Skift Take
The deal with CNN means that Bourdain's other series is dead, but he is bringing along Zero Point Zero, the production company that has consistently made him look good.
Source: Los Angeles Times
By Patrick Kevin Day
Anthony Bourdain, the globe-trotting chef and food pontificator, is joining CNN as a host and commentator on the things he knows best: food and travel.
Beginning in 2013, Bourdain will be bringing his food and travel expertise to a new weekly show airing on CNN during the weekends. He’ll also be appearing across CNN’s programming, offering commentary.
Bourdain is joining the network to bolster its weekend programming. CNN has been experiencing a pronounced ratings slump, with the channel’s April ratings down an average of 21 percent from the same month a year ago.
In a statement, Bourdain said, “I’m really looking forward to coming over to CNN. I think the world is going to get a whole lot bigger for me. I hope that old fans and new ones will be excited about what’s coming down the road.”
Bourdain’s deal with CNN is exclusive, so it looks as if we’ve seen the last of Bourdain’s previous series “No Reservations,” which has aired on the Travel Channel since 2005. The show’s eighth season is coming to a close next week.
Bourdain’s as-yet-untitled new show will continue in the same vein as “No Reservations,” with Bourdain traveling to exotic locales to experience the local cuisine and customs. The same production company which produces “No Reservations,” Zero Point Zero Productions, will be joining Bourdain on his CNN endeavor, so for fans of the author and host, the changes won’t be that drastic.
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Tags: food and drink, tv