In previous specials, Lidia Bastianich has explored the American immigrant experience through the revelry of the holidays, and embarked on a cross-country matrimonial odyssey. She has encountered stories of hard-won freedom, while traversing America with celebrity guests, and has shared some of life’s milestones with diverse families and communities.
Watch the full specials of Lidia Celebrates America online.
Overcoming the Odds (2021) Lidia travels from big cities to small pockets of rural America, both in person and virtually, to share the inspiring stories of a diverse group of resilient Americans who have overcome extraordinary odds in their own lives, found purpose in serving their communities, and turned their loss into inspiring accomplishments. Continue
A Salute To First Responders (2020) Lidia visits men and women on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. From medical workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, to firefighters battling wildfires in rural California, Lidia discovers what motivates them and how the community can better support them. Continue
Eating In with Lidia (2020) Eating In with Lidia, rises to the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lidia shares stories, tips, recipes and strategies on how to approach food and meal preparation during stressful times.Continue
The Return of the Artisans (2019) Lidia journeys across the country to explore how food artisans and artisanal crafts are gaining momentum in the U.S. Traveling to Tennessee, California, Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin and New Jersey, Lidia meets with American makers who are mastering the art of meat curing, coopering, copper-smithing, jam-making, and more. Continue
A Heartland Holiday Feast (2018) Lidia takes viewers on a cross-country journey to explore how Americans representing diverse heritages are both preserving their own culinary traditions and transforming local cuisine. In small rural towns, Lidia immerses herself in the unique customs of the people she meets, which provide a source of inspiration for a magnificent celebratory meal.Continue
Homegrown Heroes (2017) In Homegrown Heroes, Lidia looks at veterans who return home and find farming to be a path back to civilian life. Continue
Holiday for Heroes (2016) In this uplifting special, Lidia meets with veterans who reflect on their service. Each discusses their longing to be reunited with family during holidays, the challenges and sacrifices of their work, and the pride they take in having defended our country.Continue
Home for the Holidays (2015) For celebrity chef, author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich there is no place like home – especially at Christmas, her favorite time of year. Lidia celebrates her native Italian holiday traditions, along with the traditions of six celebrity guests. Continue
Life’s Milestones (2013) Chef Lidia continues her cross-country journey of the United States experiencing the exuberance of American culture through food. This time she shares, with four families, special rites of passage marking some of the most meaningful moments in life’s journey. Continue
Freedom & Independence (2013) Lidia sets out on a compelling new adventure, traveling across the country with celebrity guests to celebrate diversity and explore moving tales of hard-won freedom. Continue
Weddings: Something Borrowed, Something New (2012) Lidia explores America’s rich cultural heritage as seen through the lens of its wedding ceremonies and the special foods and traditions associated with them. Continue
Holiday Tables & Traditions (2012) Four holidays, four very different tables and traditions. Join celebrity chef and culinary author Lidia Bastianich as she travels across America in a celebration of culture through food. Continue