Within hours after the news that CNN star Anthony Bourdain had died by suicide in a Paris hotel room, network executives have received “at least a half dozen” unsolicited pitches from individuals looking to replace the chef on the long-running travel show “Parts Unknown.”
“I would like to submit myself to step into the Show as a replacement,” wrote one man to the network in an email obtained by TheWrap.
“I have studied with great chefs and I have great passion, talents and knowledge taught to me by the old timers of the fish business,” the man added, while also noting that he had previously taken part in a pilot travel program that never got picked up.
The email also included a lengthy list of “some of my very successful projects.”
Other self-interested emails received by CNN today included new show pitches for Bourdain’s old time slot and requests for interviews.
“Hey world. Not an ok time to pitch your idea for a replacement show. Really losing faith in humanity,” CNN communications boss Matt Dornic tweeted on Friday.
Hey world. Not an ok time to pitch your idea for a replacement show. Really losing faith in humanity.
— Matt Dornic (@mdornic) June 8, 2018
News of Boudain’s death came as a major shock on Friday.
The celebrity chef turned TV travel host was midway through shooting the 11th season of his show “Parts Unknown” when he was found dead in a hotel room outside Paris.
CNN announced that plans to air the regularly scheduled of a Berlin-set episode on Sunday, including an special introduction from Anderson Cooper. Other tributes are planned for Bourdain throughout the weekend on the network.
“We will be remembering our friend and colleague Anthony Bourdain this weekend by sharing his talent and stories,” said the network in a tweeted statement.
“Rest in peace,” the network and added tagging his old Twitter handle.
We will be remembering our friend and colleague Anthony Bourdain this weekend by sharing his talent and stories. Rest in peace, @Bourdain. pic.twitter.com/RQ3rVzyXWr
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) June 8, 2018
It remains unclear how many additional episodes of “Parts Unknown” have been completed, and how and whether the network will move forward with the show in the wake of Bourdain’s death.
Reps for the channel have so far declined to comment on plans beyond the tribute-heavy programming this weekend.