From Julia Child's kitchen to Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, cooking shows have transformed dramatically over the decades. What started as humble instructional programming has evolved into a multi-billion dollar entertainment empire that has fundamentally changed how we think about, talk about, and consume food.
In this episode, we trace the fascinating evolution of food television from its educational public broadcasting roots in the 1960s through its commercial explosion in the 1990s. We explore how pioneering shows like "The French Chef" and "Yan Can Cook" demystified global cuisines for American audiences, before cable television and the launch of Food Network in 1993 revolutionized the format, turning chefs into celebrities and cooking into competitive sport.
The conversation takes unexpected turns as we share our personal connections to restaurant life and cooking. You'll hear why one of us passionately hates the term "foodie," what it's really like working in a professional kitchen (hint: it's nothing like TV makes it seem), and why that first cigarette after a kitchen shift feels so damn good. Plus, we reveal Julia Child's surprising connection to shark repellent during WWII and how it launched her cooking career.
Whether you're a cooking show devotee or just someone who appreciates good food, this episode offers a delicious deep dive into how television transformed our relationship with cooking - creating a world where we paradoxically watch more cooking shows while actually cooking less at home. Join us for this entertaining exploration of how food television went from teaching Americans how to make a proper French omelet to turning food into the ultimate form of entertainment.
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