The Peloton favorite spoke with ATN about his return to London, his love of British humor and how Peloton continues to lean into fun, culture-forward content moments
Peloton’s hit programming moment, “Tea Time with Cody” is back.
After the first series became a fan favorite earlier this year, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby traveled back to the U.K. to film a new installment, this time exploring British cuisine with chef and author Rosemary Shrager.
Joined by Peloton’s U.K. instructors Leanne Hainsby and Jon Hosking, the trio took part in a mini “bake-off,” with Shrager, a mainstay on British TV, judging the results.
“The first series did so well, and it was such a fun, unexpected thing for people to watch that we wanted to keep it going,” Rigsby told Athletech News. “Peloton does a great job at leaning into moments that feel cultural and entertaining. We’re showing that fitness can be more than just a workout; it can be a place to have fun, laugh, and explore new things.”
When asked who won the friendly competition, Rigsby stayed coy. “You’re gonna have to find out by tuning in,” he teased. “Some people had a slight advantage, and I was definitely at a handicap, but we love a bit!”
Shrager, he said, was the perfect co-star: “She’s this matronly figure, full of personality and totally down for the bit. She made me eat a lot of interesting things: jellied eel, some sort of seaweed paste on toast.”
Rigsby, a self-proclaimed Anglophile, called London his “favorite city outside of New York.” He told ATN that he loves the city’s mix of global influences and local traditions.
“It feels very familiar as a New Yorker,” he said. “I love seeing our British and international members show up for class, and I made it a point this time to eat a lot of Indian food, because London does it best.”
The Peloton star also shared a few largely unknown facts about himself, including his fascination with history.
“I went to the Churchill War Rooms, that’s been on my list forever,” he said. “I love World War II history. I know it’s a little random, but I’m kind of obsessed.”
The “Tea Time with Cody” format: part travel show, part comedy segment, part cycling class, reflects Peloton’s continued push to make fitness more accessible and entertaining.
“We’ve got a 20-minute ride, and during recovery time, we’re able to go out into the real world and create fun, travel-like content,” Rigsby explained. “It adds that element of comedy and connection to something that people sometimes see as daunting.”
That sense of playfulness has always been part of Rigsby’s appeal. Known for his off-the-cuff humor, he said that “about 80 to 90 percent” of what fans hear in class isn’t scripted.
“It’s just wherever my brain is that day,” he said, laughing. “For things like ‘LOL Cody’ or ‘Tea Time,’ we plan around a theme, but I’m always best when I’m spontaneous.”
When asked about the differences between Peloton’s U.S. and U.K. teams, Rigsby pointed to the brand’s global approach to storytelling: “That’s the beauty of Peloton being international: everyone brings their own flavor. The British instructors add that nuance of culture and comedy in the way they see the world. It’s different, but it’s great.”
While British etiquette might not be his strong suit, Rigsby said that’s part of the fun of the series.
“I’m not a classy individual,” he joked. “Why waste time with cutlery? Let’s just get it done. I have nothing to prove!”
Rigsby’s “Tea Time with Cody” also embodies Peloton’s shift toward programming that celebrates cultural connection.
“My purpose has always been to bring more people into fitness by making it feel fun,” Rigsby said. “It doesn’t have to be serious: it can make you laugh, it can teach you something, and it can make you feel part of a community.”
Would he take the show to another country? “Never say never,” he said. “But if it were Germany, I’d probably have to stay out all night clubbing, and I don’t think Peloton’s ready for that version of me.”
“Tea Time with Cody” is available exclusively on Peloton.
