Stanley Tucci Reveals His Next Blockbuster Role—and Fans Are Thrilled

H2: Nat Geo Greenlights “Tucci in Italy” Season 2 Stanley Tucci’s culinary passport has been stamped again: National Geographic has officially renewed his hit docuseries “Tucci in Italy” for a second five-episode run, barely a month after its debut drew strong ratings and stole the Critics Choice Real TV Award for Best Limited Series. H3: What to Expect in Season 2 • First-time stop: the picturesque region of Le Marche, famed for vincisgrassi lasagna and verdicchio wine. • Fan-favorite returns: Sicily, Veneto, Campania and Sardinia—areas viewers begged to see again on social media. • Deeper dives: Tucci plans longer sit-downs with local farmers, winemakers and historians after calling hosting “tougher than acting” during his recent press tour. H3: Release Window and Streaming Details Nat Geo insiders say cameras roll in July, setting up a spring 2026 premiere on the Nat Geo channel, followed by next-day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The compact five-episode order mirrors Season 1’s structure, a choice producers say keeps each hour “lean, hungry and cinematic.” H3: Why the Fast Renewal? 1. Ratings recipe: The May launch posted the network’s biggest unscripted bow since 2023. 2. Global appetite: #TucciInItaly garnered 120 million TikTok views in its first week, boosting Italian tourism boards. 3. Awards buzz: Two Emmys for CNN’s “Searching for Italy” plus this month’s Critics Choice win proved Tucci’s format travels. H3: Spotlight on Le Marche By adding Le Marche—a region often eclipsed by Tuscany—Season 2 positions Tucci as a culinary explorer rather than a greatest-hits tour guide. Expect segments on: • Olive-oil mills in Ascoli Piceno • Artisan stuffed oliva all’ascolana • Coastal brodetto fish stew cooked on traditional trabocchi platforms H3: Health & Hustle Tucci, in remission from throat cancer since 2021, told reporters he still battles afternoon fatigue but credits medication for keeping his energy high on the road. Fans will notice lighter shooting days and more voice-over narration, a tweak designed to sustain his health without sacrificing screen time. H3: Tourism Backlash—and Opportunity The renewal arrives days after one trade journal accused celebrity food shows of spurring “negative wine tourism” in fragile regions. Nat Geo responds that Season 2 will highlight sustainable practices, giving platforms to small producers and promoting off-season travel. H3: How to Watch & Follow • Linear: Nat Geo (exact airdate TBA) • Streaming: Disney+ and Hulu, next-day • Social: @StanleyTucci on Instagram for behind-the-scenes reels; hashtag #TucciInItaly H3: Bottom Line With a fresh itinerary, sustainability promises and the star power of Oscar-nominated Stanley Tucci, “Tucci in Italy” Season 2 is poised to serve another binge-worthy plate of Italian culture—and it could arrive sooner than your next bowl of cacio e pepe.