Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Anthony Bourdain had no reservations about a move to CNN. Shortly after concluding an eight-season stint at the helm of his popular Travel Channel series, the equally popular Emmy-winning host came to the news network searching for "Parts Unknown." In the hourlong weekend series -- similar in premise to Travel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005)" -- Bourdain explores the world to, he says, "eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice ... they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get." Enticed by the opportunity to experience cultures rarely visited by American TV, such as in the Congo, Libya and Myanmar, the chef and best-selling author also takes viewers to Colombia, Peru, Morocco and, closer to home, Koreatown in Los Angeles.
- 2013-2018
- 12 seasons
- CNN
- Documentary, Action & Adventure
- TV-PG
Anthony Bourdain had no reservations about a move to CNN. Shortly after concluding an eight-season stint at the helm of his popular Travel Channel series, the equally popular Emmy-winning host came to the news network searching for "Parts Unknown." In the hourlong weekend series -- similar in premise to Travel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005)" -- Bourdain explores the world to, he says, "eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice ... they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get." Enticed by the opportunity to experience cultures rarely visited by American TV, such as in the Congo, Libya and Myanmar, the chef and best-selling author also takes viewers to Colombia, Peru, Morocco and, closer to home, Koreatown in Los Angeles.
Season 12 Episode Guide
7 Episodes 2018
Episode 1
Kenya
Sun, Sep 23, 2018 56 mins
Bourdain takes his CNN colleague, comedian W. Kamau Bell, on a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, a place Bell always wanted to visit. They learn about its secondhand clothing industry, struggling poor, colorful minibus culture, and nature reserves.
Episode 2
Asturias, Spain
Sun, Sep 30, 2018 42 mins
Anthony's larger than life friend, chef Jose Andres, enthusiastically shows him the natural and culinary wonders of his rustic homeland of Asturias, Spain. They also recreate a scene from Apocalypse Now (1979) as a cartoon starring themselves.
Episode 3
Indonesia
Sun, Oct 7, 2018 42 mins
Bourdain explores Indonesia's tradition of shadow puppetry, views on spirituality, death and afterlife, the taboo subject of state-sponsored mass killings of leftists in 1965, funeral celebrations, and Bali's problem with "overtourism."
Episode 4
Tony's Impact
Sun, Oct 14, 2018 42 mins
This introspective episode combines interesting clips from previous episodes with behind-the-scenes footage of Tony and interviews with some of those he worked with, including the couple who had to flee Iran after helping him film there.
Episode 5
Far West Texas
Sun, Oct 21, 2018 42 mins
Bourdain travels to the untamed land of Big Bend, Texas near the Mexican border; an area that pits man against nature and nature usually wins. He finds a tough, inclusive and vibrant, struggling community threatened by the border policy.
Episode 6
Under the Tarp
Sun, Oct 28, 2018 43 mins
The crew of the show looks back at some of their favorite moments.
Episode 7
Lower East Side
Sun, Nov 11, 2018 57 mins
Bourdain takes a personal journey through this formerly bohemian New York City neighborhood, as he meets, shares meals and reflects with music, film and art trailblazers.
