The final season of “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” premiered on Sunday night, and it brought fans to tears.
Bourdain, who died by suicide in June, spoke with W. Kamau Bell while on location in Kenya about how lucky he was.
“I fucking pinch myself because I cannot fucking believe that I get to do this or see this, ever, or that I ever would,” Bourdain said, reflecting on how far he’s come from his humble roots. “Because at 44 years old, dunking fries, I knew with absolute certainty that I would never, ever see Rome much less this.”
But the comment that touched people the most may have been at the end, when Bourdain seemed to be speaking not only of his legacy but about what may come next:
“Who gets to tell the stories? This is a question asked often. The answer, in this case, for better or for worse, is I do. At least this time out. I do my best. I look; I listen. But in the end ― I know ― it’s my story. Not Kamau’s. Not Kenya’s or Kenyans.’ Those stories are yet to be heard.”
Sunday’s broadcast was the last “Parts Unknown” episode for which Bourdain completed his signature scripted narration. However, filming had finished on several others, including Indonesia, West Texas, Spain and the Lower East Side of New York City.
Over the summer, CNN announced that it would use audio of Bourdain from the filming of each episode to serve as narration. Those episodes and two Bourdain specials will air on Sunday nights through mid-November.
Friends, colleagues and fans passed around the tissues on Twitter:
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.