8.8 / 10 (based on 667 reviews)
A comedienne & a humor writer try their hand at living in different eras. They dress, eat, and live the past. Before and after, their vitals are tested to see how these lifestyles affect their health.
Genre: History
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Sue Perkins, Roy Marsden, Allegra McEvedy
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2 seasons, 13 episodes
Shows Most Like The Supersizers Go… (2007)
Further Back in Time for Dinner (2017)
8 / 10 (based on 83 reviews)
A family goes back to 1900 to experience life, food, social etiquette and dress styles through the coming decades.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Polly Russell, Chas & Dave, Monica Galetti
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1 season, 6 episodes
Back in Time for Dinner (2015)
8.1 / 10 (based on 223 reviews)
A family goes back in time and realizes how bad it is.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Polly Russell, Mary Berry, Dave Myers
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1 season, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Full Steam Ahead (2016)
8.5 / 10 (based on 154 reviews)
Historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn bring back to life the golden age of steam, exploring how Victorian railways helped to shape modern Britain.
Genre: History
Main Cast: Philip Glenister, Peter Ginn, Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands
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1 season, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Heading Out (2013)
6.2 / 10 (based on 334 reviews)
In this 6-part comedy series, very successful Sara gets an ultimatum from her best friends. She either comes out to her parents or they will do it for her.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Dominic Coleman, Shelley Conn, Steve Oram, Sue Perkins
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1 season, 6 episodes
Million Dollar Critic (2014)
7.6 / 10 (based on 42 reviews)
A good review by London Times restaurant critic Giles Coren can add $1 million to a restaurant’s business. He not only looks for the standards of good food, good service and nice atmosphere, but more importantly to him what he considers an exceptional dining experience, whether it be in a five-star establishment or a hole-in-the-wall. Those exceptional experiences generally mean living up to and exceeding what the restaurants bill themselves to be. He goes to North America in search of those exceptional experiences, he writing that “million dollar” review for one restaurant in each city he visits. Because he can’t eat at every restaurant in each city he visits, he gets his trusty research assistant Julia Pileggi to narrow the field to a short list of five, those five where he dines in deciding which restaurant gets his review.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Julia Pileggi, Richard Landau, Adam Gallop
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1 season, 6 episodes
24 Hours in the Past (2015)
8.1 / 10 (based on 165 reviews)
Living history show. Six celebrities experience the relentless graft of Victorian Britain.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Fi Glover, Tyger Drew-Honey, Ruth Goodman, Colin Jackson
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1 season, 8 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Back in Time for Christmas (2015)
7.8 / 10 (based on 66 reviews)
The Robshaws return as they travel through six decades experiencing the festivities of the time from the 40s all the way up to the 90s.
Genre: History
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Polly Russell, Christopher Biggins, Lionel Blair
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1 season, 2 episodes
Back in Time for the Weekend (2016)
7.2 / 10 (based on 72 reviews)
For one summer, the Ashby Hawkins family give up their 21st-century technology and travel back in time to discover the radical transformation of our leisure time since 1950.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Giles Coren, Polly Russell, Mr. Motivator, Anne Savage
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1 season, 6 episodes
If you’re a fan of history, food, or just enjoy a good laugh, there’s a hidden gem of a TV show that might have slipped under your radar: “The Supersizers Go…” This British television series, which first aired in 2007, takes a unique and entertaining approach to exploring the culinary habits and lifestyles of various historical periods. Hosted by restaurant critic Giles Coren and broadcaster Sue Perkins, the show combines humor, history, and food in a way that’s both informative and incredibly entertaining.
What Makes “The Supersizers Go…” Stand Out?
At its core, “The Supersizers Go…” is a history lesson served on a platter of the era’s most iconic (or sometimes, horrifying) dishes. Each episode sees Giles and Sue immerse themselves in a specific period, donning period-appropriate attire and living in a house styled after the era. They eat what was typical for the time, from the exquisite banquets of the upper class to the more humble meals of the lower class. But what sets this show apart isn’t just the historical deep dive; it’s how it’s presented.
The Chemistry Between Hosts
First off, the dynamic between Giles Coren and Sue Perkins is a highlight. Their banter, genuine curiosity, and sometimes comical disgust at what they’re about to eat add a layer of entertainment that’s rare in historical documentaries. Their willingness to dive into each era, no matter how unappetizing the food may seem, makes for some unforgettable television moments.
A Mix of Humor and History
Another standout aspect is the show’s ability to balance humor with educational content. While watching Giles and Sue gag over a particularly pungent dish might have you in stitches, “The Supersizers Go…” also packs in a surprising amount of historical facts and insights. You’ll come away from each episode with a better understanding of the era’s social, political, and economic contexts, all without feeling like you’ve just sat through a history lecture.
Memorable Moments and Episodes
Throughout its run, “The Supersizers Go…” covered a wide range of periods, each with its own set of highlights. Here are a few memorable episodes and moments that stand out:
The Regency Era: Watching Giles and Sue navigate the opulence and excess of the Regency period, complete with extravagant outfits and even more extravagant meals, is both hilarious and fascinating. The episode does an excellent job of illustrating the stark contrasts between the wealthy and the poor during this time.
The Victorian Era: This episode delves into the grim realities of Victorian England, exploring both the innovations and the inequalities of the era. From eating jellied eels to participating in a séance, Giles and Sue fully embrace the Victorian lifestyle, for better or worse.
World War II: Perhaps one of the most poignant episodes, the World War II segment highlights the impact of rationing on British cuisine. Watching the hosts adapt to the limited ingredients and recreate wartime recipes is both educational and touching, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of people during the war.
The Impact of “The Supersizers Go…”
Beyond the laughs and culinary adventures, “The Supersizers Go…” has made a lasting impact on how viewers perceive historical documentaries. It proved that you could learn about history in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and fun. The show has also inspired a renewed interest in historical cooking, with viewers taking to their kitchens to try their hand at recreating some of the dishes featured on the show.
Moreover, it’s a reminder of how food is a powerful lens through which to view history. What people ate, how they prepared their meals, and the social rituals surrounding food tell us a lot about their lives, beliefs, and the challenges they faced.
Why It’s Worth Watching
If you haven’t watched “The Supersizers Go…,” you’re missing out on a truly unique television experience. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
- It’s educational: You’ll learn about different historical periods in a way that’s accessible and engaging.
- It’s entertaining: The hosts’ chemistry and the show’s humor make it a joy to watch.
- It’s relatable: Despite the historical setting, the show highlights the timeless nature of human experiences, particularly when it comes to food.
In a TV landscape often dominated by repetitive reality shows and formulaic dramas, “The Supersizers Go…” stands out as a breath of fresh air. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still manages to deliver valuable insights and knowledge. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just in need of a good laugh, this show has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
“The Supersizers Go…” is a testament to the power of creative storytelling and the universal appeal of food. It’s a show that entertains, educates, and inspires, all while serving up a hearty dose of humor. So, if you’re looking for something different to watch, give “The Supersizers Go…” a try. It might just be the perfect recipe to satisfy your hunger for entertainment and knowledge.