Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013–2018) User Reviews

Review of Seasons 1 - 12

[sierrakilobravo · 10/10 · 10 November 2019]

Okay so I am going to share my bias up front here, I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, and if I sound like a fan-boy in this review, that's because I am and shutup you're not my real mom.

Bourdain had a number of TV shows over the years, starting with A Cook's Tour, No Reservations, The Layover, and after moving to CNN, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Covering 12 seasons this show follows Tony as he travels the world, meeting people, and revealing their cultures by way of a shared meal.

The people and stories are reason enough to watch this show, but Tony's knowledge of cinema and music and the way he weaves this into the stylings of each episodes elevate everything to be much much more than your average travel show.

Tony's influence is very evident when you get to the final season. Having died before production on the series was finished, only a couple of episodes feature his commentary. The episodes without, while still of the usual high standard the lack of his voice and viewpoint is sorely noted.

Tony left us far too soon, but left an incredible legacy, and Parts Unknown is just part of his catalogue. It is the best, most consistent non-fiction TV I have ever watched, and I simply cannot recommend it highly enough.

Sit down, pour a negroni, and let Tony open your mind to the big wide world.

The Best Program of the Decade

[bearealman · 10/10 · 18 November 2018]

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is simply the best television series of the 2010s. (I only wish I'd realized this sooner.) No program better enlightened the world of our times about ourselves than Parts Unknown.

Enjoyable Insight

[redhotchili-4 · 10/10 · 3 August 2018]

Such an enjoyable insight into many cultures and food from countries far and close to home. Very sadly Anthony is no longer with us. But I'm glad I found this gem of a series on Netflix after watching his older one 'No Reservations' and enjoying it

Apparently you love him or hate him?

[amikos · 10/10 · 17 March 2018]

I was surprised to see so many negative reviews some even stating the he is "racist". To each his own I guess... I love Parts Unknown because it goes beyond food, he shows the way the locals live and their daily lives with eating their food. I have found him relatively impartial politically, he lets the people he meets in their respective countries speak for themselves. It seems that anyone having an aversion to CNN and knowing that before they watch automatically has a 1 star rating of him. I had now idea he was before reading the reviews and found that surprising. Much more than a food show, and I think that makes the show overall well rounded and always fascinating.

Let there be light!

[rdjoties · 10/10 · 10 March 2019]

This storm known as Bourdain, blew away my livingroom and changed how I view, television forever. The respect and honesty you brought in each show together with your personality made your work so unique. You made your shows recognicible: We share a good and honest conversation, while sharing food. And that is universal. You made a show about this simpel fact. There is only 1 Bourdain. Let there be Light J.C.!

Bourdain's Best Isn't a Reality TV Food Fight, It's Good Journalism With Lunch Breaks in Between

[perkolatorproductions · 10/10 · 5 June 2016]

Believe it or not, there are often much more important things to talk about than dinner in many impoverished and/or war torn foreign nations around the world where this show is shot. Not every television program is going to be a mindless meandering list of topics that only impact American recipe lists and pop culture while ignoring anything important to other people in the world, some shows are actually meant to educate.

In a sea of seriously sigh-inducing series which pander only to the lowest common denominator with attention attacking headlines and overblown melodrama, a master chef of all people, has brought a level-headed and insightful peek into the lives of those in the world around us which many professional reporters are too busy worrying about ratings to take on. I, for one of many, unabashedly applaud his integrity. Time and time again it's been proved that it's often the people you'd least expect to know what they're talking about who outshow the most celebrated "news" casters of the click-bait/action news era.

Anthony Bourdain, culinary king and hilarious Archer celebrity guest-starring insult smith has now cemented himself among the ranks of legends like Jon Stewart as yet another intelligent human being with basic common sense who can stand with the best of cable's nonsense newsmen and give them a few pointers on proper news presentation. The show is intriguing, informative, entertaining and educational, not simply in terms of international cuisine but conflicts and complex social constructs as well. It's magnificently made in each and every way from shots, to scripts and settings and it deserves every bit of success it receives.

