Antoni Porowski and National Geographic Redefine the World Tour

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 19, 2026 – National Geographic, a name synonymous with global exploration for over a century, is charting a new course in the digital age. The venerable institution has announced the June 7 premiere of BEST OF THE WORLD WITH ANTONI POROWSKI, a four-part docuseries that aims to translate its iconic "Best of the World" franchise from the printed page to the dynamic world of streaming television. Hosted by Emmy-winning personality Antoni Porowski of Queer Eye fame, the series signals a strategic fusion of legacy journalism and modern pop culture appeal.

The show will premiere on the National Geographic channel before becoming available for streaming the next day on both Disney+ and Hulu, a distribution model designed to capture a broad cross-section of viewers. Porowski will guide audiences through four global hubs—Mexico City, Paris, London, and his own hometown of New York City—promising a journey that digs deeper than a standard travel guide.

From Print Legacy to Streaming Powerhouse

For years, National Geographic's "Best of the World" has been a trusted annual guide, a curated list in print and online directing intrepid travelers to the planet's most extraordinary destinations. This new series represents the most significant evolution of the franchise to date, leveraging the brand's established authority to compete in the crowded and lucrative streaming market. The move is a clear indicator of National Geographic's strategy under its joint venture with The Walt Disney Company: to transform its respected editorial intellectual property into premium video content for platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.

By placing a well-known celebrity at the helm, the network is betting on a proven formula. The landscape of travel television is rich with personality-driven shows, from the culinary adventures of Phil Rosenthal in Somebody Feed Phil to the reluctant luxury of Eugene Levy in The Reluctant Traveler. National Geographic aims to carve its own niche by pairing this format with its unparalleled reputation for authenticity and deep-dive storytelling. The series is produced by Twofour, part of ITV Studios, a company known for globally successful unscripted programming.

This initiative is a core part of what National Geographic executives call a "360° content ecosystem." The goal is not just to produce a television show, but to create a multi-platform experience that engages audiences on every front, reinforcing the brand's relevance for a new generation of explorers who consume content primarily through screens.

The Antoni Porowski Effect: More Than a Guide

The choice of Antoni Porowski as host is a deliberate and strategic one. Known to millions as the food and wine expert on Netflix's Queer Eye, Porowski brings more than just name recognition. His brand is built on a foundation of empathy, curiosity, and the belief that food is a universal language for connection. This persona is a perfect match for a series that aims to look beyond landmarks and into the heart of a city's culture.

This isn't Porowski's first foray with the network; he previously hosted "No Taste Like Home" for National Geographic, where he explored cultural heritage through family recipes. That experience established a successful template, proving his ability to helm a series centered on "slower, more immersive storytelling." In BEST OF THE WORLD, he expands this role from the kitchen to the city itself.

“Travel has always been my way of understanding the world — and myself,” Porowski said in a statement. “Exploring these cities alongside the people who call them home reminded me that what makes a place special isn’t just what you see, but who you meet and the stories you’re invited into.” This sentiment captures the essence of the show's promise: to present travel not as a checklist of sights, but as a series of meaningful human interactions. His established audience, which spans foodies, lifestyle enthusiasts, and the LGBTQ+ community, also provides a valuable entry point for National Geographic to connect with demographics beyond its traditional readership.

Beyond the Guidebook: A Quest for Authenticity

BEST OF THE WORLD promises to deliver on its title by uncovering the experiences that define a place's soul. The series' itinerary, as detailed by National Geographic, intentionally blends the iconic with the intimate. Viewers will get rare access inside the inner workings of Big Ben's Great Clock in London and witness the generations-old art of cheese making at Quatrehomme in Paris. They'll also journey to surreal locations like Quetzalcoatl’s Nest, a fantastical architectural park in Mexico City, and join the emotional finish line of the New York City Marathon.

This approach directly taps into a significant trend in modern tourism. Today's travelers are increasingly seeking authentic, experiential journeys over pre-packaged, superficial ones. There is a growing desire to connect with local communities, understand cultural nuances, and find the hidden gems that don't appear on the first page of search results. The series is positioned to be both an inspiration and a practical guide for this new wave of cultural explorers.

By focusing on the "people, flavors and experiences that extend beyond the guidebook," the show aims to answer not just "where to go," but the more profound question of "why it matters." It’s a narrative that champions the craftspeople, artists, volunteers, and local experts who are the true curators of a city's culture, offering a perspective that is both aspirational and deeply human.

A 360-Degree Content Ecosystem

The launch of the docuseries is just one component of a comprehensive multi-platform strategy. Recognizing that audience engagement now extends far beyond the television screen, National Geographic is creating an entire ecosystem around the "Best of the World" brand. On June 9, a companion YouTube series will debut, featuring Porowski teaming up with local creators in each of the four cities to spotlight their personal "best of" picks.

Simultaneously, the NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld digital hub will be updated with quarterly installments of the franchise, including a curated food list for 2026 and four detailed itineraries based on the show's episodes. This allows viewers to not only watch Porowski's journey but to plan their own, transforming passive viewing into active inspiration. This integrated approach ensures that the conversation continues across social media, web, and streaming, creating a flywheel effect that drives engagement back to the core Disney+ and Hulu platforms.

This meticulous, multi-pronged rollout demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modern media consumption. By meeting audiences where they are—whether on YouTube, Instagram, or a dedicated website—National Geographic is ensuring its legacy of exploration continues to resonate powerfully in the ever-shifting media landscape.