Watch Eating History

Eating History, a new show from History that premiered in 2020, is a fascinating and entertaining look at the intersection of food and history. The show features hosts Josh Macuga and Gary Mitchell as they explore various culinary artifacts and sample them, often with the help of food historian Ken Albala.

The premise of the show is simple but compelling: Macuga and Mitchell seek out rare and interesting food items from various periods of history, and then taste them on camera. They delve into the history of each food, discussing its origin, cultural significance, and sometimes even its use as currency. Throughout the show, Albala acts as a guide, lending his expertise to the hosts and providing additional historical context.

One thing that sets Eating History apart from other food shows is its focus on items that most people might consider to be barely edible or downright disgusting. For example, in one episode, the hosts taste a 50-year-old canned chicken that was made for soldiers during the Vietnam War. In another, they sample a centuries-old recipe for vinegar-based pickled eggs, which were once a staple of sailors' diets. These dishes might not be everyone's cup of tea, but Macuga and Mitchell are willing to try just about anything in the name of historical curiosity.

The show also has a fun, lighthearted tone that makes it enjoyable to watch. Macuga and Mitchell have great chemistry and play off each other well, cracking jokes and expressing their reactions to the food in a way that makes it clear they are enjoying themselves. There's also a sense of adventure to the show, as the hosts travel to different locations to uncover these culinary treasures. Whether they're sifting through old storage units or buying items off eBay, there's always a sense of excitement as they get closer to their goal.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Eating History is the way it uses food to explore broader historical themes. Over the course of the show, viewers are treated to discussions of everything from the role of food in war and politics to the changing tastes of consumers over time. Albala, in particular, is a wealth of knowledge on these topics, and he does an excellent job of connecting the dots between seemingly disparate food items and historical events.

Of course, not all of the food on the show is unpleasant or weird. In some episodes, the hosts sample more conventional dishes, like old-fashioned soda or vintage candy. These moments provide a nice contrast to the more extreme items and serve as a reminder that the history of food is just as much about the everyday as it is about the exotic.

All of these elements come together to create a highly entertaining and educational show that is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in food or history. Whether you're a foodie or a history buff (or both), you're bound to find something to enjoy in Eating History. With its likable hosts, fascinating subject matter, and compelling storytelling, it's a show that is not to be missed.

Eating History is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between March 25, 2020 and on History