Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Season 5
Season five of the CNN original series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown consists of eight episodes that continue the program's mission of exploring global cultures, indigenous food, and local dining rituals. The season premiered on April 26, 2015, with an episode focused on South Korea, which utilized a unique narrative structure by presenting scenes in reverse order to highlight the country's forward-looking culture.
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is a documentary travel and food series that premiered on CNN in 2013.
- The series centers on host Anthony Bourdain as he travels globally to explore indigenous cultures and local dining rituals.
- The program is known for its focus on lesser-known destinations and its willingness to delve into the political issues of the regions visited.
- Anthony Bourdain is characterized throughout the series by his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit while navigating both tourist and war-torn locations.
Season overview
Season five of the CNN original series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown consists of eight episodes that continue the program's mission of exploring global cultures, indigenous food, and local dining rituals. The season premiered on April 26, 2015, with an episode focused on South Korea, which utilized a unique narrative structure by presenting scenes in reverse order to highlight the country's forward-looking culture. Throughout the remainder of the season, host Anthony Bourdain visits a diverse range of locations including Miami, Scotland, Madagascar, New Jersey, Budapest, Hawaii, and Beirut. As with previous seasons, the show maintains its focus on uncovering lesser-known areas of the world, often moving beyond traditional tourist destinations to examine the political issues and social landscapes inherent to each region. Bourdain employs his characteristic curiosity, candor, and wit to engage with local populations, providing viewers with an immersive look at the intersection of culinary traditions and societal developments. By traveling to both peaceful regions and war-torn areas, the series provides a comprehensive examination of the human experience through the lens of food and travel, consistently adhering to the documentary style established in the show's earlier seasons.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
South Korea
Apr 26, 2015 · 45 min
The season premiere of Parts Unknown uses reverse chronology to tell the story of the host’s return trip to South Korea after a 10-year absence. Bourdain experiences the nuances of
Miami
May 3, 2015 · 45 min
“Curiosity pays unexpected dividends,” observes Iggy Pop, legendary rock musician, Miami resident and one of Bourdain’s local guides in this multi-faceted, seductive city. The host
Scotland
May 10, 2015 · 45 min
Bourdain visits one of his favorite cities in Europe, Glasgow. He makes his first stop at the Old College Bar for a pint, learns knife defense techniques from instructor Mark Davi
Madagascar
May 17, 2015 · 45 min
Unspoiled paradise or microcosm for the end of times? With acclaimed film director Darren Aronofsky (Noah, Requiem for a Dream, The Black Swan, Pi) as his travel companion, Bourdai
New Jersey
May 31, 2015 · 45 min
Bourdain travels to his childhood home state with his brother Chris and rekindles memories at classic roadside joint Hiram’s, known for its fried hotdogs, and Barnegat Light in Oce
Budapest
Jun 7, 2015 · 45 min
Drawing inspiration from iconic Hungarian born cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, Bourdain explores the beauty, culture, history, architecture and food of Budapest. The culinary dis
Hawaii
Jun 14, 2015 · 45 min
Bourdain explores the other Hawaii, the one that those 8 million tourists don’t see when they descend on the islands every year. Tony meets with travel writer and novelist Paul The
Beirut
Jun 21, 2015 · 45 min
The season five finale takes the host back to Beirut. Nicknamed “The Paris of the Middle East,” its nightlife is infamous, the population beautiful, and its cuisine legendary. Duri