Educational And Entertaining

[Oilerboy13 · 9/10 · 20 March 2019]

Do you like to travel and experience local culture and cuisine but lack the financial means to do so? Then try Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Each episode Anthony takes you meet the locals and their take on the culture while experiencing the flavours of the land and the interesting people and the breathtaking views. Anthony will be missed but he left these wonderful experiences we can all enjoy.

magic

[Kirpianuscus · 27 June 2019]

A show escaping to definitions. Because each episode you feel. Food, talks, secrets, people and tradition, places and stories. Short- just magic. That kind of magic who defines, in profound sense, happiness, the simple happiness expected by each of us. The only serious word who I can say - I love it, remaining grateful to Anthony Bourdain for his splendid work.

An excellent travel show!

[belikerev-532-859651 · 10/10 · 22 October 2015]

Bourdain is somewhat of a pioneer in the genre of food & travel shows as his No Reservations was one of the first shows that combined passion for food with the need to Travel. That show was essentially Bourdain traveling to new places in search of good authentic food. He obviously knew a lot about food as he used to be a chef. No Reservations appealed to both food lovers and travel enthusiasts, but it was still very much centered around food (and Bourdain of course). It held the show back a bit in my opinion as Bourdain would travel to all these great places with lot of history and wouldn't really get to talk that much about the place and would instead focus on food.

In Parts Unknown, Bourdain is not only traveling to some of the lesser well known places (at least to Americans) but he is also exploring their culture, heritage and the current politics along with food. Heck, given the coverage of international news on CNN and other news media here in the US, this might the most informative show you could watch on TV (that pertains to international affairs).

Bourdain mentioned in an interview that in this new show (hardly new anymore) he had more freedom to do what he wanted and explore more and it shows. A lot of times he just meets an old friend in some country and they bar hop all night leaving Bourdain craving for even more food. But it also depicts the culture of the place he is visiting in a fashion that only few other shows would. And then, in some other places, like Libya and Congo, he interacts with locals who tell him what it is like to live (or survive) there day to day, all while having a meal of something exotic and making us drool.

I understand that this show may not appeal to hardcore food lovers, but in my opinion, this is a better show in every way to No Reservations and Bourdain is a lot more himself (which makes it even easier to watch). It's kind of like when Top Gear went from being a strictly motoring show to being a comedy/adventure/celebrity/motoring show. It ended up being better!

A great show

[oazxe · 10/10 · 8 June 2018]

I watch this show with my dad.. I only watched 1 episode but I loved it, it's perfect for geography lessons.. I remember watching either Nigeria, Kenya, or Ghana. I am sad that Bourdain died and can't make anymore. This is a very painful reality.

Great Show

[lameinvestor · 10/10 · 27 May 2013]

Very well done cooking, traveling, and current news programing. Antney does an excellent job introducing us to so many different types of foods, cultures, locals, et al. He really entices me to try all of these things and travel to all of these different places. He is excellent at bringing in a local and hanging out with them as though they were just good friends. You can tell he is authentic because it doesn't look like he's trying to hard. Bravo Antney... Impressive that CNN also brought this into their network and put a news spin on it... Very Very well done. I caught a few shows in a row on Libya, Burma, and LA Korea Town. All of these were fantastic. I was amazed that one person wanted to take Antney to Sizzler and he still went... shows that he is really listening to the locals no matter what they want to do. The Libya program and Burma were just amazing... a cook going around war torn areas... amazing.

West Virginia

[pecenka · 10/10 · 30 April 2018]

I felt this one of the better of his series over the years, and I have not always been a fan. My first inclination/thought was why do a country/backwoods place when there are so many awesome places in the US? Well, I was very wrong. My ethnocentric attitude made a judgement that this was backwoods and therefore not worthy of his usual. I was wrong. He (as he does) highlighted people in their natural light. We are all humans, and he proved this. The attitude issue was mine. Wonderful food, fun activities, engaging conversation and education. People are people, wherever he may be and he brings that out. It should serve as an awesome reminder to us all. Many thanks Anthony!

