Updated: 10/06/2025 01:20:35
Breaking Bread
Breaking Bread is a CNN Original host-led docuseries, announced May 14, 2025, in which Tony Shalhoub travels internationally to explore cultures, histories and human connections through bread. Produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television (Blackfin) in partnership with CNN Originals, the series is slated to premiere in fall 2025 across CNN platforms with international distribution by Lionsgate.
Creative team and credits
Executive producers include Tony Shalhoub, Tamara Weiss, Geno McDermott, Igal Svet, Sun de Graaf, Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm; Dara Horenblas serves as showrunner and executive producer. [1]
Format and storytelling approach
A host-led travel and food documentary format that combines on-location visits, interviews with local bakers and cooks, historical context and shared meals to highlight bread’s cultural meanings. [2]
Geographic scope and examples
The series travels globally with cited stops ranging from Brazil to Tokyo, aiming to showcase a wide range of breads—baguettes, buns, flatbreads, focaccias—and the communities that make them. [3]
Host — Tony Shalhoub
The series is hosted by Tony Shalhoub, an award-winning actor with personal ties to food and New York’s restaurant scene; Shalhoub is also an executive producer on the project. [4]
Placement within CNN Originals
Breaking Bread joins CNN’s roster of host-led culinary and travel projects, continuing the network’s tradition of long-form food and culture storytelling across CNN, Max and partner platforms. [5]
Production and distribution
Produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television (Blackfin) in partnership with CNN Originals; Lionsgate will handle international distribution, and the series will air on CNN linear and digital platforms and partner streaming services. [6]
Series overview
Breaking Bread uses bread as a lens to examine global cuisines, social rituals and personal stories; each episode centers on a specific bread type and the people and traditions behind it. [7]
Themes and cultural significance
The series emphasizes bread as a universal comfort food and social ritual, using shared meals to explore identity, community, and the ways food bridges cultural differences. [8]
References:
[1] https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2025/05/14/cnn-original-series-releases-first-look-and-introduces-tony-shalhoub-breaking-bread/
[2] https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2025/05/14/cnn-original-series-releases-first-look-and-introduces-tony-shalhoub-breaking-bread/
[3] https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2025/05/14/cnn-original-series-releases-first-look-and-introduces-tony-shalhoub-breaking-bread/
Additional Sources:
9. CNN Originals — CNN [https://www.cnn.com/originals]
10. CNN Pressroom: Tony Shalhoub: Breaking Bread announcement [https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2025/05/14/cnn-original-series-releases-first-look-and-introduces-tony-shalhoub-breaking-bread/]
11. Lionsgate — Official site [https://www.lionsgate.com]
12. Tony Shalhoub — Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Shalhoub]