Watch The Food That Built America

TV-PG
2019
4 Seasons
8.4 (1,262)

The Food That Built America is a fascinating historical documentary series from History that explores America's food industry and how it shaped America as we know it today. The show is presented by Campbell Scott, Adam Richman, and Yohuru Williams in their respective specialties. The show takes us on a riveting journey back in time, starting in the late 1800s, when a few visionary entrepreneurs revolutionize the food industry with their innovative ideas and products. The documentary is as much a showcase of the triumphs of capitalism and entrepreneurial spirit as it is a historical analysis of the food industry. The series is divided into episodes that focus on specific food products and the pioneers who made them household names. For example, in one episode, we learn about the rise of the soda industry and the iconic brands of Coke and Pepsi, their marketing techniques, and competition. Another episode dives into the history of chocolate and the intense rivalry between Hershey and Mars. The show also explores the fast-food industry, the birth of convenience store chains, and how frozen food revolutionized American households. Throughout the show, the producers do a great job of weaving together the historical context, anecdotes, and interviews with food experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and historians who provide insights and details on the progression of the food industry. The result is a richly detailed and compelling narrative that keeps the viewers engrossed. One of the most notable aspects of the show is its immersive reenactments of historical events that involve the entrepreneurs and innovations that contributed to the food industry's growth. The scenes are well produced and engrossing, and they add a unique flavor to the show's storytelling. The three hosts bring a wealth of knowledge to the show, and their perspectives are complementary to each other. Campbell Scott spearheads the historical analysis and provides deep insights into how the food industry reflects the broader themes of American society. Adam Richman, a renowned food expert and cultural commentator, offers a more pop culture-focused take on the food industry and its notable characters. Yohuru Williams brings his expertise as a historian of popular culture, providing a critical race analysis of the food industry and how it relates to American history. Overall, The Food That Built America is a fantastic documentary series that explores the significant role that food played in shaping America's history, culture, and identity. The show offers a unique and pure perspective of capitalism triumph and serves as a reminder of how the entrepreneurial spirit combined with good ideas and hard work can change the course of history.

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Seasons

4 3 2 1

10. American Spirits

April 23, 2023

Two entrepreneurs rise from the ashes of Prohibition by staking everything on two liquors - a bitter, bottom-shelf whisky, and a flavorless foreign moonshine - and go on to save an industry and create two of the most popular brands in the country.

9. Peanut Butter Battle

April 16, 2023

When an entrepreneur creates shelf-stable peanut butter out of his garage, it leads to the birth of an iconic sandwich; as competition heats up to be America's favorite peanut butter, three famous brands battle it out to be number one.

8. Thanksgiving Dinner

April 9, 2023

A look at some staples of Thanksgiving dinner that weren't around until a few brands used technological advances to reinvent turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and more; food innovators made each part of the meal accessible.

7. When Food Freezes Over

April 2, 2023

Four intrepid food entrepreneurs race to harness emerging technologies like the home freezer and microwave, to bring revolutionary frozen snack icons to a waiting world, and forever change what we eat, when we eat, and how we eat.

6. The Chicken Coup

March 26, 2023

Eventually challenging America's burger joint heavyweights, two future fast-food kingpins find themselves on a collision course in an all-out chicken sandwich war that is still raging to this day.

5. Clash of the Coffee

March 19, 2023

Two icons compete for America's coffee drinkers and forever change a worldwide, multi-billion-dollar industry.

4. Candy Revolution

March 12, 2023

A cereal executive's bold idea to finance the "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" movie will kick-off a candy revolution that produces some of the most iconic, imaginative confections in history.

3. The Flight of the Buffalo Wing

March 5, 2023

Before chicken wings were America's favorite Sunday football snack, they were considered an undesirable cut of meat. Until two restaurateurs in Buffalo, New York, reinvent the way wings are cooked.

2. Holiday Treats

February 26, 2023

The top-selling candy days of the year revolve around Easter, Valentine's Day, and Halloween. And it all started with a few bold pioneers.

1. Breakfast That Pops

February 19, 2023

Two heavy-hitting cereal rivals duke it out for breakfast dominance; competition heats up when an idea is stolen; the ensuing battle transforms the breakfast landscape from a labor-intensive meal at the table to a meal of convenience on the go.

Description

The show takes us on a riveting journey back in time, starting in the late 1800s, when a few visionary entrepreneurs revolutionize the food industry with their innovative ideas and products. The documentary is as much a showcase of the triumphs of capitalism and entrepreneurial spirit as it is a historical analysis of the food industry.

The series is divided into episodes that focus on specific food products and the pioneers who made them household names. For example, in one episode, we learn about the rise of the soda industry and the iconic brands of Coke and Pepsi, their marketing techniques, and competition. Another episode dives into the history of chocolate and the intense rivalry between Hershey and Mars. The show also explores the fast-food industry, the birth of convenience store chains, and how frozen food revolutionized American households.

Throughout the show, the producers do a great job of weaving together the historical context, anecdotes, and interviews with food experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and historians who provide insights and details on the progression of the food industry. The result is a richly detailed and compelling narrative that keeps the viewers engrossed.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its immersive reenactments of historical events that involve the entrepreneurs and innovations that contributed to the food industry's growth. The scenes are well produced and engrossing, and they add a unique flavor to the show's storytelling.

The three hosts bring a wealth of knowledge to the show, and their perspectives are complementary to each other. Campbell Scott spearheads the historical analysis and provides deep insights into how the food industry reflects the broader themes of American society. Adam Richman, a renowned food expert and cultural commentator, offers a more pop culture-focused take on the food industry and its notable characters. Yohuru Williams brings his expertise as a historian of popular culture, providing a critical race analysis of the food industry and how it relates to American history.

Overall, The Food That Built America is a fantastic documentary series that explores the significant role that food played in shaping America's history, culture, and identity. The show offers a unique and pure perspective of capitalism triumph and serves as a reminder of how the entrepreneurial spirit combined with good ideas and hard work can change the course of history.

The Food That Built America is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (41 episodes). The series first aired on August 11, 2019.

Where to Watch The Food That Built America

The Food That Built America is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Food That Built America on demand at Google Play, Apple TV and History.