Sophia Roe turns Counter Space on Tastemade into an exploration of flavorful nuance, interview

Sometimes food television shows try to fit into a particular category. From the competition space to educational, the lines are black and white. As Counter Space Season 2 debuts on Tastemade, Sophia Roe looks to step beyond the typical conversation and invite viewers to step forward on a journey that explores the highs and lows along the way.

Recently, FoodSided spoke to Sophia about Counter Space Season 2. Even before delving into the various themes, Sophia simple response to how are you was “I’m happy.” In some ways, that sentiment can be felt throughout the show. While there are times when the subjects challenge the viewer, there are other moments when the idea is to spark joy. The continuum of ups and downs is what makes this show engaging to watch and in the end brings a desire to find some happiness along the way.

Sophia went on to explain how sometimes talking about food, agriculture, climate and more can feel heavy, almost gloom and doom. Although there needs to be a serious conversation, the discussion cannot live in the shadows. There needs to be some light, fun mixed into the talk.

Specifically, Sophia said that people need to “celebrate the nuance, the grey area.” Even though people might want things to fit in nice little boxes, like good or bad, nothing is ever truly that simple. For example, she referred to chocolate. While that simple indulgence might be tasty, it does not reveal the dark side of how the sweet treat arrived in the wrapper. Again, good comes with bad, but the educated consumer can make an informed decision.

Sophia explained that one of her goals is to educate viewers. Knowledge is empowerment which creates an informed consumer. It might not necessarily change the decision, but it is a choice made based on all the information. Whether it is single origin chocolate or where that tomato is grown, the evidence told through a narrative makes an impression long after the credits fade.

While Counter Space tells both serious and lighthearted stories, the moments where Sophia Roe interjects her recipes or commentary keep the viewer engaged. It is that moment to take a breath, but it is not about an ego trip.

Sophia referred to herself as a food steward. Her goal was not to make a food television show about herself, but she selfishly wanted to learn more about the food world. Her curiosity drives her, and she is continually hungry to learn more. Whether it is learning to appreciate seaweed as the potentially untapped sustainable resource or questioning what fusion cuisine means in today’s evolving world, there are plenty of topics to explore. In some ways, Sohpia has only begun her journey.

After exploring some curious topics in Season 2, Sophia is full of future ideas. Whether it is the importance of spice origins or the expansive nature of indigenous food, the topics for an upcoming season are waiting to be explored.

As viewers watch Counter Space Season 2 on Tastemade, they will see both the new and the familiar. With the first episode tackling the diversity of the idea of breakfast, it might have people not just rethinking that bowl of cereal but also seeing that food labels or categories do not have to be limiting. There is plenty of room in the kitchen and on the counter for a variety of opinions.

New episodes of Counter Space Season 2 air on Tastemade. The first episode premieres on January 17 and will be available via YouTube TV, Samsung TV Plus, VIZIO SmartCast TVs, The Roku Channel, Comcast Xfinity X1, SLING TV, fuboTV, Tubi, as well as via demand on Tastemade+.