Anthony Bourdain, star of 'No Reservations,' globetrotting chef and author, will be leaving the Travel Channel to step up to the plate at CNN. "I'm really looking forward to coming over to Cnn," Bourdain said, according to the Hollywood Reporter "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."
It's a big move for Bourdain, and a ratings blow for the Travel Channel who've long since counted Bourdain as one of their prize assets. The Emmy award winner won't be completely alone in his new home, his as-yet-untitled new show for Cnn will be produced by Zero Point Zero Productions, the same company who worked on 'No Reservations' with him.
Mark Whitaker, Cnn Worldwide executive vp and managing editor was understandably delighted with the announcement, saying in a statement "For more than a decade, Anthony Bourdain has been a trailblazer in educating Americans about different cuisines and cultures around the world, as well as an outspoken commentator on social trends ranging from the rise of celebrity chefs to the impact of fast-food chains to the spread of vegetarianism and veganism." Continuing, he added "Examining the world through the prism of Tony's unique expertise and passions continues Cnn's long-standing commitment to international reporting and to promoting global understanding."