Anthony Bourdain’s wildly popular CNN docuseries, Parts Unknown, isn’t leaving Netflix after all. Though the show was previously scheduled to exit the platform on June 16 once Netflix’s license deal expired, the recent death of the star chef pushed the streaming service to rally and maintain the series.
“As of today, we’ve extended our agreement that will keep Parts Unknown on the service for months to come,” the company said in a statement Tuesday. This should delight the thousands of fans who have petitioned Netflix to keep the series, which had just days to go until its previous license deal’s expiration. Seasons 1 through 8 of the Emmy-winning food and travel series—a celebrated exploration of cultures all around the world, praised for its depth and honesty, and guided by Bourdain’s reflective candor and poetic narration—are currently available on the platform.
The series was in the midst of filming an upcoming episode when its host, Bourdain, was found dead in his hotel room in France on Friday from an apparent suicide. His death was mourned all over the world, a staggering loss to the culinary community and beyond. Asia Argento, Bourdain’s partner, released a statement saying she was “beyond devastated,” calling him “a brilliant, fearless spirit.” Former president Barack Obama, who was featured in a Vietnam episode of Parts Unknown, released a statement eulogizing the legendary chef and TV host: “‘Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer,’” he wrote, quoting Bourdain’s words in the episode. “This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food—but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him.”
CNN paid tribute to Bourdain by airing his favorite episodes of Parts Unknown over the weekend, as well as episodes from Season 11. The show’s Web site currently features a tribute to its star on its homepage, accompanied by this Bourdain quote: “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.”
If you need emotional support or are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
