Why Stanley Tucci Just Pushed The Release Date Of Searching For Italy

"Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" fans will have to wait a little bit longer than originally expected for the show's new episodes. Originally, Season 2 of the acclaimed docuseries was set to drop on March 13, according to Marie Claire. However, Tucci shared in a March 2 Instagram post that the season's start has been delayed.

The post, which features an image of the beloved actor looking out over a presumably Italian canal, was captioned, "Due to the situation in Ukraine, season two of 'Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy' will be delayed and will premiere later this spring."

The show is produced by CNN, and its programming is understandably dominated by Ukraine-related coverage right now. The outlet is putting out round-the-clock updates regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That said, there's still plenty fans can learn about the upcoming Season 2 while they wait for news about the new release date. 

In "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" Season 2, the actor will visit the picturesque city of Venice, as well as the region of Umbria, per CNN Creative Marketing. The latter is particularly renowned for its pork products and truffles, so expect to see those foods incorporated into the featured fare. 

CNN has also confirmed that Season 2 will feature an episode about Italy's Piedmont region, as well as one about Italian food in London. The network teased more truffles, as well as risotto, for the Piedmont episode, along with burrata "so fresh that it may rival Italy itself" in the London episode.

Other locations where Tucci was reportedly spotted during the filming process include Puglia and Valle D'Aosta, according to Italofile. The outlet notes that Puglia is "known for its olive oil and wheat," making it an ideal destination for the show.

Season 1 of Stanley Tucci's CNN series brought a much-needed sense of escapism to a pandemic-riddled world. At the time, travel was limited, and fans appreciated the ability to watch someone else take in the sights, smells, and tastes of Italy. With excellent viewership numbers, per Deadline, it wasn't shocking that CNN opted to re-up the show for a second season.

As a third-generation Italian-American, Tucci is committed to helping people around the world truly understand the complexity and diversity of authentic Italian cooking. CNN has shared some of the top recipes featured in the show's first season, including Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, a tomato-heavy pasta, and Costoletta di Vitello, a veal dish from Milan.

As bummed out as Tucci fans are for the delay, there's little doubt that Season 2 will be worth the wait. In the meantime, fans can tide themselves over by whipping up some of CNN's featured recipes from Season 1.

While fans are bummed that "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" Season 2 isn't here yet, the actor has been using his platform to effect change. In his March 2 Instagram announcement about the CNN series' delay, Tucci shared that it was because of the war in Ukraine. Since then, the actor has teamed up with War Child UK, which helps children affected by war in areas including Yemen and Ukraine.

Tucci hosted live events in Manchester and London on April 4 and April 5, with proceeds benefiting the organization. "For more than two decades, they have been driven by a single goal — ensuring a safe future for every child living through war," Tucci wrote of War Child UK in an Instagram post about his live events.

This isn't the first time Tucci has helped people affected by global conflict, either. In 2019, Tucci used World Refugee Day as an opportunity to share a Syrian recipe for baked lamb ouzi and to encourage people to donate to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Clearly, the actor is passionate about helping refugees, and it's understandable that the CNN series has taken a backseat in light of current events.