#Stanley Tucci Going Back to Italy After Nat Geo Signs Up Former CNN Host

Exactly one year after CNN canceled his popular travel food series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, the actor will hit the Autostrade once more, this time for National Geographic.

The Disney-owned nonfiction content company has ordered a new 10-part docuseries called Tucci — The Heart of Italy. The series bears a striking similarity to his late CNN series, as it will follow Tucci “as he unlocks the distinct flavors that define each region and discovers the rich versatility of Italy through those he meets along the journey.”

Tucci’s Salt Productions and BBC Studios’ Factual Productions are producing the series for National Geographic, with production set to begin next month.

“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci in a statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”  

Searching for Italy was one of CNN’s most successful original series, garnering two straight Primetime Emmy Awards. It was canceled as part of a larger pullback at the CNN Originals unit under then-CEO Chris Licht. Licht, of course, would be ousted himself six months later.

A source close to Tucci noted at the time that the actor could seek to shop the series — or a similar series — elsewhere.

Searching for Italy was the first travel food show on CNN since the death of Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain in 2018.

“What he did is open the doors to all of us who were interested in food, and travel, to explore in our own ways,” Tucci told THR ahead of that show’s debut in 2021. “He was, and still is, and always will be, a hero of mine. He was an extraordinary writer, a nice person, and a great explorer of the human condition through food.”

“National Geographic is the perfect home for Stanley to share his knowledge and passion for Italy’s people, food and culture,” added Tom McDonald, executive VP of global factual and unscripted for National Geographic. “Our programming is all about inspiring a deeper connection to the world. With Stanley as their guide, audiences will be transported to places and to flavors they’ve never experienced before.”