CNN announced on Friday that it would roll out multiple tribute specials about Anthony Bourdain, the star of the hit show “Parts Unknown” who was found dead by suicide at age 61.
“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,” they added tagging his old Twitter handle.
The Travel Channel also announced Friday that it will air a 12-hour marathon of the Emmy Award-winning series “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” on Sunday starting at 7 a.m. ET.
“Fans will have a chance to watch celebrated episodes of the series including where he introduces viewers to the picturesque landscapes, exotic cuisines, and the mysterious history of Laos; his epic journey to Spain’s Costa Brava to cook and dine at El Bulli, the best restaurant in the world,’ with chef Ferran Adria; and where he explores the food and people of the ‘two Maines,” the Travel Channel said in a statement.
CNN’s special programming includes a tribute special on Friday night, and a block of repeats of classic episodes of his award-winning travel series “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” on Saturday night.
The network had begun airing the 11th season of “Parts Unknown” — including an episode set in Hong Kong that aired last Sunday and was directed by his girlfriend, actress and activist Asia Argento.
The season’s sixth episode, set in Berlin, will air as scheduled this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, with an introduction by Anderson Cooper.
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
Bourdain was found dead in a hotel room in Paris while on location filming for the show. As the news began crashing across the internet, the CNN issued a statement expressing its sorrow.
“His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much,” the network said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
In addition to his show, Bourdain was an accomplished author with multiple New York Times best-sellers to his name including “Kitchen Confidential” and the memoir “Medium Raw.”
Before he rocketed to media fame in the early 2000s, he previously served as executive chef to New York restaurant Brasserie Les Halles.