Plot Synopsis

Host Michael McKean explores long-standing adages about food to prove -- as well as debunk -- some of the most common food myths. From the truth about the most popular food remedies, to the dish on our favorite romantic recipes and aphrodisiacs, and to the real scoop about food's influence on some of the world's most famous battles, FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? reveals tasty truths and mouth-watering mysteries. Each half-hour episode focuses on a different theme, including: dessert, as Michael travels back in time to find out how cake gave rise to democracy in America; international foods, as Michael takes a trip around the food globe to find out where some of the most popular international dishes were really born; foods with health benefits, as Michael uncovers the truth behind America's most popular food remedies; breakfast, as Michael reveals the truth behind the most important meal of the day -- from coffee to pancakes to bacon; culinary conflicts, as Michael puts food on the frontlines of war and discover how some of history's most epic battles were decided by what we eat; and aphrodisiacs, as Michael digs into the heart of food and love, revealing the truth behind chocolate and romance, oysters and wedding cake. FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? is produced by Morgan Freeman's and Lori McCreary's Revelations Entertainment.

Season 2 of FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? premiered on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Cooking Channel. During the new season, McKean uncovers fascinating food mysteries that are baked inside everything people eat -- from pancakes to burgers to apple pie. In the premiere episode, "Hole in One," McKean shares the "hole" story of everyone's favorite middle-missing baked goods. See if donuts helped bring about the end of World War I, if the secret to New York bagels lies in the city's water, and how Bundt cakes went from headlining brunch to saving lives. Through 13 episodes of Season 2, McKean reveals the facts and the fiction about people's favorite foods, including whether beer's spirits were put there by angels, is cotton candy a cavity conspiracy, did tailgating begin on the battlefield, and is a hoagie a hero or a sub, among many others.

The third season of FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? premiered on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 10pm ET/7pm PT on Cooking Channel, as Michael McKean returns to take viewers on his continuing culinary journey to help unwrap the mythology and adages behind some of America's favorite foods. Whether he's uncovering the wondrous origins behind famous food cliches; serving up a heaping history on fried favorites, including how Fried Egg Sandwiches spawned a breakfast revolution; or unraveling the role mathematics plays in foods; McKean uncovers the fascinating food mysteries that are baked inside everything people eat. In the season opener, "Sacred Chow," McKean enlightens viewers on a few divine dining delights. He finds out why we should we be handing out cake instead of candy on Halloween. Then McKean discovers that Valentine's Day candy hearts were once used as medicine. Later he figures out whether Corned Beef can really bring any Irish luck on St. Patrick's Day.

The fourth season of FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? premiered on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 10pm ET/7pm PT. Throughout the season, Michael McKean reveals the accidental discoveries, clever marketing ploys, and propaganda campaigns that have flavored some of our favorite dishes with a spoonful of fact and a dash of fiction. Ever wonder how the birthday cake first came to be? Or which popular dish has its ties to a criminal cartel? Other themes explored during the season feature Michael following a trail of crumbs all the way to the bakery to uncover the stories behind our favorite baked goodies, and if the whoopie pie nearly caused a civil war. Then in honor of Halloween, Michael investigates dishes that are so wickedly good, they're downright wicked, as he slices up a piece of rhubarb pie and uncovers its paranormal proclivities. And prepare to go into the wild to learn about the juiciest game meat myths and fresh fish fibs, including how we got hooked on tuna melts and the bison burger's presidential ties. In the season opener, "Brunch Beauties," Michael skips breakfast and forgets about lunch so he can get to the bottom of brunch. He discovers how eggs Benedict was blessed by a pope and that we may have a melty mishap to thank for the croque monsieur. Michael concludes his mid-morning meal investigation by explaining how a saucy starlet named the bloody mary.
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On Monday, June 3, 2019 at 10pm ET/7pm PT, Cooking Channel premiered the Season 4 finale of FOOD: FACT OR FICTION? In the season ender, "Backyard BBQ," Michael knows that where there's smoke, there's barbecue and he's ready to put the heat to the meat! He's learning how barbecue can boost brainpower, discovering Korean barbecue is anything but and explaining why barbecue brisket may be blessed.