Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Bourdain digs deep into the proud, often misunderstood culture of West Virginia, as he traverses a 5,000-foot mine, observes the sport of rock-bouncing, and dines on signature Appalachian dishes. Over an assortment of local dishes, residents candidly discuss their staunch views on the second amendment, Donald Trump, life beyond the coal industry, and the reclamation of West Virginian cuisine.

Bourdain returns to Uruguay and finds a progressive nation in the midst of social change, but with evident fragments of its colonial past, most notably in its local cuisine. Accompanied by Uruguayan native and restaurateur/chef Ignacio "Nacho" Mattos, the two visit his hometown of Santa Lucia for a home-cooked Italian family meal, and head for a night out in Montevideo, amongst other things.

An exploration of this rocky, east coast Canadian island by Bourdain reveals a magical place abundant in fish and wild game. Guided by prominent chefs Frederic Moran, Jeremy Charles and David McMillan, the host takes part in cod fishing, moose hunting, and axe throwing, and dines on charred whelk with brasciola, caribou tartare, and Newfoundland classic Jiggs Dinner (boiled meat & vegetables).

Bourdain takes a wide-angle look at the culture and history of this country, heavily influenced by Europe and Russia, with guide musician Serj Tankian of Armenian descent, and historian/Armenian resident Richard Giragosian. Breaking bread with Tankian at the restaurant Dolmama in Yerevan, the host explores the native and diaspora Armenian populations' survival and achievements against the odds.

Hong Kong, a city that's always in transition and unapologetically modern has another side: a beautiful one that's in danger of disappearing entirely. Bourdain experiences this city through the eyes and lens of legendary cinematographer and longtime Hong Kong resident Christopher Doyle (Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, The White Girl).

In Berlin - an anomaly among German metropolises - Bourdain encounters an extremely accepting society, teeming with unbridled creativity, despite a grim history. Against the backdrop of Berlin Wall remnants, the host communes with musician Anton Newcombe for a home-cooked meal, and electronic artist Ellen Allien over a lunch of sausage made from chicken, pigs feet and sage at Michelberger.

In this celebration of Louisiana's Cajun culture, complete with Zydeco music and a crawfish boil, Bourdain goes off the beaten path and takes part in the less familiar Mardi Gras traditions of the region's history stemming from the French Middle Ages. Donning a conical hat, mask, and colourful fringed costume, the host participates in the day-long Courir de Mardi Gras in Mamou.

Bourdain and film director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) tour the remote South Asian Kingdom of Bhutan and travel on the winding East/West highway known for its spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains. The explorers share a meal with yak herders, visit the capital city of Thimphu for traditional Bhutanese cuisine, drive to Punakha, and visit Bumthang.