The beloved cooking competition show, “Worst Cooks in America,” is set to return for Season 30 with a fresh twist and new hosts following the tragic death of Anne Burrell. The Food Network show will now be titled “Worst Cooks in America: Reality Check,” as revealed exclusively by PEOPLE magazine. The upcoming season will be hosted by popular chef Jeff Mauro and esteemed chef and restaurateur Tiffany Derry.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/worst-cooks-in-america-reality-check-121825-7-95e0c29d4ca042ce98053a47aaeef0b7.jpg)
Scheduled to premiere on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the new season will feature a star-studded cast of contestants embarking on wacky reality TV-style challenges. The lineup includes familiar faces from various industries, such as Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow, Dancing with the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy, RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Manila Luzon, and 7th Heaven’s Beverley Mitchell. This season holds special significance as it marks the first installment without the presence of longtime host Anne Burrell, who tragically passed away earlier in the year.
The culinary boot camp will be transformed into an intense, entertainment-themed experience under the guidance of Mauro and Derry. Contestants will navigate through challenges designed to turn their kitchen disasters into culinary triumphs. The ultimate winner will not only earn bragging rights for their mentor but also secure a $25,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
The celebrity-packed season promises an abundance of drama and laughter as participants tackle cooking blunders, mishaps, and challenges. From overcooking to undercooking, and even kitchen fires, the contestants will face it all in their quest to become proficient cooks. As Chef Derry remarks in the exclusive trailer, “The kitchen is not where this season’s celebrity recruits shine.”
With a focus on entertainment-inspired challenges that combine performance, palate, and problem-solving skills, the recruits will undergo a transformation throughout the season. Culminating in a finale where the top two chefs battle it out by preparing a three-course, restaurant-quality meal for esteemed guest judges, the competition will be fierce.
The sad absence of Anne Burrell, who was a beloved figure on the show, will be felt throughout the new season. Known for her culinary expertise and mentorship, Burrell left an indelible mark on the series. Her passing was a significant loss to both the entertainment industry and the culinary world, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and contestants alike.
“Worst Cooks in America: Reality Check” is poised to be a thrilling and heartwarming season that honours Burrell’s memory while showcasing the culinary talents of the celebrity recruits. Viewers can tune in to the premiere on Food Network on Jan. 4 and catch the subsequent episodes on Max for a delightful mix of cooking chaos and transformational journeys in the kitchen.