Stanley Tucci, the celebrated star of "The Devil Wears Prada 2," is embarking on a new culinary pilgrimage across Italy. The second season of his critically acclaimed series, "Tucci in Italy," is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 12, 2026. This season promises a deeper dive into the rugged landscapes of Sicily, Sardinia, and the northern reaches of the country. For Tucci, this journey is more than just a television show; it is an exploration of how food serves as the glue for local communities and a vessel for deep-seated family traditions.
Throughout the series, a recurring theme emerges: the relentless hospitality of Italian grandmothers, or "nonnas." Tucci recounts numerous occasions where his protests of being full were ignored, with more pasta and bread being piled onto his plate by affectionate hosts. In Italy, providing food is synonymous with providing affection. This cultural nuance is what Tucci finds most captivating—the idea that a meal is not merely fuel for the body, but a ritual that reinforces hospitality and identity. He visits family-run kitchens that have preserved recipes for generations, largely untouched by global trends.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Italian cuisine is that it is a monolith of pizza and pasta. Tucci is quick to dispel this myth, highlighting the staggering regional diversity of the country. He observes that Italians often identify more with their specific city or province than with the nation as a whole. A person from Florence is a Florentine first and an Italian second. This territorial pride is reflected in their kitchens. In the north, shaped by a cooler climate, ingredients like polenta and buckwheat take center stage, while the south remains the kingdom of seafood and vibrant summer produce.
At 65, Tucci is not just a food enthusiast but a social observer. He expresses significant concern over how modern society has "messed up" its relationship with eating. He points to the rising influence of weight-loss drugs and the intense societal pressure to maintain a certain physical appearance as factors that have stripped the joy out of meals. According to Tucci, we have begun to overthink our food, replacing emotional connection and sensory pleasure with anxiety and calculation. He advocates for a return to a more intuitive and communal way of eating, much like the rituals he witnessed in Siena and Sicily.
"Tucci in Italy" is as much about people as it is about plates. Whether he is fly-fishing in a glacial river in the far north or tasting fresh mozzarella in the sun-drenched south, Tucci remains a humble student of the craft. His series aims to remind viewers that while the world changes, the simple act of sharing a meal remains one of the most profound human experiences. By showcasing the complexity of Italian regional identity, Tucci hopes to inspire a global audience to reconsider their own relationship with food, moving away from diet culture and back toward the warmth of the dinner table.
