Tony Shalhoub Explores Bread and Culture in New CNN Series

LOS ANGELES, CA — Tony Shalhoub, beloved for his roles in “Monk” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” is set to premiere his new CNN series, “Breaking Bread,” this Sunday at 9 p.m. Pacific. The show takes viewers on a global journey through the world of bread, uncovering the connections between food, culture, and personal stories.

In a recent video interview, Shalhoub expressed excitement about the series, which celebrates not only bread but the people and their unique traditions surrounding it. “This is a show about bread and people and how countless combinations of flour and water bring us together,” he said. The series was inspired by Shalhoub’s own family history and the legacy of his father, who immigrated from Lebanon.

The first episode, set in New York City, features Shalhoub exploring local bakeries alongside Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda. Shalhoub reflects on his family’s roots in the city and the broader themes of connection that food promotes. “I’ve been working as an actor for more than 40 years, and at times, it feels like you’re not as connected to the real world,” he noted. “This show is my way of interacting with people who are passionate about what they do.”

Throughout the six-episode series, Shalhoub visits several locations, including Brazil, France, Iceland, and Wisconsin, each chosen for their personal significance. The actor revealed that he initially wanted to film in Lebanon but chose Brazil instead due to logistical concerns. He hopes to explore his family’s journey, reflecting on the immigrant experience through the lens of bread.

Shalhoub’s aims for the show extend beyond simply discovering new recipes. “For me, the show really became more about the people that I met than the product itself,” he explained. “Bread just serves as a vehicle for broader discussions about history, culture, and community.”

In preparation for the show, Shalhoub revisited his own relationship with bread, emphasizing its significance in his upbringing. His daughter, Josie, even appears in the Marseille episode, contributing to their exploration of his father’s journey to America.

“It was quite moving to uncover parts of my father’s story with my daughter,” he said, highlighting the emotional depth that food can carry within families. The series promises a blend of heartwarming moments and culinary adventures, with Shalhoub’s genuine curiosity and joy shining through each episode. “I want the show to get us back to the basics,” he added. “Basic essential actions that connect us in a better way.”

With “Breaking Bread,” Shalhoub invites audiences to share in his journey and the many stories that bread has to tell across different cultures, urging a rediscovery of simple connections through food.