Pilot week at the Travel Channel

This week, the Travel Channel is debuting a host of new programs, and its asking viewers which ones to keep and which ones to dump. Sneak a peek at the new shows here, and afterwards let them know what you thought.

Although I am a bit of a Travel Channel junkie, I do recognize that their programming is largely a mixed bag. Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations is beautifully shot, skillfully edited, and, in my opinion, a terrific advertisement for independent travel. (This, however, is not.) It’s the best show on the network, and one of the few remaining reasons to own a TV. I’ve also started to enjoy Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, particularly the way the host dives into local cultures head first, and isn’t afraid to make a fool of himself– an important asset for the independent traveler. The Passport to… series, hosted by the vaguely annoying but undoubtedly well-intentioned Samantha Brown, caters to a more upscale traveler than I. Because of this, the show is not one of my favorites, but I give the host points for looking like she’s having a lot of fun.

As for the programs I don’t much enjoy, it isn’t necessary to name them one by one. Suffice it to say that the Travel Channel’s programming would be vastly improved if it jettisoned every show about poker, finding treasure in your backyard, hunting ghosts, detailing how pencils are made, and helping rich people find vacation homes. It’s my hope that the new shows debuting this week will focus the channel more on travel, and less on, well, everything else.