Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Perhaps we’re cheating a bit here. It’s difficult to say with full confidence that this fascinating travel series by Anthony Bourdain technically fits the definition of a “food show.” In fact, most of his journeys involve more newsgathering, sight-seeing and banter with the locals than a dissection of the culinary arts. However, trained chef Bourdain manages to weave food into everything he does, with nearly every interview and conversation taking place over a meal, and just about every cultural epiphany connecting in some strange way to how different societies drink and dine across the globe. It’s one of the best docu-series on TV.