Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

show

TV-PG, 2013

WISE
78%

WISE Score

8.9

IMDb

The late Anthony Bourdain takes you around the world to eat, drink, and understand what it means to be human—not for young kids.

IMDb8.9
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Parts Unknown is legitimately one of the best travel shows ever made, full stop. It's intelligent, moving, and educational in ways that feel effortless.

But let's be clear: this isn't family viewing. Bourdain swears, drinks, smokes, and doesn't sanitize the world's complexities. That's exactly what makes it great for older teens and adults—it treats viewers like grown-ups who can handle nuance.

For high schoolers interested in the world beyond their bubble, this is gold. It'll teach them more about geopolitics, culture, and empathy than most social studies classes. Just know you're signing up for mature content delivered with wit, heart, and zero BS.

The show's legacy is bittersweet given Bourdain's death, but the work stands as a masterclass in curiosity and connection.

Age Fit

This is squarely for mature teens (15+) and adults. The content rating of 13 is technically accurate but on the young end—most families will want to wait until high school when kids can appreciate the nuance and handle the mature content. Adults will find this endlessly rewatchable.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
65

Bourdain's approach is respectful and curious about cultures, modeling genuine interest in people and their stories. However, the show includes drinking, smoking, profanity, and sometimes dark humor that isn't traditionally 'wholesome.' The tone is authentic rather than sanitized, which works for mature audiences but isn't family-friendly.

Imaginative
88

Exceptional exploration of global cultures, cuisines, and perspectives. Bourdain takes viewers to unexpected places and frames travel and food as vehicles for understanding humanity. The show invites curiosity about the world and challenges conventional thinking about 'exotic' places.

Safe
55

Contains adult language, alcohol consumption, smoking, and occasional references to violence, war, and political instability. Some episodes visit dangerous or conflict zones. The content isn't gratuitous but it's definitely mature. Common Sense Media's age 13 rating aligns with TV-MA content that requires parental discretion.

Enriching
92

Incredibly enriching for mature viewers. Offers deep cultural education, geopolitical context, history lessons, and empathy-building through food and conversation. Bourdain's storytelling elevates travel television into something genuinely educational and thought-provoking. The 8.9 IMDb rating reflects its quality and impact.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely educational travel content that teaches geography, history, politics, and culture through the lens of food
  • Models curiosity, respect, and openness to different cultures and perspectives
  • Bourdain's authentic, unfiltered approach makes learning about the world compelling rather than preachy
  • Perfect for teens interested in travel, cooking, or global issues—sparks wanderlust and critical thinking
  • High production quality and the 8.9 IMDb rating reflects it's legitimately excellent television
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Adult language, drinking, and smoking are present throughout—this is not sanitized travel TV
  • Some episodes visit conflict zones or discuss heavy topics like war, poverty, and political violence
  • Occasional references to drugs, sex, and other mature themes in context of cultural exploration
  • The show's tragic backstory (Bourdain's 2018 suicide) may require sensitive conversation with teens

Conversation Starters

  • "What surprised you most about how people live in [country from episode]?"
  • "Bourdain talks a lot about how food connects to history and politics—what's an example you noticed?"
  • "Have you ever tried a food that seemed weird at first but turned out to be good?"
  • "Why do you think Bourdain chose to visit places that most travel shows skip?"
  • "What would you want to learn about if you could travel anywhere?"
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