Don’t worry if you’ve honed your culinary passion glued to your TV screen – you’re in excellent company! Many gastronomy aficionados and acclaimed chefs share this origin story from watching cooking shows.
With the staggering array of cooking shows out there, it’s tough figuring out which ones are worth the watch.
That’s why we’ve tapped into the wisdom of professional chefs to bring you a chef-approved list of cooking shows for foodie fanatics.
Best Cooking Shows for Food Enthusiasts
1. Next Level Chef
Get ready for another exhilarating season of high-stakes culinary competition as Fox confirms the renewal of “Next Level Chef,” hosted by the inimitable Gordon Ramsay.
The groundbreaking show welcomes a diverse array of cooking talents from experienced line cooks to rising stars in social media culinary circles, all battling for the coveted title of food-world superstar and a grand prize of $250,000.
“Next Level Chef” sets itself apart with a pioneering three-tiered kitchen setup, challenging contestants with an array of kitchen environments and varying levels of equipment.
The first successful season of this edge-of-your-seat series wrapped up in March and is now available for fans to re-experience or discover on Hulu.
2. 30 Minute Meals
Rachael Ray’s effortlessly charming persona resonates with viewers, creating a sense of familiarity akin to that of a close friend or approachable neighbour.
Her popular program, “30 Minute Meals,” exemplifies her accessible nature. In this show, Ray showcases meals that are both complete and expedient, designed to move from kitchen to table within half an hour.
Understanding that extensive cooking times aren’t practical for many, she provides invaluable recipes for swift yet satisfying dishes.
Watching cooking TV shows on HBO Max and Discovery Plus is a great way to explore new recipes and culinary techniques, but regional restrictions can sometimes limit access to certain content.
With the help of a VPN, you can easily bypass these restrictions and enjoy all the shows you want. The VeePN streaming guide provides detailed instructions on how to set up and use a VPN to unlock full access to these platforms.
Whether you’re traveling or facing local content blocks, VeePN helps ensure seamless streaming.
3. The Great British Bake Off
Despite several bumps along the way (recall the memorable Mexican Week?) and a changeover in the hosting lineup, the UK’s cherished culinary contest continues to be a source of solace for many.
Esteemed for its cordiality, this show is not just entertaining but also enlightening. It has stood the test of time, but why?
In an age where customized content reigns supreme and political discourse burns hot, there’s a certain charm in coming together to relish even the simplest of pleasures – like cheering on amateur bakers as they masterfully adorn pastries in a quaint, white tent.
4. Iron Chef
While many international cooking spectacles don’t typically find their way to American screens due to the preference of domestic production companies to craft their own versions rather than efficient subtitles or voice overs, this isn’t to say there isn’t value in the originals.
Case in point: Japan’s esteemed “Iron Chef” series is a prime example of captivating culinary contests.
The participants’ innovative approaches and the intense investment of the hosts and judges give the show a thrilling gravitas akin to an epic saga unfolding.
5. Is It Cake?
Mikey Day of “Saturday Night Live” fame brings his comedic charm to the host’s spotlight in the delightful baking show “Is It Cake?”.
In this quirky and entertaining series, skilled bakers with an uncanny knack for deception vie for the favour of celebrity judges.
Their challenge? To craft confectionery so convincingly mimetic of everyday items that the judges can’t tell the difference.
Born from an internet sensation, the show’s cheerful spirit echoes throughout each episode. Contestants strive to take home the $10,000 episode prize, while the season’s creme de la creme face off for a mouthwatering $50,000 in the grand finale.
6. Rat in the Kitchen
Join the thrilling kitchen showdown of “Rat in the Kitchen,” where cooking skills clash with cunning schemes!
Comedian Natasha Leggero and celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre host this one-of-a-kind cooking competition, where there’s more on the line than just tantalizing dishes.
In this epicurean mystery, each episode features contenders striving to out-cook their rivals while unmasking the undercover saboteur among them, bent on swiping the cash prize.
Critics are relishing the show’s flavourful mix of cooking and sabotage, branding it a gourmet “culinary whodunnit.” Catch the excitement with new episodes streaming weekly, exclusively on TBS – ready for viewing even without cable, through live-TV platforms such as Hulu+ Live TV.
7. Hell’s Kitchen
In the hit culinary challenge series “Hell’s Kitchen,” 18 hopeful chefs face off against one another and Gordon Ramsay’s fiery critiques in pursuit of the ultimate prize: head chef at a prestigious restaurant selected by Ramsay himself.
Fans can indulge in all 18 seasons of the culinary drama on Peacock or enjoy continuous episodes on the dedicated “Hell’s Kitchen” channel on Pluto TV.
8. Fresh, Fried and Crispy
YouTube sensation Daym Drops soared to popularity with his mouth watering critique of a Five Guys burger, catching the internet’s attention. (Interestingly, this very review was turned into a catchy melody by the Gregory Brothers, famed for the “It’s Corn” viral sensation.)
Presently, Daym Drops takes us on a savoury adventure with his series, Fresh, Fried, and Crispy. On this gastronomic voyage, he scours the US for the ultimate fried treats.
For aficionados of both fried Oreos and classic fish and chips, Daym’s show is a culinary dream come true.
Conclusion
Cooking programs possess an indescribable allure; it’s not something easily articulated, it’s something to be experienced.
Given the array of options vying for your attention, deciding which one to indulge in can be quite the conundrum.
Fear not, for the shows we’ve highlighted are a great starting point to uncover the one that resonates with you, promising an evening rich in flavour and fun.
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