Culinary programs have truly transformed our televisions and kitchens! Cooking has become an exhilarating show where cooks are stars and recipes become daring tasks. Instead of taking it as a daily chore, cooking is represented as an enjoyable experience by these programs.
For instance, shows like MasterChef and Iron Chef showcase severe contests along with unbelievable food creations. They depict that cuisine is capable of being emotional and lively, whereby normal elements will be changed into delectables that are eye-catching. Then comes Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown to take us on a delectable journey around the world revealing new foods and cultures entertainingly.
In short, cooking shows have turned food into a fun, exciting topic that everyone can get into, whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen.
Get ready to discover the shows that have redefined cooking on TV!
1. MasterChef
Original MasterChef aired on BBC One in Britain back in 1990 where contestants aspired to be crowned as best amateur chef across Britain while Lloyd Grossman stood as a guardian watching their every move. Now held in more than 65 countries and broadcasted on over 200 channels MasterChef is viewed worldwide by over 300 million people.
Successful adaptations such as Celebrity MasterChef Junior MasterChef MasterChef: The Professionals MasterChef All Stars and MasterChef Seniors were introduced last year - all serving young ambitious cooks around the world - in Denmark and Norway this included two new shows called MasterChef: Young Talent; while in Britain it is known simply as Young Master Chef.
However, regardless of how many versions it has undergone, its primary objective remains to identify the finest culinary talent in the country through a mixture of extraordinary cooking contests viewed by some of the most revered food connoisseurs around the globe.
Why you should watch MasterChef?
Here are three fun reasons to watch MasterChef
1. Amazing Cooking Talent: See home cooks from all walks of life show off their unique and impressive cooking skills. From inventive dishes to classic favorites, there’s always something new and exciting on the menu.
2. Exciting Challenges: Get hooked on the thrilling cooking challenges that test creativity and skill. Watch contestants tackle mystery ingredients, timed tasks, and more, all while racing against the clock.
3. Expert Judging: Enjoy the wisdom and witty comments from top chefs and food critics. Their feedback is not just entertaining but also packed with tips and tricks you can use in your own kitchen!
2. Chef's Table
The most compulsively watchable show about food on Netflix is Chef’s Table with sweeping cinematography, dramatic musical cues, and seemingly unlimited access to fine dining stars around the world. Over the last four years, this documentary project from David Gelb who directed Jiro Dreams of Sushi has become so popular that numerous knock-offs and parodies have been created.
One major draw of the series is behind-the-scenes glimpses at some of the most sought-after dining experiences in the world. Many restaurants featured in the series are prohibitively expensive and/or generally inaccessible for an average diner which makes it very voyeuristic. For those obsessed with fine dining, Chef’s Table unveils valuable insights into major culinary movements blossoming across globe. Also, most episodes serve as travel profiles on places where chefs cook and make their homes.
Why you should watch Chef's Table?
1. Stunning Visuals: The show’s breathtaking cinematography and dramatic music make each episode feel like a mini-movie. It’s a feast for the eyes that takes you inside the world’s most exclusive and beautiful dining spots.
2. Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access: Get a peek into the lives of top chefs and their incredible kitchens. Many of the restaurants featured are so exclusive and pricey that you’ll love getting a sneak preview of these culinary masterpieces from the comfort of your home.
3. Inspiring Culinary Stories: Each episode dives into the fascinating stories of chefs and their unique cooking styles. It’s not just about food; it’s about the passion and creativity behind the dishes, and the incredible places where they create their art.
3. The Great British Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off is the ultimate baking showdown where enthusiastic home bakers from all over the UK compete to become the country’s best amateur baker. Over 10 fun-filled episodes, we follow these passionate bakers—young and old, from all walks of life—as they tackle increasingly tricky baking challenges. Each week, they show off their skills with new recipes and techniques, all while trying to impress the judges and keep their cool under the pressure.
The Challenges
Signature Bake
Bakers showcase their personal style with homemade-looking, charming creations. It’s all about their favorite, tried-and-tested recipes.
Technical Bake
Here, bakers must recreate a basic recipe exactly. It’s a true test of their technical skills and precision under pressure.
Showstopper Bake
The grand finale where bakers go all out with impressive and elaborate creations. They need to dazzle with both taste and appearance to win the judges over.
4. Salt Fat Acid Heat
Salt Fat Acid Heat is a fun and insightful cooking series starring Samin Nosrat, based on her popular 2017 book. This four-part show, which premiered on Netflix in October 2018, dives into the four key elements of great cooking: salt, fat, acid, and heat.
In each episode, Samin travels to different places around the world, exploring how each element plays a crucial role in local dishes. With the help of local guides, she uncovers the secrets of their cuisine and shares tips that home cooks of all levels can use. It’s a mix of cooking lessons and exciting travel adventures that make learning about food both enjoyable and inspiring!
Why should you watch this?
You should watch it because it’s a blend of cooking and travel that offers both practical cooking tips and cultural insights. Samin Nosrat's charming personality and enthusiastic approach make learning about the fundamentals of cooking—salt, fat, acid, and heat. Each episode takes you on a global journey, showcasing how these essential elements are used in various cuisines around the world. It’s not just a cooking show; it’s an inspiring adventure that will make you appreciate the art of cooking and the diverse flavors of different cultures.
5. Nailed It
Nailed It! is a hilarious baking competition that first hit Netflix on March 9, 2018. In this show, three amateur bakers face off to recreate complex cakes and sweet treats, all for a chance to win $10,000 and the coveted "Nailed It" trophy.
The fun doesn’t stop there—since its debut, the series has had multiple seasons, including themed specials like Nailed It! Holiday! and *Nailed It! Halloween. The fifth season introduced Nailed It! Double Trouble, where contestants team up in pairs for added chaos and laughs.
The show has been a hit, earning five Primetime Emmy nominations, including a historic one for Nicole Byer as the first Black woman nominated for Outstanding Host. And for fans craving more, there's also The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge, a spin-off that premiered on August 4, 2023.
Nailed It! is the perfect mix of comedy and baking disasters, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good laugh and a delicious mess!
Why you should watch Nailed It?
Hilarious Baking Fails: Watch amateur bakers hilariously struggle to recreate elaborate cakes and desserts. The results are often comically disastrous, making for entertaining and laugh-out-loud moments.
Relatable Fun: The show is full of relatable, down-to-earth contestants who aren’t professional bakers. Their humorous attempts and mishaps make it easy to connect with and enjoy their baking adventures.
Nicole Byer’s Humor: Host Nicole Byer brings a unique, comedic flair to the show. Her witty commentary and playful interactions with contestants make each episode both funny and engaging.