Stanley Tucci is going back to Italy for a new TV show

Rome: Christmas has come early: National Geographic has announced that Stanley Tucci will be returning to our screens in 2024. Almost exactly a year ago, CNN decided to cancel the hit show Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

The decision resulted in heartbreak around the globe, and came as a shock to many—after all, the show had won two Emmys after just two seasons for its host’s impassioned travels throughout Italy. But now, in the spirit of gift-giving and joy, Disney-owned National Geographic has confirmed it will be starting production for a new show based on the same premise.

The show will be produced by both Tucci’s own Salt Productions company and BBC Studios’ Factual Productions, and it is set to begin filming in January 2024. Titled Tucci – The Heart of Italy, the show will come in the form of a 10-part docuseries taking viewers on a journey through the flavors of the European country.

In a released statement, Tom McDonald, executive VP for global factual and unscripted content at National Geographic, said, “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 flavors they’ve never experienced before.” This suggests that the new show will go further and deeper than its predecessor. Still, many have noted that the series synopsis sounds alarmingly familiar to the last series. Although, knowing Tucci, he’ll have a few charming tricks up his sleeve on how to differentiate the two shows.

Speaking of charming tricks, we talked to Stanley Tucci about his favorite travel tips and routines, which include finding off-the-beaten-track places to stay, why he always wears a suit to fly, and why his holiday rentals always have to have a high-quality kitchen.

In a statement about the new show, Tucci said, “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. 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.”