Stanley Tucci Moves His Acclaimed Nat Geo Food Series to the UK for Next Season

After years of guiding global television audiences through the sun-drenched vineyards, coastal villages, and regional kitchens of Italy, Stanley Tucci is preparing for a major creative shift. The Oscar-nominated actor and veteran broadcaster has confirmed that his acclaimed National Geographic culinary franchise is moving its production footprint from the Italian peninsula to the United Kingdom for its upcoming season.

Quick summary

• Stanley Tucci is relocating his award-winning National Geographic food and travel show from Italy to the United Kingdom for its upcoming season.
• The move allows the London resident of nearly 15 years to focus on local British farmers, coastal fisheries, and modern farm-to-fork dining while reducing international travel.
• At nearly 66, Tucci is balancing a demanding acting workload—including filming 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'—with a desire to spend more quality time at home with his family.

Why it matters

Tucci's decision to relocate his non-scripted travel show to the U.K. signals a significant moment for both British gastronomy and non-scripted television production. For years, international food programming has relied heavily on traditional destination powerhouses like Southern Europe or East Asia. By turning his camera toward the British Isles, Tucci brings major global visibility to an evolving culinary landscape that extends far beyond high-end restaurant dining.

The move also highlights the practical realities facing veteran performers who balance multi-hyphenate careers. Navigating international film shoots alongside episodic travel programming creates immense logistical strain. By restructuring his production around his primary residence in London, Tucci demonstrates how high-profile media figures can preserve creative momentum without enduring persistent burnout.

Background

Tucci’s rise as one of television’s premier travel hosts was decades in the making. Nearly 20 years ago, he originally conceived a television concept centered on exploring Italy region by region, paying tribute to his Italian lineage and culinary passion. However, network executives initially dismissed the idea. It was not until CNN revisited the concept years later that 'Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy' was born, eventually earning three Emmy Awards and widespread critical acclaim.

Following CNN's strategic pivot away from original non-scripted programming, the format transitioned to National Geographic under the title 'Tucci in Italy,' where it earned two additional Emmy nominations for outstanding hosted nonfiction series. Having established a proven track record, Tucci is now leveraging that creative influence to explore his adopted homeland, where he has lived full-time for nearly 15 years.

Shift to the UK: Celebrating Local Producers and Farm-to-Fork Culture

Explaining his motivation for the venue change on Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast, Tucci pointed to the depth and variety of the British food system. While London was recently recognized in global polls as a premier culinary destination, Tucci emphasizes that the upcoming season will look well beyond urban fine dining.

Instead, the series aims to feature dedicated producers across the country—ranging from coastal lobstermen and deep-sea fishermen to heritage pig farmers and artisanal cheesemakers. Tucci expressed deep admiration for the singular focus demonstrated by local agricultural workers and independent chefs who are championing the modern 'farm-to-fork' movement across the U.K.

Balancing Career Demands and Personal Priorities

The geographic shift comes during an exceptionally busy period for Tucci. Alongside his hosting responsibilities and executive producer duties, he continues to maintain a rigorous acting career, including his return for the upcoming sequel 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.'

Approaching the age of 66, Tucci candidly reflected on the challenges of managing simultaneous high-profile projects while desiring more time with his family in London. Filming domestically provides a practical solution, enabling him to tell compelling stories, direct plays, and take on film roles without compromising his home life.

Reflecting on Italian Hidden Gems and Hosting Evolution

Despite his excitement for the U.K. season, Tucci's affinity for Italy remains intact. When asked to name an underrated Italian region during his interview, he highlighted Le Marche—a picturesque area adjacent to Tuscany known for its pristine coastline, exceptional regional cuisine, and affordable travel options without the heavy tourist crowds typical of neighboring provinces.

Reflecting on his growth as a host since his early days on television, Tucci acknowledged experiencing initial anxiety when interviewing everyday people rather than acting alongside script-bound colleagues. Over time, he developed his hosting approach by grounding it in active listening—a fundamental acting technique that fosters genuine, unscripted human connections.

Qnews24h insight

Stanley Tucci's transition from Italian travelogues to British culinary exploration represents a smart editorial evolution. By grounding his next season in the U.K., Tucci avoids the trap of repetitive regional formulas in Italy while tapping into an authentic, personal narrative as a long-time London resident. From an industry perspective, this domestic production model allows high-caliber hosts to sustain demanding television franchises by aligning production schedules with personal lifestyle needs—a formula likely to be emulated across non-scripted broadcast media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stanley Tucci filming the next season of his food show?

Stanley Tucci is filming the upcoming season of his National Geographic culinary series in the United Kingdom, where he has lived for nearly 15 years.

How many Emmys has Stanley Tucci won for his culinary travel shows?

Tucci has won three Emmy Awards for CNN's 'Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy' and secured two nominations for Nat Geo's 'Tucci in Italy'.

What Italian region does Stanley Tucci recommend as underrated?

Tucci recommended Le Marche, located next to Tuscany, as an affordable and stunning region offering great seafood, beautiful coastlines, and fewer tourists.

Sources

• Variety – Awards Circuit Podcast Interview with Stanley Tucci