@dadpad,
dadpad, I'm a former fan of the Japanese version of Iron Chef. I watched it faithfully for several years. Now I occasionally will watch Iron Chef America. It depends on who the iron chef is that day.
Speaking of cooking shows, omigod. There are cooking competitions up the wazoo. Chopped, Iron Chef, Top Chef, The Next Food Network Star, and The Worlds Worst Chef (not entirely sure of the title). There are also all-star versions of several of these shows. I can't taste or smell what they're cooking, so the shows are as much about personalities as they are about cooking.
There are a number of eating shows. Anthony Bourdain's is one of them. Certainly the most serious of the one's I'm aware of. He's truly interested in where he's eating and what he's eating. However, I can't stand to watch this show. Why? The narrative sounds like written material that's being read. Dry and boring to listen to. Hey, Anthony. Lighten up.
Another eating show is Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman. This guy will eat anything. And occasionally even he will spit something out.
The third is Man vs. Food. Adam Somethingorother schleps around the country looking for local eateries that have some special to offer. Each show ends in a challenge. Can he eat the 12-egg omelet with fries and two buns? Can he eat the five pound burger? Can he eat the hottest chili on the planet. Sometimes he does it. Sometimes he doesn't. I've noticed from watching that chewing seems optional for this guy.
Gotta get back to work, gang.