Man v. Food, Travel Channel’s eating competition-themed show, has enjoyed popularity for many moons. The host, Adam Richman, travels America (and as of September 15, Canada) looking for good pigout spots” (www.travel.latimes.com). While finding and analyzing low-price, high-quantity restaurants, he also takes on diabolical eating challenges in the cities he visits. When taken together, his choice of restaurants, his skill at eating, and his sharp wit, the show is actually quite entertaining.

Adam Richman is a grad of Yale School of Drama and a trained chef (specializing in sushi) (www.tvsquad.com). Because of his classical training in drama, he is a very lively host. Furthermore, his skill at cooking helps him convey the aromas and tastes of a dish with stunning accuracy.

Some people object to his eating because it is “gross” (www.chowhound.chow.com). There is even a Facebook group discussing how disgusting the show is. However, the show really isn’t gross. When he eats, he takes slow bites and makes sure he enjoys the food for its taste as well as its size. Furthermore, he fasts on the day before the challenge, so that he can keep his weight steady. Still,  the challenge can be fascinating.

Junior Matt Snyder said, “I love it when he pounds down 10-pound burgers.”

One argument against the show is about the true merits of the challenges that Richman takes part in. As computer science teacher and technology wiz, Mr. Ollendyke said, “I think it’s interesting when [Adam Richman goes] to real challenges, but some restaurants make up challenges to get him to come.”

This, however, is not the show’s fault in itself, so that should not be a demerit.

On the third episode in the season’s history, the host Adam Richman came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He visited Primanti’s and DeLuca’s Restaurant just to check the places out. He finally visited Quaker Steak and Lube for the challenge. He downed an order of Atomic Wings in less than 15 minutes, winning a tee shirt.

Most recently, Man v. Food soared to new heights with its first ever international challenge. He went to Niagara Falls, Canada, where he lost an Italian food challenge. Overall, the show is a delight because of its wit, its selection of restaurants, and its suspense.

As freshman Marcus Meston said, “I like his ambition. He also leaves me curling over in laughter.”