Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (BBC Two)

You loved Stanley Tucci for his urbane twinkle and passion for food and travel, propelling him to the top spot for the second series of this show, which restored some sense of right in the world, one bruschetta at a time. In Searching for Italy, Tucci travels through the country connecting with local producers, chefs and home cooks to discover the regional cuisine at its roots. With a warmth and intelligence that turn this food tour into a personal odyssey, his joy at each spoon of sauce, proffered pastry or glass of breakfast wine makes for an uplifting must-watch.