In the realm of television accolades, the nominees for this year’s outstanding hosted nonfiction series at the Emmys boast an array of delectable options.
Notable among them are the beloved “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” a consecutive winner in 2021 and 2022, and the enticing “Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi.
” However, let’s not forget that the trailblazing path these gastronomic travelogues tread upon was paved by none other than the late Anthony Bourdain’s iconic show, “Parts Unknown.”
This culinary masterpiece single-handedly propelled food programming into the spotlight, a domain it had long been overshadowed in.
Hailing from the CNN stable, “Parts Unknown” was no ordinary TV fare.
Across its impressive 12-season run, the show clinched a remarkable 12 Primetime Emmys, with an astonishing six of those under the category of outstanding informational series.
Bourdain’s journey to this pinnacle began with earlier series like “A Cook’s Tour,” “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” on the Travel Channel, and “The Layover” on Food Network.
Each of these shows was an exploration of the world through the lens of cuisine, but it was with “Parts Unknown” that Bourdain transcended traditional culinary boundaries.
Before he ventured into the captivating narratives of “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain was already a culinary luminary with his revealing memoir, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.” His executive chef role at New York’s Brasserie Les Halles further enhanced his credentials.
In a 2014 interview with THR, Bourdain shared, “With [Parts Unknown], I’m invested in every detail. It’s my story from beginning to end, and it’s very personal.”
The show’s remarkable depth took audiences far beyond the tourist gaze, unraveling intricate stories in far-flung corners like Myanmar, Massachusetts, Lagos, and Detroit.
“Parts Unknown” did not confine itself to picturesque vistas and culinary delights; it was a conduit for dialogue on diverse and often weighty subjects.
As an example, Bourdain fearlessly explored the harrowing landscape of addiction, drawing parallels between his own experiences and the heroin epidemic sweeping through small-town New England.
Each episode became a portal to real lives across the globe.
As Bourdain noted, asking the simple question, “What’s for dinner?” in places like Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Congo, unveiled unexpected and nuanced answers that peeled back the layers of human existence.
The show’s impact was resounding. Audiences resonated with its authenticity, propelling “Parts Unknown” to the pinnacle of CNN’s programming.
The show’s grip on the Sunday 9 p.m. time slot in cable news for its initial three seasons was a testament to its widespread appeal.
Tragically, Bourdain’s journey was cut short during the filming of the twelfth season in Strasbourg, France, when he passed away by suicide in June 2018.
His legacy, however, continued to shine, as the posthumous recognition of two Emmys for outstanding writing and outstanding informational series immortalized his contributions.
As we celebrate this year’s Emmy nominees for outstanding hosted nonfiction series, we mustn’t forget the indelible mark left by “Parts Unknown.” The show not only redefined food television but also became a tapestry woven with the threads of culture, personal stories, and the boundless human experience.
It was Bourdain’s fearless spirit and insatiable curiosity that guided this remarkable journey, reminding us that every meal has a story, and every story is a feast for the soul.
