You're scrolling. We’ve all been there. The blue background of the Paramount Plus interface is staring back at you, and you’ve already watched Yellowstone or Paw Patrol for the thousandth time. You want something delicious. Not just "food as fuel" delicious, but the kind of television that makes you want to lick the screen or at least head to the kitchen to fail miserably at a soufflé. Honestly, cooking shows on paramount plus are some of the most underrated gems on the platform, mostly because they’re tucked away under the massive umbrella of the Smithsonian Channel and various international imports.
It’s weird. People usually think of Food Network or Netflix for their culinary fix. But Paramount Plus has this specific, almost academic-meets-trashy-fun vibe that hits different.
The Bourdain Legacy and Why It Matters
Let’s talk about Anthony Bourdain. If you aren't watching No Reservations, what are you even doing? It’s on there. Most of it, anyway. Bourdain didn't just cook; he dismantled the idea that food is separate from politics or history. When you watch him sit on a plastic stool in Vietnam, you aren't just looking at noodles. You’re looking at the soul of a city.
This isn't your standard "add a pinch of salt" instructional video. It’s gritty. It’s loud. The cinematography in the later seasons especially—once the crew really found their groove—changed how we see travel and food on TV forever. It’s the gold standard.
Why No Reservations holds up
The show ran from 2005 to 2012. You’d think it would feel dated. It doesn't. Bourdain’s cynicism mixed with his genuine love for the "disregarded" parts of the world makes it timeless. He talks to people. He drinks too much. He stays human. In an era of overly polished, AI-scripted-feeling lifestyle content, seeing Tony sweat in a crowded market is the soul food we actually need.
The Smithsonian Channel’s Secret Stash
If you want to feel smart while watching people eat, you head over to the Smithsonian section of the app. This is where the cooking shows on paramount plus get a bit more educational, but not in a boring, high school history class way.
Sealed, Delivered, Managed is a fascinating look at how food gets to us. It’s less about the "chef" as a celebrity and more about the logistics of the lemon in your water or the steak on your plate. It’s the "how it’s made" for people who care about the global supply chain. Then there’s Epic Warrior Cuisine. It sounds intense because it is. It looks at what soldiers and conquerors ate throughout history. You haven't lived until you've seen a historical reenactment of a Mongol warrior’s rations.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. Sometimes I don't want to see a competition. I don't want to hear a clock ticking down while someone screams about "plating." I just want to know why we eat what we eat.
The Gordon Ramsay Factor (The Global Versions)
Everyone knows Gordon. He’s everywhere. He’s probably in your kitchen right now yelling about your risotto. But Paramount Plus has some of the international versions of his shows that feel slightly less... Americanized?
Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back is the big one here. It’s fast. It’s aggressive. It’s Gordon in a disguise that fooled absolutely no one, ever. But the drama is top-tier. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a failing restaurant owner get their life together in a single day, even if we all know deep down that a new coat of paint and a smaller menu won't fix a broken marriage or a massive debt to the IRS.
The MasterChef Connection
While the main US MasterChef is a staple elsewhere, Paramount Plus often cycles through various iterations of the franchise. Keep an eye out for the celebrity versions or the "Junior" spin-offs. There’s a specific kind of joy in watching a ten-year-old make a better beef wellington than you ever could in three lifetimes. It’s humbling. It’s slightly annoying. It’s great TV.
Why Competition Shows Are Different Here
Most people gravitate toward Lingo or Survivor, but the food competitions on this platform have a different pace. Take The Big Brunch. It’s Dan Levy’s show. If you liked Schitt's Creek, you’ll get the vibe. It’s kind of the "anti-Hell’s Kitchen."
It’s kind.
It’s supportive.
It’s about community.
The chefs are actually nice to each other. They drink mimosas. They talk about their feelings. It’s the perfect Sunday morning "hangover" show because nobody is screaming and the food—mostly pancakes, eggs, and fancy toast—is incredibly comforting to look at.
The "Food as Culture" Documentaries
You’ve got to check out the one-offs. Paramount Plus carries a lot of content from various CBS news specials and documentary units. These aren't "shows" in the traditional sense, but long-form explorations of culinary trends.
- The History of the Burger: Sounds simple. It isn't. It’s a dive into American industrialism.
- Wine explorations: There are several specials that look at the changing climate’s impact on vineyards in France and California.
These programs provide a depth that Cupcake Wars simply cannot reach. They address the "why" instead of just the "how." For example, seeing how a drought in Italy is literally changing the chemical composition of olive oil is terrifying but deeply engaging.
Finding the Good Stuff (Navigation is Key)
Paramount’s search bar is... fine. But to really find the best cooking shows on paramount plus, don't just type "cooking." You have to look under the "Brands" tab.
- Go to Smithsonian Channel. Look for "Culture" or "History."
- Go to CBS News. Look for "Originals."
- Check the International section if you have the top-tier plan; sometimes British or Australian culinary imports pop up there.
The reality is that streaming rights are a mess. Shows hop from Hulu to Peacock to Paramount like they’re playing a game of musical chairs. Right now, Paramount has carved out a niche for the "Intellectual Foodie." It’s less about the "Food Porn" of the early 2010s and more about the context of the meal.
What’s Missing?
Let's be real for a second. You aren't going to find the Great British Bake Off here. You aren't going to find Top Chef. If you want the high-budget, shiny-floor studio competitions, you might be disappointed. Paramount is for the person who wants to see how a small-town bakery in the Midwest survives a recession, or how a chef in Cambodia finds the specific herbs he needs for a traditional soup.
It’s a bit more "indie" in its curation.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Watch
Stop scrolling. If you’re ready to actually use your subscription for something tasty, do this:
- Start with Bourdain. Specifically the "Hanoi" episode if it's currently in the rotation. It’s the pinnacle of food travel.
- Watch The Big Brunch when you’re stressed. It’s the digital equivalent of a weighted blanket.
- Check the Smithsonian shorts. They are usually 10-15 minutes long and perfect for when you’re eating your own (much worse) dinner.
- Look for "The Dish." CBS Mornings has a segment called "The Dish" that often gets compiled into longer collections. These interviews with world-class chefs like José Andrés or Christina Tosi are actually very insightful.
The world of food television is changing. We’re moving away from the "Iron Chef" era of theatrical battle and moving toward something more grounded. Paramount Plus, perhaps by accident or perhaps by very clever design, has become the home for that grounded, slightly more serious culinary content. Grab a snack before you start, though. You’re going to need it.
The best way to experience these shows is to treat them like a travelogue. Don't just watch for the recipes—most of them are too complicated for a Tuesday night anyway. Watch for the stories. Watch for the way a specific spice can define a whole generation of people. That’s where the real flavor is.