t_atzmueller For a couple of years now they're showing more and more Cooking- and Food-shows on German (private) Television, something that has been lacking for quiet a few years (this is, unless you enjoy a 60-something lady cooking "Toast Hawaii", a combination of toast, ham, cheese and a slice of pineapple). Gordon Ramsays "Kitchen Nightmares", Andrew Zimmerns "Bizarre Foods", Bourdains "No Reservation", to name but a few. Among one of the more entertaining of those shows is "Man v. Food" which, in my opinion has some very positive features, but also some rather negative aspects. Let's start with the bad first: For one, Adam Richman isn't the most charismatic of presenters. Quiet the opposite: occasionally he comes across as pretty obnoxious, something between a hyped-up Frat-brother, wanna-be Hip-Hopper and a professional glutton. Sure, the variations of the concept are limited, but then again: there are only so many ways with which to stuff food into one orifice within a limited time. During the final, "challenge"-segments, it occasionally also hurts the taste-buds to see plates of food, that look definitely delicious, being so mindlessly destroyed within a limited time. But maybe that's only the food-snob within me speaking.Which brings us to the good: Many Europeans, who have never visited the US, have the preconceived notion that Americans live on Hamburgers, Steak and the occasional fried chicken alone. Apart from the mindless gluttony of the challenges, the show gives some very nice travel-tip for outsiders, showing them that there is another world apart from McD's, Burger King and (for the obesity-conscious) Subways. "Man v. Food" gave me quiet a lengthy list of "to-dos" when I visit the States the next time and once I sit down at the Orochon-Ramen-house in Little Tokyo, I'll do so on recommendation of "Man v. Food". However, no "challenge" for me. See, I do enjoy enjoying my food and taking less than an hour for a good meal does seem like swallowing in haste.In other words: Thanks for the recommendation, Mr. Richman, as well as for the freak-show.As far as the more "exotic" food-shows go, I'd give it a 6/10

Oak Owl I do not understand the rave reviews. This is a disgusting program. Gluttony celebrated. If it is meant to be a parody of the American Dining Experience ... well, it's sad, isn't it?Someone has said the real reason people watch it is in the hopes he'll go into cardiac arrest from stuffing himself. Maybe they'll save that for Sweeps Week? It is a terrible thing to watch that guy shovel food in his gut as fast as he can. There is no enjoyment of the food, just Intake Mass Quantities. Not only has he disgusting table manners (slurp, slobber, talking with his mouth full), the physiology of massive intake of food in a short amount of time can create a sudden, massive increase (and attendant drop) in blood sugar. It may be a contributing factor in the development of diabetes, high blood pressure, and, as we've said, a heart attack.So ... why is this behavior celebrated? Why is it so popular? A true mystery.

dwissba So this is something that people really watch? How did the guy who is the star of this show get this gig? What do we have here? Some disgusting man stuffing food in his mouth as fast as he can at any restaurant he can find. But it is not just that...he has to eat food that is made in such in way that normal people would not risk their health or stomach lining to eat. Meaning the food is normally really hot and as he stuffs it down the rest of the patrons cheer him on. He is shown sweating as he eats curry so hot you almost expect him to burst into flames and he normally cleans his plate everyplace he goes.I don't know about you but I really don't enjoy watching people eat and with bad table manners at that. This is not an informative program in any way but just some gross man who pretty much proves what is wrong with America these days. Which is bad diets and mass excess. If this guy stays on this program eating like he does he will be appearing on The Biggest Loser so as to burn off his bloated gut from all the crap he has put in his mouth. Really gross and an insult to watch...

bhoselton88 There are a lot of shows on television that travel to a variety of locations to show off the different foods that we can eat, but Man V. Food is far and away the best of the bunch. Host Adam Richman travels the country to find the great pig-out places all over our great land. He also tackles a food challenge in every city he visits, ranging from 15 dozen oysters in New Orleans, to a giant burger challenge in Boston, to the Don Juan Taco Challenge in Austin, Texas(You have to watch the reruns on the Travel Channel to view the winner). Sometimes the winner is man, sometimes the winner is food. No matter who reigns victorious it is still an extremely entertaining half hour, even if you are not a big fan of these types of show. What sets it apart from other shows in this category and other shows period, is the host, Adam Richman. First of all, I can say, Adam can eat. You can clearly see after watching a few episodes that he is also having a lot of fun in what I would classify as one of the top twenty jobs in the United States. He gets to travel, he gets to eat. What else can I say. Beyond that he is intelligent about food, he is extremely funny for someone who has just downed seven pounds of burger and fries, and the viewer even gets to learn a little food history. Beyond that, its just fun to sit on the couch and say "I can do that" or "There is no @#$*& way I could eat that." So if you want to watch the best show on TV right now, turn to the travel channel. And Adam, if you ever want to try the Carnivore Pizza Challenge again, Give me a call. Great show.