that reality with a transparency that feels rare for a celebrity of her caliber.
One minute she’s meticulously organizing her hotel closet (she starts packing two weeks in advance, which is honestly relatable for the anxious travelers among us), and the next, she’s admitting that solo travel can be lonely and scary. It’s that balance that makes the show work.
The Roku factor: Why this partnership matters
Roku has been quietly building a library of "originals" that don’t require a $20 monthly subscription. You just open the app and watch. By snagging Tracee Ellis Ross, they moved from "that place with the old movies" to a destination for premium, culturally relevant content.
Brian Tannenbaum, who heads up Originals at Roku, called her the "gold standard" for unscripted storytelling. He’s not just blowing smoke. The numbers back it up. Within two weeks of its July 25, 2025 debut, it broke every viewership record they had for reality programming.
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Why it resonated so hard
- The "Anti-Adventure" Vibe: It’s not about bungee jumping. It’s about the "luxury of being."
- Safety First: She actually talks about the logistics of safety for Black women and the LGBTQIA+ community when traveling abroad.
- The Wardrobe: Let’s not lie. We are all here for the looks.
Wait, there’s a Season 2?
Yeah, they didn't wait long. Because the first season "soared" (Roku's words, not mine), they officially greenlit Season 2 in August 2025.
The internet is already theorizing where she’s going next. Japan? Italy? Ghana? Wherever it is, you can bet there will be more luggage than should legally be allowed on a plane.
There's something sorta revolutionary about seeing a woman over 50 just... enjoying herself. She isn't looking for a husband. She isn't trying to find herself. She already knows who she is; she just wants to see what she looks like in a different zip code.
Misconceptions about the show
Some people on Reddit and social media have complained that it’s "too posh." They say it’s not real solo traveling because she’s flying first class and has a driver.
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They aren't wrong, but they're missing the point.
Tracee isn't trying to be a budget travel vlogger. She’s showing a version of solo travel that is rooted in self-care and safety. For many women of color, "wandering" isn't always safe or relaxing. Her preference for resorts and thorough research is a response to that. She’s being "meticulously thoughtful" about her needs. If that includes a tuning fork to reset her energy in a hotel room, who are we to judge?
Actionable insights for your own solo trip
If the show has you itching to book a flight, Tracee actually shares some decent advice in the episodes that you can use right now:
- The "Tuesday Night" Strategy: Scared of dining alone? Don't start on a Saturday night at 8:00 PM when the place is packed with couples. Go on a Tuesday at 6:00 PM. It’s lower stakes.
- Research the Airport: Ross researches everything from the climate to the layout of the airport before she lands. It reduces that "lost and overwhelmed" feeling the second you step off the plane.
- Pack for Joy: If overpacking makes you feel prepared and happy, stop feeling guilty about it. If it doesn't hurt anyone, bring the extra shoes.
- Check the Vibes: If you’re a marginalized traveler, do your diligence. Ensure the destination actually respects who you are before you spend your money there.
Stream Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross for free on The Roku Channel. It’s only three episodes for the first season, so you can finish it in an afternoon. Just be prepared to want to buy a whole new wardrobe and a one-way ticket to Marbella immediately after.
To start your own solo journey without leaving your zip code, try booking a "solo date" at a local museum or a restaurant you've never been to. It’s the easiest way to build that "muscle memory" Tracee talks about before you commit to an international flight.