If you’re like me, you only turn on the Travel Channel when No Reservations is on.  Let’s face it: Anthony Bourdain is the only redeeming personality on that network, and they can’t even take credit for him or his show, as he had cultivated his brand long before joining the network. Beyond No Reservations, the network is a barren sea of top 10 countdowns, eating sideshows and mindless bikini filler.  Last night, however, the eyes of many of my friends were glued (nervously) to the Travel Channel as we watched the pilot episode of Confessions of a Travel Writer. Sadly, we were mortified.  Thankfully, it was followed by a new episode of No Reservations.

The host, Charles Runnette, uses the show as a forum to showcase his skills as a professional curmudgeon. He complains about his accommodations, his airline seat, his fellow writers, his host, the itinerary and just about anything else that isn’t Charles Runnette.

Perhaps the bigger issue, though, is the topic itself. Is travel writing in and of itself fascinating? Good travel writing, television and film are captivating. But is the act if travel writing worth watching?

I could go on, but I already have over at Gadling, where I have posted a full review.  Please check it out, leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the show.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.