Wish he actually did some exploring rather than hanging out with expats all the tkmt

[aamilsyed · 7/10 · 22 June 2018]

Anthony is a good host. I don't care that he praises all the food everywhere; I'm not depending on his review of the food anyway. What I'm really looking for is the thrill of adventure and Anthony's acerbic wit as he explores the places. Unfortunately, he mainly ends up spending most of his time with expat restaurant-ers instead of spending more time with the locals. I don't want to know what an expat thinks of the local cuisine or politics! I don't want to see where he takes you. I'd rather they did some research and got in touch with locals who could show them around. Also, lose the rockstar image and terrible background score, please?

Low on food content

[Dukes_Sheep · 4/10 · 5 July 2014]

I really liked "No Reservations" then lost "The Travel Channel" on my cable provider and was glad to see Bourdain move over to CNN. Then I watched a few episodes and quit watching since it was less about different culture's food and more about social commentary.

Every now and then I'll flip it back and can catch one to see if its returned to a food focus and its seems to be sliding towards more social.

I can understand that focus due to its being aired on CNN but its not why the majority of people tune in to see a show starring Bourdain.

So I'll pass and whenever there is absolutely nothing else on I'll tune in again and see if it back to food but I doubt it will happen.

Not Just Travel & Gastronomy

[n8_erade · 10/10 · 13 January 2021]

Do not judge this show by either its name nor generic synopsis. This show is about yes...Bourdain and food. However, the message and subtext is far beyond just travel and gastronomy. Life, loss, relationships, understanding, acceptance and adventure all pepper every episode of this series. Bourdain has a way to make you feel how he is feeling at any peicise moment. Admiring the people and places he visits through their food, Bourdain captivates anyone who allows him to take them along for the ride. It is often said that food is memory, and this show is by no means a contradiction to that statement.

There are no words that would do this justice other than you're missed.

[esweet-154-191260 · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

I loved his show from its beginnings. His turn of phrase and ruthless observation perfectly suited mine and many others needs. I loved it. I introduced my ten year old son to the series and we watched it religiously. Often inspiring our own experimentations in the kitchen. My son now graduated from university is willing to try new cultures foods without trepidation. He cares about what he eats and seems to have picked up on the beauty of simpler and often cheaper ingredients that Tony often praised. I came to IMDB today to see where any of Tony's shows are streaming, to reconnect with his empathetic and curious genius for another round.

Gone yet never forgotten

[VorianG · 10/10 · 15 June 2022]

"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind." - No Reservations: Around the World on a Empty Stomach, 2007.

You will always be remembered.

A little bit of everything.

[brenzbrenz · 10/10 · 16 December 2020]

Parts unknown has a little bit of everything, comedy, food, history, culture and best of all it has Tony and his commentary which is quite amusing at times. I watched parts unknown quite some time ago up until season 11. But when he passed away I found it quite hard to watch knowing there wouldn't be anymore shows by Anthony Bourdain. You would have never known watching his show that he suffered and felt the need to take his life. He has left behind a great series well worth watching which will show you parts of the world which would have not been known until Tony came along. Great work Tony, you will be missed!

It's not just the food...

[madeincanada-08745 · 10/10 · 28 October 2021]

First off, I still miss you to this day Anthony. Second, it wasn't just the great food and the people, it was the story and history of the places. I honestly didn't know much of Iran other then what the media told me, but you showed me the people were just like me, hanging with their friends, eating junk food and living life.

Sure they have their problems, who doesn't?

But you showed the people and what they really were.

Thank you for making me fall in love with the food more than just eating, but living it.

I wish you would have been able to get help, I did. I cannot wait to show my son and daughter the love of stories you had.

Great Production Values!

[GeoPierpont · 8/10 · 2 September 2014]

After travelling with Mr. Bourdain over many incarnations of hosting world wide adventures, I find this CNN production most educational and entertaining. This is no amateur travel program folks, the visuals, directing, and script are top notch. I admire Tony's schmaltz, disdainful and acerbic attitude as well as his handsome good looks. His long history as a wild and crazy New York City Chef adds a deep introspective and much needed levity within war torn, economically challenged, hidden parts of the world.

