Food: Fact or Fiction?

- Season 2

(2016)

Michael McKean investigate whether donuts helped bring about the end of World War I and if the secret to New York bagels lies in the city's water; how bundt cakes went from headlining brunch to saving lives.

Michael separate the good from the bad on some wicked food tales; he uncovers whether beer's spirits were put there by witches; he investigates whether the pretzel is pious or if its story is full of twists.

Michael McKean explains how food's color can leave a person tickled pink or feeling blue; Michael uncovers if cheddar cheese is really orange and if color can cause a taste bud blackout.

Michael uncovers whether the turkey or the country came first; how burnt marshmallows ended up on sweet potatoes; if a lawyer gave up his career, so he can put cranberries in a can.

Michael McKean opens up a sandwich discussion and cuts the crust off some deli-cut issues; whether the sandwich was actually named after a guy named Sandwich; the correct name for an Italian sandwich; whether or not the burrito is a sandwich.

Michael McKean investigates whether the extra muffin in a baker's dozen could save a baker's life; what's so cool about cucumbers and if one can literally butter someone up.

Michael McKean takes a look at how some favorite foods have evolved; the lobster's prison past; if crème brulee has always been the cream of the crop; whether champagne's fizz almost burst its bubble.

Michael explores the origin of food combinations; tracing the origin of peanut butter and jelly to the trenches of World War II; how spaghetti and meatballs went from Italy to America; whether chicken and waffles met after a late-night jazz set.

Michael cranks up the heat on food myths to find out if there's truth in these five-alarm facts; Michael discusses who invented chili, whether hot wings bond people closer together and if spicy is just in our heads.

Michael McKean takes a trip around the U.S. to discover the truth of the stories behind each state's famous plates.

Michael McKean delves into the myths and adages about food to prove or debunk long-standing stories.

Michael McKean juggles carnival classics with tales that include whether cotton candy is at the root of a cavity conspiracy; if popcorn kernels saved the silver screen; whether saltwater taffy was the center of a legal war.

Host Michael McKean discovers whether there is a scientific reason people may not love airline food; why hungry astronauts tend to choose spicy shrimp; how a corned beef sandwich could sabotage a space mission.