Watch William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting

William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting is a culinary adventure show starring the iconic William Shatner and Matt Walsh, both of whom embark on a journey to taste and evaluate different foods and beverages. Produced by Multicom Entertainment Group (MEG), the show offers a unique blend of humor, education, and gastronomy that promises to entertain and enlighten food enthusiasts and lay audiences alike.

Each episode of William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting is focused on a particular food or beverage theme, such as cheese, coffee, beer, or chocolate. With a brown paper bag covering their eyes, Shatner and Walsh taste and rate various offerings presented by experts and local producers. The blind format of the show adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense that keeps the hosts and viewers guessing and commenting on each sample's flavor, texture, and aroma.

Shatner and Walsh's chemistry on the show is one of its most appealing features. The two actors and comedians share a natural rapport and witty banter that make even the most mundane food item entertaining. Shatner, in particular, brings his trademark humor and theatrics to the show, enunciating every word and gesture with theatrical flair. Walsh, on the other hand, plays the straight man to Shatner's antics, providing insightful commentary and observations.

Aside from the hosts' personalities, William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting is also remarkable for its diverse range of food and drink offerings. The show features not only popular and well-known products but also rare, local, and artisanal items that many viewers may not have heard of before. The show's producers make an effort to showcase small businesses and producers who are passionate about their craft and often have interesting stories to tell.

In addition to the tasting segments, each episode of William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting also includes educational content that sheds light on the history, culture, and science behind the food or beverage theme. Through interviews with experts and practitioners, viewers learn about the making, aging, roasting, brewing, or fermenting techniques that create the flavors and aromas they taste. The show also explores the environmental, economic, and social impact of the food and drink industry and raises awareness of sustainability and social justice issues.

One of the show's strengths is its pacing and structure. The editing and cinematography capture the hosts' reactions and the food's details in a visually appealing and dynamic way that holds the viewer's attention. The segments are well-organized and flow naturally, avoiding repetitiveness or monotony. The length of each episode, around 30-40 minutes, is just right, providing enough content without overstaying its welcome.

Overall, William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting is a fun and informative culinary show that brings together entertainment, education, and gastronomy in a fresh and engaging way. Its combination of blind tastings, humor, and educational content, along with its diverse and eclectic selection of food and drink themes, makes it stand out from other food shows. The chemistry between the hosts, the quality production value, and the show's positive and inclusive tone make it a must-see for anyone who loves food and culture.

William Shatner's Brown Bag Tasting is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (26 episodes). The series first aired on June 23, 2014.