In December 2023, I wrote that Stanley Tucci would be returning to TV with “Tucci—The Heart of Italy.” The 10-part documentary, produced by BBC and National Geographic, is to follow his explorations through 10 regions of Italy. In addition to highlighting the various regions’ culinary offerings, Tucci is to also explore cultural traditions.
What We Don’t Know
As of this writing, National Geographic has not announced an airdate for the series. While most believe “The Heart of Italy” will air on National Geographic and Disney+, there’s been no formal announcement. (Note: Disney owns National Geographic.)
Other than that, there has not been much news at all about the series since the original announcement. Even a perusal of Stanley’s social media accounts and Salt Productions website indicate nothing. (Tucci co-owns SALT, a production company, with Lottie Birmingham.)
What We Do Know
We do know that each of the 10 episodes will highlight a different region and that production started last year.
Tucci was spotted filming in different regions throughout Italy. Included on the show’s itinerary are Le Marche, Lazio, Veneto, Sicily, and Trentino-Alto Adige, some he visited before. In this show, though, Stanley will explore more deeply the cultural and culinary inspirations behind the food.
What You Can Do Until It Airs
If you miss Stanley, you might want to consider reading one of his books or cookbooks. Before the holidays, I read “What I Ate in One Year.” Yes, it is a record of 12 months of meals—breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks. It’s also a celebration of the memories those meals made.
For the holidays, my son and daughter-in-law gave me Tucci’s earlier book, “Taste: My Life Through Food.” I’m currently in the middle of it and am enjoying the stories behind the influence of food in his life. Growing up as a second generation Italian-American, I went through something similar. I can’t wait to finish the book.
Until Then
Tucci said that he is “…honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food.” We can only hope that Stanley Tucci graces our televisions again in the near future.
