by Thinus Ferreira
A year after his travelogue show was cancelled at CNN Stanley Tucci is taking his show with the same idea to National Geographic with Tucci - Heart of Italy which will debut sometime in 2024.
CNN cancelled Searching for Italy a year ago in 2022, and now Stanley Tucci will be the presenter of the same 10-episode type of show for National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220) in 2024 with Tucci - Heart of Italy as a working title.
Production on Tucci - Heart of Italy which will start in January 2024 and is produced by Stanley Tucci's Salt Productions and BBC Studios' Factual Productions, is described as a travelogue food series in which Tucci "unlocks the distinct flavours that define each region and discovers the rich versatility of Italy through those he meets along the journey".
He will visit several regions within Italy, including Lazio, Marche, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto and meet with amateur cooks, professional chefs, farmers, winemakers, brewers and fishermen who share his passion for food.
Stanley Tucci in a statement says "National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honoured to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food".
"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."
Tom McDonald, executive vice president for global factual and unscripted content at National Geographic, says "National Geographic is the perfect home for Stanley to share his knowledge and passion for Italy's people, food and culture".
"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 flavours they've never experienced before."
Alan Holland, BBC Studios head of specialist factual productions, in the statement says "We are thrilled to be working with Stanley on this major new series and to be strengthening our partnership with National Geographic".
"Stanley is the perfect guide for this delicious journey, and we couldn't be prouder to be partnering with him, Salt Productions and National Geographic to bring this to audiences around the world."
