Food Network Star

Carrie and I watch Food Network Star every Sunday. No, I have no skill at cooking. Every time I offer to try and learn to cook something, my wife tells me to "go back in the other room and relax." Carrie enjoys "having the edge on me" and keeping me helpless outside of bagels and peanut butter.

Back to the show, Carrie enjoys the cooking, and I enjoy the personal stories. Usually I pick a person or two, whom I like their attitudes and style. That said, one of the things I enjoy the most is how positive the feedback from the judges is. I feel like most reality TV series try to create drama and make fun of contestants. The Food Network is consistent in treating everyone like they may win, or at least come in contact with the network again. Don't get me wrong, if there's a problem they point it out. They don't browbeat or try to make it into a huge issue, though. The judges make their point, give constructive criticism, and the show goes on. I wish every manager/boss/chief in real life followed their example. Some of the contestants who aren't finalists have 'won' simply by being on the show and having food celebrities honestly critique their food.

I find it to be entertaining, positive human drama. I've absorbed some cooking knowledge from the show even if I have no ability to put any of it to practical use. Plus, the show counts as quality time with my wife and I talk to MomMom about the results each week, as well.

Keep it up, Food Network. I'm an extremely, unlikely fan.

But a fan nonetheless.