Brief
Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub and Others Lead New Wave of Celebrity Travel Shows
The SMH outlines the rise of actor‑hosts, comparing formats, locations and the appeal of their personalities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald profiles a growing catalogue of celebrity‑led travel series, noting that actors such as Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Conan O’Brien and Eugene Levy are now guiding viewers through food, culture and scenery across the globe.
What happened
The article lists several shows that have launched in recent years. Tucci’s Tucci in Italy follows the actor as he explores Italian food production, from lampredotto in Florence to radicchio farms in Veneto. Shalhoub’s Breaking Bread with Tony Shalhoub centres on bread‑making, with a memorable episode featuring a Manhattan bakery where Lin‑Manuel Miranda jokes about the premise. Conan O’Brien’s Viking‑costumed adventure in Norway and Eugene Levy’s reflective Australian road‑trip are also highlighted. Earlier pioneers such as Michael Palin, Billy Connolly, Joanna Lumley and Martin Clunes are mentioned as the foundation for today’s celebrity travel format.
What the reports add
The SMH notes that Tucci’s pandemic‑era negroni‑mixing video sparked a “mini‑industry” that now includes books, cookware and two TV series: Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021‑22) and the current Tucci in Italy. It emphasizes Tucci’s fluency in Italian, which enables deeper conversations with local producers. Shalhoub’s show is praised for its humility, with the actor reportedly saying, “Fooled them again,” after 40 years in the business. The article also contrasts the “infectious energy” of newer hosts with the “blasé” style the author warns viewers to avoid.
What was said
Tucci is quoted saying, “It’s very buono,” after tasting a dish he documented. Lin‑Manuel Miranda is reported to have laughed, “I don’t know how you convinced people to make this a show, that we just get to eat delicious bread.” Shalhoub is attributed with the self‑deprecating line, “Like I’ve been saying for 40‑odd years, ‘Fooled them again.’”
How it came about
The piece traces the genre from early adopters Michael Palin and Billy Connolly to today’s market‑driven productions, where recognizable names attract audiences and advertisers. It links the rise of food‑focused travel to the success of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and notes that streaming platforms such as SBS On Demand and Disney+ now host these series, expanding their reach beyond traditional broadcast.
Key facts
- Stanley Tucci hosts "Tucci in Italy", a food‑focused travel series aired on SBS and Disney+. (smh.com.au)
- Tony Shalhoub hosts "Breaking Bread with Tony Shalhoub", which features bread‑making tours. (smh.com.au)
- Conan O’Brien filmed a Viking‑themed travel episode in Norway. (smh.com.au)
- The genre began with Michael Palin, Billy Connolly, Joanna Lumley and Martin Clunes. (smh.com.au)
- Tucci’s pandemic negroni video sparked a broader media venture including books and cookware. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Best celebrity travel shows: Stanley Tucci, Conan O’Brien, Eugene Levy and Tony Shalhoub: Which celebrity travel show is the best?”
