Actor Stanley Tucci returned to the Italian peninsula in May 2026 [1] for the second season of his travel-food series, "Tucci in Italy."
The show highlights the intersection of regional gastronomy and local history, offering viewers an immersive look at the cultural landscapes of Italy. By focusing on the stories behind the food, the series aims to celebrate the preservation of traditional culinary practices.
The new season premiered on Monday, May 11, 2026 [2], and is available to stream on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu [1]. Tucci travels through five primary regions: Veneto, Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, and Sardinia [4].
Throughout these regions, Tucci engages with a variety of local experts to uncover the origins of regional dishes. He talks to chefs, farmers, and food historians [3] to better understand the connection between the land and the plate.
“I want to dig a little bit deeper for the culinary and cultural delights in ‘Tucci in Italy,’” Tucci said [3].
Filming took place across a wide array of locations to capture the diversity of the Italian experience. The production visited Naples, Gragnano, Procida, and Ercolano in the Campania region [1]. The journey continued through Sant'Agata dei Goti and into Sicily, where the crew filmed at Mount Etna, Catania, Palermo, Mazara del Vallo, and the Valley of the Temples [1].
Additional filming occurred in Le Marche, specifically in Ascoli Piscerno, Macerata, the Conero Riviera, and Seni [1]. The series also features the landscapes of Sardinia and Veneto [4].
Laura Manske of Forbes said that Tucci excels in this new season of the popular series, which focuses on the immersive nature of Italian travel [1]. The show combines cinematic visuals with the sensory experience of tasting regional specialties, emphasizing the role of food as a primary driver of cultural identity.
““I want to dig a little bit deeper for the culinary and cultural delights in ‘Tucci in Italy.’””
The expansion of 'Tucci in Italy' into a second season reflects a growing viewer demand for high-production, personality-driven travel media that prioritizes cultural anthropology over simple tourism. By shifting focus toward historians and farmers rather than just luxury dining, the series positions itself as a documentary study of regionalism in a globalized food economy.
