Jo Franco Explores Route 66 in New Docuseries
The travel host journeys along the iconic highway to celebrate its centennial and the twentieth anniversary of the film Cars.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Car Culture
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Host Jo Franco stars in a new docuseries titled Cars: Route 66 Road Trip, which documents a four-day expedition across five states. The production visits historical landmarks to highlight the real-world inspirations behind the popular animated film.
Why it matters
The series serves as a tribute to both the centennial of the historic Route 66 and the two-decade legacy of the creators behind the film Cars. It offers an archival look at the roadside culture that shaped American travel history.
The production spanned a four-day journey across five states to document historical sites. It commemorates a 100-year milestone for the route and a 20-year anniversary for the film.
The players
Jo Franco
She is a travel host and content creator who features in the documentary series documenting the history of Route 66.
The details
Jo Franco traveled to specific locations including the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and Tee Pee Curios to document architectural similarities. The series analyzes how the aesthetics of the road influenced the creative direction of the film Cars.
Timeline
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
2026 also marks the 20th anniversary of the release of the film Cars.
Roadmap
This production highlights the enduring cultural influence of Americana on automotive media and travel trends. It reflects a growing industry interest in linking classic highway infrastructure with modern film legacy to capture audience nostalgia.
Travelers planning to visit these landmarks can use the series as a guide for historical sites located along the historic route. Viewers may find the docuseries useful for understanding the architectural origins of the roadside aesthetic.
The takeaway
The series demonstrates how popular media can renew interest in historical landmarks by highlighting their real-world contributions to storytelling. Travelers interested in the film can visit these preserved locations to experience the inspirations for the animated setting firsthand.
Further reading
Discover more about the intersection of media and driving in the Car Culture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAT 7.
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Do you believe your local community should prioritize preserving its unique historical landmarks?
