Eating race is on at Food Network

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Food Network is getting into the competitive eating genre with a new series, tentatively titled "Eat the Clock."

The show is described as a cross between an eating competition and "The Amazing Race." Two teams of contestants rush to various Los Angeles eateries and gorge themselves in face-stuffing challenges.

Competitive eating vaguely resembled a trend on cable television during the past year, with G4's new scarf-'til-you-puke show "Hurl" and Spike TV airing a series of Major League Eating events. ESPN also airs competitive eating events like Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Food Network is eyeing a first-quarter premiere should it pick up the project, from Pie Town Prods. ("Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels"), as a series.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter