Anthony Bourdain Joins CNN for New Weekend Show

Anthony Bourdain is taking one of his biggest trips yet as he makes the move to CNN.

The No Reservations star is joining the network to host a new weekend program covering food and travel. Launching in early 2013, the program will air Sunday nights and will shoot on location as Bourdain explores cultures across the globe through their food, dining and travel rituals.

"For more than a decade, Anthony Bourdain has been a trailblazer in educating Americans about different cuisines and cultures around the world, as well as an outspoken commentator on social trends ranging from the rise of celebrity chefs to the impact of fast food chains to the spread of vegetarianism and veganism," Mark Whitaker, CNN Worldwide executive vice president and managing editor, said in a statement. "Examining the world through the prism of Tony's unique expertise and passions continues CNN's long-standing commitment to international reporting and to promotional global understanding."

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Zero Point Zero Production, which has worked extensively with Bourdain on his shows including No Reservations and The Layover, will produce the series.

"I'm really looking forward to coming over to CNN. I think the world is going to get a whole lot bigger for me," Bourdain said. "I hope that old fans and new ones will be excited about what's coming down the road."

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It looks like Bourdain might already have a few locales in mind. The renowned chef tweeted: "Moving with same ZPZ crew over to CNN to do another world travel show. Congo? Libya? Finally?"

The season finale of No Reservations will air Monday, June 4 at 9/8c on the Travel Channel.