I never fail to latch on to his desire for adventure and take away the sense of having travelled to distant parts without the jet lag, hangovers and filming frustrations.

High recommend for action, adventure, culture, and culinary excitation!

I love his shows

[rmcc-42341 · 10/10 · 28 May 2015]

Mr. Bourdain shows people a wide variety of diversity. I love the show as it broadens the mind as to how others are different and, not so different in our world. As far as his use of language that he chooses? leave him be, he wouldn't be him and the show wouldn't be a great show unless he is to be who he is, really? with all the nudity,killing and profanity that goes on in movies and shows these days, people want to complain about him using language they don't like? just don't watch it I say! but you will miss out on a lot that you will never see. I have watched all three shows that have been created, roll on fourth show!

Just continue being yourself Mr. Bourdain, we love you just the way you are:)

The world would be a better place if more people watched this show

[rachel76642 · 10/10 · 8 March 2023]

First of all, rest in peace Anthony <3

Second, every person in the world should watch this show. It is seriously life changing. Even just from watching the 12 seasons of his show, I understand so many other cultures just a little bit more from Tony's ability to narrate, write, and produce such amazing stories into film. By understanding someone else's culture just a little more, me or anyone else is a little less likely to judge or discriminate against or do harm to them.

I have never read and listened to anyone as satisfying as Tony. His humour, wit and intelligence are a rare combination forming a master of his craft. True one of a kind.

Some hit and miss episodes

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 1 June 2014]

Chef Anthony Bourdain travels the world sampling food, seeing different cultures, and having a few drinks on CNN's dime.

The biggest problem of this show is that I can't buy Bourdain's review of the food. Sometimes the food looks really good, but it's impossible to rely on Anthony's tastes. Apparently he loves everything. I don't think he has said a bad word about any thing he has eaten. That can't be right.

There is the travelogue part of the show. I'm always a sucker for that. The show works best when he goes to someplace unusual. I still remember the Libya show. That was crazy. Sometimes it's boring like Vegas.

Then there is the social commentary from Anthony. Sometimes it's interesting, but most of the times, it's tiresome. I don't particular find it that enlightening like the Mexico show. He tells us that there is drug violence in Mexico. Color me shocked.

This show has some good points. Bourdain is always up for anything. There is some interesting food happening. And they are usually away from the tourist traps which is interesting. However some of it does get boring especially if he gets preachy.

What is the point?

[JonathanWalford · 3/10 · 30 May 2014]

I admit I am not an Anthony Bourdain fan. He comes across as a bit smug and arrogant, and I once tried a restaurant he reviewed favourably and hated it, so I also don't trust his judgement. Regardless, I started watching this series and was enjoying it, even though his smugness still shone through. However, I have to say I am a bit bewildered by what the point of this show is. It's sort of a travelogue, heavy on the food, but then an episode he did on Mexico I turned off because it was nothing but dead bodies and an expose on the drug cartels of Mexico - not exactly a travelogue!

So, I am left to wonder what the hell is this show trying to be - is it a food show, a travel show, an expose on foreign cultures? I have no idea. But I still don't like Bourdain, so maybe I am a little prejudiced.

The more the merrier

[luciana-agostinho · 10/10 · 2 February 2015]

This is basically Bourdain's previous series, No Reservations, on CNN. He goes on familiar places and eat weird food or to weird places and eat weirder food, all the while commenting on politics.

Perhaps Parts Unknown is a little more personal and biographical to Bourdain than the previous show. We also get to see and hear more of him about him. That cuts both ways, as he sometimes comes out more of a jerk than a likable cynical.

But that's OK. The places he goes don't get the cynical angle they deserve sometimes.

Something that's even more pronounced in Parts Unknown than in No Reservations is Bourdain's tendency to ear on the streets, at people's houses or out-of-the-way places. I can tell if that's Bourdain's preference or a production decision. Even in episodes in which he goes to fancy restaurants, such as when he visited Finland, the show prefers the iconoclast, the odd-man-out.

It's that anarquist, non conformist, often cynically-bent that makes a great show that is only about food in passing. It's about the peoples of this world.