Actor Stanley Tucci returns to Italian television screens on May 12, 2026, to investigate the intersection of regional identity and traditional cooking in the second season of his travel series. The new episodes follow Tucci across Sardinia, Sicily, and northern Italy as he explores local kitchens and ancient family recipes.
As reported by National Geographic and the BBC, the series highlights the diversity of Italian culture, where residents often identify with their specific city or region rather than the nation. Tucci visits unique locations ranging from the historic districts of Siena to the smallest kingdom in the world on the island of Tavolara.
“We think we know what Italy is,” stated Stanley Tucci, Actor. “but it’s incredibly complex and diverse.”
The actor observed that many residents maintain a fierce loyalty to their local origins and culinary traditions.
“When you say to someone, ‘You’re from Italy’, they’ll say, ‘No, I’m from Tuscany’ or ‘No, I’m from Florence’, so they’re very territorial, especially when it comes to food,” said Tucci, Actor.
During his visit to Siena, he witnessed how historical district rivalries are expressed through the local food culture.
“They all believe their contrada is the greatest,” laughed Tucci, Actor. “And they express that in many ways, including food.”
Regional variations extend to the north, where the climate dictates a menu vastly different from the southern Mediterranean staples.
“You go up north and you might only find tomatoes in the summer and you’ll find the likes of goulash, polenta and buckwheat which you would never find in the south,” added Tucci, Actor.
Tucci argued that these distinct regional differences challenge the international stereotype that Italian cuisine is limited to a few specific dishes.
“It’s not,” said Tucci, Actor.
While reflecting on the production, the actor expressed concern over modern society’s deteriorating emotional connection to the act of eating.
“really messed up,” stated Tucci, Actor.
He criticized the cultural pressure toward aesthetic perfection and generic tastes which he believes strips food of its significance.
“We overthink it, and the idea of what we’re supposed to look like has messed up our relationship with food,” said Tucci, Actor.
He further noted that contemporary culture often treats food as a mere utility for survival rather than a communal ritual.
“Our relationship with food now is it’s just something you eat to feed your belly, but that’s not what it is,” stated Tucci, Actor.
The series also delves into the historical roots of the regions, particularly the islands of Sardinia and Sicily which only joined the unified Italy in 1861.
“Sardinia almost feels like another country in a way, and it certainly does feel like Italy maybe 50 years ago. It’s incredibly beautiful, and the food is just wonderful. All of Italian cuisine is “poor cuisine.” All of it. There are only five to 10 ingredients in any Italian dish, for the most part,” explained Tucci, Actor.
Tucci emphasized that the simplicity of Italian cooking is its primary strength, requiring very few ingredients to achieve high quality.
“Because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s it. Why would you want anything else? It’s the best food in the world. It’s easy to make. It’s inexpensive to make. It’s good for you. Everybody goes there to eat it, so why would you change it?” asked Tucci, Actor.
While filming in a blood orange orchard near Mount Etna, he found that the simplest preparations often yielded the most longevity and satisfaction.
“It’s the simplest dish in the world. Olive oil, salt: Eat it. Have a glass of wine, some bread. You’ll live forever,” remarked Tucci, Actor.
Dining and Cooking