A grey haired Bourdain sits on a leather couch, leering at the camera. The photo is black and white.

TV

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Television Programs

Cover art for a cook's tour. Features a younger Bourdain on a thick painted backdrop.
White TV poster. A grey haired Bourdain sits on a stool, hand on face, staring at the camera in casual clothes.
An older, white haired Bourdain wears sunglasses and looks at the camera. In the reflection of the glasses, the New York skyline is reflected. His name and the name of the show are featured to the right of his face.

A Cook's Tour

2002-2003

The first travel and food show hosted by Anthony Bourdain. It originally aired on the Food Network, running from 2002 to 2003. In the show's limited run, Bourdain would visit Tokyo, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Brazil, exploring the diverse cultures of the world and the food that defines them. The show was filmed with two Sony camcorders, by a crew of three, including Bourdain himself.Ironically, Bourdain had not traveled abroad much at that point in his life. The series offers an interesting glimpse of Bourdain before his extensive travels and massive fame, as he struggles to navigate his new life in foreign lands. You can (and I highly suggest you do) watch full episodes on YouTube or Amazon Prime for free.

No Reservations

2005-2012

The show that would elevate Bourdain into a household name. Produced by the Travel Channel, "No Reservations" follows a similar premise to "A Cook's Tour", following Bourdain as he travels to remote and exotic locations, exploring the local culture, building relationships with locals, and enjoying foreign cuisine. Over the show's nine seasons, Bourdain was able to master not only his on-camera persona, but the remarkably witty and hilarious monologues that would become his signature writing style.

Parts Unknown

2013-2018

"Parts Unknown"is Bourdain's most popular and highest reviewed television series, winning twelve Primetime Emmy awards over the span of its twelve seasons.Some of Bourdain's most iconic moments were filmed during the production of this show, such as riverboating down the Congo a la "Heart of Darkness", sipping beers with Barack Obama, eating Shark in Copenhagen, or giggling through Marseilles with Eric Ripert. Due to the show's massive popularity over the course of its five year production, Bourdain would become one of the most recognizable faces on the planet.