Stanley Tucci’s Italian Culinary Adventure Premieres This May
National Geographic’s Tucci In Italy Blends Culinary Tradition, Culture, And History In A Stunning Five-Part Series
Johannesburg, 6 May 2025 — National Geographic invites audiences on an unforgettable journey this May with Tucci In Italy, a new five-part culinary series led by acclaimed actor and storyteller Stanley Tucci. Set against Italy’s most picturesque regions, this immersive series delves beyond surface-level cuisine to explore the rich narratives, histories, and characters that have shaped Italy’s gastronomic soul.
Premiering 21 May 2025 at 20:30 (CAT) on National Geographic (DStv 181, Startimes 220) and available to stream on Disney+ in South Africa, Tucci In Italy is far more than a standard travelogue. Produced by Tucci’s SALT Productions in partnership with BBC Studios, the series captures the essence of Italy through its culinary rituals and the resilient people preserving them.
In each episode, Tucci traverses a new region—Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, and Lazio—unearthing not only flavours but also the layered stories of tradition, migration, innovation, and identity. From ancient recipes and rustic feasts to cutting-edge culinary experiments, Tucci’s encounters spotlight artisans, farmers, chefs, and everyday Italians whose work sustains regional food legacies.
“Italy is a feast for the senses, and this series is an invitation to the table. It’s about more than just the food; it’s about the people, the history, and the passion,” says Tucci.
Episode Highlights:
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Tuscany: Tucci revisits Florence and Siena, indulging in Renaissance-era dishes, outdoor feasts, and the rituals of Tuscan cowboys.
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Lombardy: The industrial heartland’s culinary future is revealed through space-age farming, luxe ingredients, and boundary-breaking menus.
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Trentino-Alto Adige: A deep dive into a region defined by cultural duality and mountain cuisine, from hay soup to alpine polenta.
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Abruzzo: The series’ most rugged episode, featuring ancient barbecues, confetti confections, and trabocco seafood rituals.
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Lazio: A journey into Rome’s surrounding countryside to explore the relationship between urban grandeur and rural culinary simplicity.
This thoughtful, visually rich series underscores the inextricable link between food and identity in one of the world’s most celebrated culinary nations. At a time when globalisation threatens to homogenise cultural expression, Tucci In Italy stands as a testament to preserving authenticity through storytelling.
Tune in from 21 May 2025 on National Geographic or stream it on Disney+ South Africa.
