The Supersizers Go (US)

The Supersizers Go is a remarkably entertaining and educational cooking show that aired on the Cooking Channel in 2012. Hosted by British food writer Giles Coren and comedian Sue Perkins, The Supersizers Go showcases the history of food and cuisine, taking the audience on an exhilarating journey back through time. With a perfect blend of humor, history, and culinary exploration, the show engrosses the audience's attention from beginning to end.

Every episode of The Supersizers Go is a new adventure, as Coren and Perkins embrace the dining customs of different historical periods. They don period-specific costumes and indulge in cuisines that were popular in that era, providing viewers with rich, detail-filled historical accounts of how food and dining practices evolved over time. By thrusting themselves into these historical periods, Coren and Perkins live on diets from various eras, offering first-hand accounts of how it feels to eat like English royals in the Tudor era, or Londoners during the Second World War.

Coren and Perkins take an immersive, full-hearted approach to each era they explore on The Supersizers Go. Not only do they wear era-appropriate clothing, but they also conform to the societal rules of the times they visit, and interact with historians and experts to deepen their understanding of each food journey. The hosts' commitment to the diets makes for some unforgettable sequences - some displaying the extravagance and opulence of eras gone by, others revealing how austerity and rationing shaped meals during times of hardship.

Each episode is packed with facts about historical meals, thier preparation, the fashionable dining etiquettes, and even the bizarre food remedies of the time. The series does not shy from sharing some less-appetizing aspects of historical diets either — including rules about meal preparation and storage in an era before refrigeration and regulations.

What makes The Supersizers Go unique from other cooking shows is the gala dinner party held at the end of every episode. Each party is based on the historical period of the episode and is replete with authentic dishes, décor, costumes, and guests playing characters from that era – creating a theatrical, engaging tableau that transports viewers back to the given epoch. The hilarity ensues as guest attendees – including food critics, historians, and celebrity chefs – react to the dishes presented, some of which are deliciously alien to modern palates.

Giles Coren, an accomplished food critic, brings his incisive wit and expansive culinary knowledge to the show. His commentary about the food and dining norms is enlightening, amusing, and at times, delightfully sarcastic. On the other hand, Sue Perkins adds a good dose of humor to the show. Her comedic timing and the audacious spirit she brings when tasting diverse and sometimes unusual food items make for an enjoyable viewing. Their rapport and camaraderie give the show a lively, spirited tone.

The Supersizers Go is not just a show about food; it's a reflection of humanity's social, cultural, and economic evolution. It reveals how war, peace, scarcity, and abundance have all played a role in shaping what people eat. Between the hosts' banter and the bizarre foods they consume, the show is filled with unexpected revelations about culinary history that enlighten as much as they entertain.

In terms of technical aspects, the show receives considerable praise for its production values. The set designs and costumes are meticulously detailed, capturing the essence of each historical period with fidelity and care. The editing is sharp and maintains a brisk, engaging pace, while the narration, ladened with fascinating historical and culinary facts, keeps viewers hooked.

The Supersizers Go blends history and culinary delights into an irresistible smorgasbord, offering an engaging, slightly eccentric take on centuries' worth of British cuisine. With its innovative concept, quirky presentation, and captivating hosts, the series serves up a perfect recipe for all food and history enthusiasts.