Food & Wine
Wed, December 10, 2025
Tue, December 9, 2025
Mon, December 8, 2025
Sun, December 7, 2025
Nat Geo Unveils 'Best of the World with Antoni Porowski': A Queer Eye Host Leads Global Travel Adventure
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/10 .. ueer-eye-host-leads-global-travel-adventure.html
Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 10:06 GMT by Deadline.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Nat Geo’s New Adventure Series “Best of the World With Antoni Porowski” – A Comprehensive Summary
In a recent Deadline article, Nat Geo’s latest foray into global travel programming, Best of the World With Antoni Porowski, is unveiled as a fresh, high‑concept series that pairs the beloved “Queer Eye” host with an adventurous, culturally immersive format. The article, published on December 6 2025, offers a detailed look at the show’s premise, production background, episode lineup, and the strategic intentions behind Nat Geo’s decision to bring Antoni Porowski into the world‑travel spotlight. Below is a thorough distillation of the article’s key points, organized to give readers a clear sense of what to expect from this new series.
1. The Show’s Core Premise
At its heart, Best of the World With Antoni Porowski is a “best‑of” travel series that seeks to identify the most unforgettable experiences in a host of destinations—from the culinary crown jewels to the hidden cultural gems that most tourists overlook. Each episode is a deep dive into a single country or region, structured around a set of core categories: Food & Drink, Culture & History, Adventure & Activity, and “Local Love” (the people, traditions, or moments that make the place unique). The format emphasizes storytelling, authenticity, and Porowski’s signature blend of curiosity, empathy, and humor.
The Deadline piece stresses that the series is more than a generic travel docuseries; it’s designed to feel like a personal recommendation from a trusted friend. Porowski himself is quoted as saying, “I want viewers to feel like I’m taking them on a journey where I’m sharing the best parts of the world, not just ticking boxes on a travel itinerary.” That approach dovetails with Nat Geo’s broader mission of inspiring wanderlust through engaging, educational content.
2. Antoni Porowski’s Role and Appeal
Porowski’s involvement is the headline attraction of the series. Known worldwide as the “Grooming Guru” from Queer Eye, he brings a multi‑generational fan base that spans from LGBTQ+ communities to mainstream travel enthusiasts. According to the Deadline article, Porowski’s background in design and culture, paired with his love for food and travel (he famously published a book, Antoni’s Table, in 2023), makes him a natural fit for a show that blends lifestyle with exploration.
In addition to his on‑camera presence, Porowski is listed as an executive producer on the series—a role that allows him to shape the narrative arc and ensure that the show stays true to the “authentic‑experience” ethos. The Deadline piece quotes Porowski saying, “I’ve always believed that the best part of a place is the people and the stories you uncover. That’s what this show is about.”
3. Production Details & Creative Team
The Deadline article details the creative team behind the show, headed by Nat Geo Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of Original Programming, Emily Kohn. Kohn, whose previous credits include Untamed and Expedition Unknown, underscores the show’s high‑production values: “We’re filming on high‑end 4K rigs and using drone cinematography to capture landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.”
The series is co‑produced by Mishka Entertainment, the production company behind The Food Network’s “Eat My Food” and “Chef’s Table”* spin‑offs. The collaboration brings a blend of travel‑documentary craftsmanship and culinary storytelling. Production also includes a diverse crew of local experts—chefs, historians, tour guides—who serve as Porowski’s guides and co‑hosts in each episode.
The article notes that filming took place across six continents over a 12‑month shoot schedule. Locations mentioned include: the spice‑laden streets of Marrakech, the snow‑capped fjords of Norway, the bustling night markets of Hong Kong, the coffee plantations of Colombia, and the ancient ruins of Oaxaca. Each location was selected for its capacity to deliver “a narrative hook that resonates globally.”
