National Geographic Unveils Trailer for TUCCI IN ITALY: A Cinematic Journey Through Food, Culture and History

This May, National Geographic invites audiences on a rich, sensory journey through Italy’s most captivating regions in the brand-new series TUCCI IN ITALY, premiering 21 May 2025 at 20:30 CAT on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) and streaming on Disney+ in South Africa. The five-part series stars Academy Award® nominee, Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Stanley Tucci, as he immerses himself in the local cuisines, cultures, and communities of Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, and Lazio.

Produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios’ Specialist Factual Productions, TUCCI IN ITALY is more than a food show—it’s a heartfelt love letter to the soul of Italy. Through Tucci’s signature charm and curiosity, viewers are treated to an immersive narrative that blends exquisite cinematography with personal storytelling.

A Feast for the Senses

Tucci sets the tone for the series:

“Italy is a feast for the senses, and TUCCI IN ITALY is an invitation to the table. It’s about more than just the food; it’s about the people, the history, and the passion that makes Italy so special.”

Each episode explores a distinct region and its unique identity:

• Tuscany – Tucci returns to Florence, reminisces about his youth, dines with Tuscan cowboys, and joins the famed Palio celebrations in Siena.
• Lombardy – He dives into innovation with futuristic farming, culinary experimentation, and a peek at one of the world’s most expensive ingredients.
• Trentino-Alto Adige – Against breathtaking Alpine backdrops, Tucci samples hay soup, skis into culinary traditions, and explores a region shaped by border histories.
• Abruzzo – The rugged beauty of this untouched region reveals its rustic cooking traditions, mutton barbecues, and the surprising story of sugared almonds (confetti).
• Lazio – Venturing beyond Rome, Tucci uncovers the rustic soul of the countryside, savoring Roman pizza, porchetta, and ancient fish stews.

Celebrating Italy’s Culinary Identity

Whether sharing a quiet moment with a fisherman or indulging in grand feasts, Tucci brings viewers into intimate spaces—uncovering how Italy’s cuisine is intricately woven into its social fabric. Each episode is a celebration of regional flavor, heritage, and the enduring magic of Italian food.

Behind the Scenes

The series is executive produced by Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham (SALT Productions), with Amanda Lyon and Ben Jessop from BBC Studios. National Geographic’s factual and unscripted leadership team includes Charlie Parsons and Tom McDonald.

TUCCI IN ITALY promises a unique, flavor-packed journey, blending culinary discovery with cultural exploration in ways only Stanley Tucci can deliver. Don’t miss this deliciously compelling series, premiering 21 May.

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