The 12 Best Food Shows to Binge-Watch With Snacks

The Bear

The Bear’s hugely anticipated season three is set to continue the evolution of the restaurant and its staff from a rundown yet tasty sandwich joint to a (perhaps?) Michelin-starred eatery. This insider’s view of the food industry has won practically all the awards for its depiction of life in and out of the kitchen.

What to eat: A sheet-pan cheesesteak is a super-simple way to have a beef sandwich to enjoy (or go ahead and make up a brisket and serve it on crusty rolls instead). You can also pay homage to the Chicago locale with a little deep-dish pizza, like the one Richie snagged when he took a little sojourn to learn how to stage like a boss. And pay homage to Marcus’ doughnut quest with a few homemade doughnuts, too.

Where to watch: Hulu

Dinner Time Live With David Chang

Netflix’s burgeoning live show format features this gem, where charming (and world-famous) chef David Chang chats and cooks for a pair of different celebs each episode, in a show that feels like you’re hanging out with them at a super casual get-together. (Except, of course, that you don’t get to sample the amazing food he puts together!)

What to eat: David Chang posts all the recipes he’s cooking on the show online (lucky us!), but if you aren’t ready to tackle them, opt for something similar—such as our homemade hot chips (like the ones on the John Mulaney episode), crab cakes (which he served to Maya Rudolph), or banh mi (like he made for Hannah Gadsby).

Where to watch: Netflix

Julia

If you love to eat, you probably love and adore Julia Child as well—and this charming biopic series details her rise to fame as a TV chef and the friends and family who supported her.

What to eat: Coq au vin (chicken with wine!) is one of Julia’s signature recipes—and we have a slow-cooker coq au vin that’ll cook low and slow while you binge-watch. Serve it with a souffle for a totally French and fabulous meal that’s Julia-approved.

Where to watch: Max

The Great British Baking Show

This kind and gentle competition show features amateur bakers simply looking to make the judges proud as they take on some of the most complicated (and scrumptious-looking) desserts on the planet.

What to eat: Baked goods, naturally. While the British baking show contestants regularly make elaborate and difficult desserts, you can enjoy the same ones without the stress. Try an English trifle (with elderflower-infused cream), tasty scones, or a simpler-than-you-think berry pavlova.

Where to watch: Netflix

Chef’s Table

One of Netflix’s most popular series takes you inside the kitchens of world-renowned chefs to see how (and why) they make what they do.

What to eat: While the first few seasons of the show featured a mix of culinary traditions, later series centered on a theme, such as barbecue, pizza, or pastry. Depending on which season you pick, opt for a barbecue pork sandwich, a stellar pizza, or a tasty dessert.

Where to watch: Netflix

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

The name of the show kind of tells it all—charming actor Stanley Tucci wanders around gorgeous Italy, sampling each region’s finest dishes (and showing off some grand scenery, too).

What to eat: Opt for a total Italian feast, whether you adore risotto or pasta. And don’t forget dessert! Tiramisu ice pops are easy and perfect for the summer heat, or enjoy some affogato, a delightfully easy combo of espresso and ice cream.

Where to watch: Max

School of Chocolate

This competition series featuring chocolate wizard Amaury Guichon is a bit of a feel-good (and learn-along!) show. Competitors don’t get eliminated and instead get some one-on-one tutoring from the famous chocolatier to help them up their game. Maybe you won’t be making a life-sized chocolate chandelier by the end, but perhaps you’ll be able to do something to make your next chocolate dessert a touch more spectacular.

What to eat: Do we even need to say it? Try these super-easy chocolate truffles, a chocolate ganache tart, or a flourless hot chocolate cake, because the chocolate definitely needs to be rich and decadent when you’re watching this show.

Where to watch: Netflix

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Chef Anthony Bourdain set the standards high for culinary travel shows by traveling off the beaten path and sharing unique cuisine from all over the planet.

You can also catch his earlier show, No Reservations, on Max for a full look at his culinary travel highlights.

What to eat: Look for something delicious and full of flavor, like kimchi cabbage cakes, pork and bok choy larb, or a spicy sambal stir fry.

Where to watch: Max

Iron Chef

Iron Chef has been a culinary competition centerpiece for decades now, from the kitschy-cool Japanese original to new American-style versions. The chefs had to include the signature ingredient in every dish they created, which led to some intriguing culinary creations (cod-roe ice cream, anyone?).

What to eat: Asian cuisine is a must-have—even if you opt for a not-so-standard version like sushi bake or a simple-to-make ramen.

Where to watch: Peacock, Pluto TV, Freevee (Japanese original), Max (American version)

Hot Ones

Hot Ones may be one of the best and most brilliant talk shows around. Host Sean Evans always asks intriguing and probing questions, while celebrities sit in the (literal) hot seat and eat progressively spicier wings that definitely inflict some damage. No matter what celebs you love, they’ve probably already been on the show—but if you need a starter binge-watch, opt for Paul Rudd, Gordon Ramsey, Aubrey Plaza, and the totally viral recent episode with an unhinged Conan O’Brien.

What to eat: It’s probably best to avoid the show’s clearly sinister Last Dab hot sauce, but Buffalo-style wings are essential for a binge-watch of this show. (If you can handle the heat, try our recipe for Buffalo cauliflower—if you can’t, our cherry bourbon wings might be right up your alley.)

Where to watch: YouTube

Selena + Chef

This charming show (and its companion, Selena + Restaurant) features Selena Gomez enhancing her culinary skills with a little help from some of the top chefs in the country. And yes, you’ll probably get a few pointers to help you wow people in the kitchen, too.

What to eat: Check out what she’s cooking during your binge to see if something appeals, as her episodes feature a wide range of culinary adventures. Think tostadas, seafood gumbo, or a burrata-peach salad.

Where to watch: Max

Lessons in Chemistry

Based on the bestselling novel, Lessons in Chemistry follows a Julia-esque chemist turned cooking show phenom from tragedy to triumph and everything in between.

What to eat: Lasagna is the recipe at the heart of the show—so start with that, and finish it off with some brownies, too. (Chicken pot pie is another option as Elizabeth cooks her way through some comfort food classics.)

Where to watch: Apple TV+