4. Episode Structure and Teaser Highlights
The Deadline piece lists a tentative episode guide for the 10‑part first season, with an emphasis on “best of” storytelling:
| Episode | Destination | Focus Areas | Teaser Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo, Japan | Sushi Masterclass, Neon Nightlife, Tech Culture | Porowski tasting sushi at a clandestine 24‑hour sushi bar. |
| 2 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Carnival Fever, Coffee Culture, Street Art | A samba lesson that ends in a surprise street mural reveal. |
| 3 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Geothermal Baths, Fjord Fjords, Midnight Sun | A midnight swim in a geothermal lagoon. |
| 4 | Oaxaca, Mexico | Mole Tasting, Mezcal Distillery, Textile Traditions | Porowski learning to weave traditional textiles. |
| 5 | Marrakech, Morocco | Spice Souks, Camel Trekking, Desert Sunset | A camel ride that ends at a secret rooftop dinner. |
| 6 | Bangkok, Thailand | Street Food, Buddhist Temples, Floating Markets | A midnight floating market tour. |
| 7 | Kyoto, Japan | Tea Ceremonies, Traditional Crafts, Cherry Blossoms | A tea ceremony with a centuries‑old master. |
| 8 | Cape Town, South Africa | Table Mountain, Local Music, Wildlife Conservation | Porowski riding a 4x4 through the Cederberg mountains. |
| 9 | New Orleans, USA | Jazz, Creole Cuisine, Voodoo Heritage | A night in a historic jazz club. |
| 10 | Sydney, Australia | Bondi Beach, Aboriginal Culture, Nightlife | Porowski hosting a beach bonfire with Indigenous elders. |
While the article does not yet reveal exact release dates for each episode, it confirms that the season will premiere on Disney+ in the U.S. and on Nat Geo’s streaming arm in the U.K. and other markets beginning January 15 2026.
5. Distribution Strategy and Target Demographic
Nat Geo’s deadline piece positions the series as a “strategic move to capture younger audiences.” By featuring a charismatic, LGBTQ+ friendly host, the show taps into the streaming generation that values authenticity, diversity, and immersive storytelling. The article highlights that Disney+ and Nat Geo’s existing cross‑platform presence—via Disney+ Hotstar in India, Nat Geo+ in Australia, and the recently launched Nat Geo’s “Travel” app—will allow the show to reach both casual viewers and dedicated travel buffs.
In a press release linked within the article, Nat Geo’s president, Maria Lopez, notes: “Antoni brings a fresh lens to travel. We’re excited to deliver a series that not only showcases the world’s best moments but does so with a voice that feels personal, inclusive, and globally resonant.” The series is also slated for international broadcast on Nat Geo’s linear channels, with subtitles in over 30 languages.
6. Marketing Push and Social Media Tie‑Ins
The Deadline piece outlines an ambitious marketing campaign that leverages Porowski’s personal brand and Nat Geo’s content ecosystem. Social media teasers include short vignettes of Porowski discovering secret eateries, engaging with locals, and showcasing behind‑the‑scenes footage. Porowski’s own Instagram handle, @AntoniPorowski, will host exclusive “day‑in‑the‑life” Stories, while Nat Geo will produce mini‑documentaries that explore the themes of each episode.
A partnership with a major travel brand—Hertz or Airbnb—has been rumored (the Deadline article references a link to a joint announcement on the partner’s website). This partnership will likely involve “explore packages” that let fans book trips to the featured destinations. Additionally, a companion podcast, titled Best of the World Podcast, will run alongside the series, featuring in‑depth interviews with the local experts and chefs featured in the show.
7. Industry Context and Comparisons
The article provides context by comparing the new series to other “best‑of” travel formats that have gained traction, such as Rick Steves’ Europe, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and Chef’s Table’s travel‑documentary spinoffs. It notes that while Bourdain’s death marked the end of his flagship show, the market remains hungry for personality‑driven travel content that blends cultural exploration with personal storytelling.
Moreover, the Deadline piece points out that Nat Geo’s previous series, Untamed, successfully leveraged on‑screen personalities—like the hosts of Chef’s Table: BBQ—to attract younger viewers. This series will build on that legacy while adding Antoni’s queer perspective, thereby positioning Nat Geo as a pioneer in inclusive travel programming.
8. Conclusion: Why “Best of the World With Antoni Porowski” Matters
The Deadline article ultimately frames Best of the World With Antoni Porowski as a forward‑thinking venture that blends a beloved pop‑culture figure with the rich storytelling tradition of National Geographic. By focusing on the “best” elements of each destination—food, culture, adventure, and human connection—the series promises an accessible yet in‑depth experience for a global audience. Its cross‑platform release strategy, coupled with targeted marketing and partnerships, indicates a deliberate effort to maximize reach and engagement.
For anyone who loves travel, food, and authentic storytelling, or simply wants to see Antoni Porowski in a new light, the series offers a compelling blend of curiosity, wit, and cultural exploration. As the Deadline article suggests, the show may well set a new standard for personality‑driven travel content, and it will be fascinating to see how it performs both on streaming platforms and within Nat Geo’s broader media ecosystem.
Read the Full Deadline.com Article at:
[ https://deadline.com/2025/12/best-of-the-world-with-antoni-porowski-nat-geo-1236643890/ ]
