Overview
When they're done well, focus on good recipes and great conversation, and actually step you through the culinary process, cooking shows remain one of the best factual TV genres there is. Fancy all of the above, plus celebrities? That's Netflix's new series, The Chef Show.
Just launched on the streaming platform, the show stars actor/director Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi, who first worked together on the aptly titled film Chef. This time around, they're forgoing fiction for reality, taking viewers through their favourite dishes and techniques, and celebrating their shared love of food.
Each episode features a different theme — in one, the duo smoke brisket in Texas with pitmaster Aaron Franklin; in another, they pay tribute to the late Los Angeles food critic Jonathan Gold. Given Favreau's career both on-screen and off, and his connection with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series' high-profile guests are also a significant drawcard. On the guest list: Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, Gwyneth Paltrow, MCU producer Kevin Feige and Avengers' directors the Russo brothers. Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez doesn't have a Marvel connection, but he also pops up.
The mood is relaxed but informative — like sitting down for a leisurely dinner chat, which also happens on-screen. A word of warning: if you watch the series on an empty stomach, prepare to feel rather hungry.
Check out the trailer below:
The eight-episode first season of The Chef Show is now available to stream on Netflix.