Certain food television shows have become classic, must watch programs season after season. Top Chef celebrates the impeccable palates of some of the world’s celebrated chefs. MasterChef transforms home cooks into talented professionals. Hell’s Kitchen’s fast paced, fiery barbs keep people engaged. With NBC’s Yes, Chef, three reasons will get people watching every episode until a winner is crowned.
Yes, Chef debuted on April 28. Judges and mentors Jose Andres and Martha Stewart will be guiding and mentoring the 12 chef competitors to not only hone their skills but to better themselves. Each of the competitors were nominated by someone because of a significant flaw that is holding them back. From short tempers to enormous egos, these chefs’ talents are being outshines by the personality issues.
While the food is expected to be on point, it is more than scrumptious visuals that will keep people watching episode after episode. The three reasons why this food television show will succeed are drama, gamesmanship, and unpredictable outcomes.
Anyone who watches a show seeks entertainment. Even with competition shows, people want to see highs, lows, falls, and redemption. Everyone cheering and being happy might work in an idyllic tent in the garden, but other shows need more twists and turns.
At the same time, yelling for yelling sake is what Andres and Stewart are trying to fix. But, people want to see the chefs push back, share their opinions, and create a little chaos.
In the first episode, the drama hit even before anyone picked up the knife. With Katsuji choosing to have his team cook his menu was an attempt to create dominance, divisiveness, and drama. It did not serve him well, but it got everyone to notice. Sometimes being the target is a good thing in a food competition show.
Gamesmanship is equally vital to Yes, Chef’s success. In the first challenge, the winning chef, Michelle was able to pick her cook-off opponent. That whole concept is gamesmanship. Do you pick a chef who you think that you can beat? Do you pick an opponent that you want to eliminate? Choosing wisely is more than just ensuring a spot in another challenge. It is a bold statement about being able to do what it takes to win.
Lastly, the unpredictable nature of Yes, Chef will get people to watch time and again. Every challenge will have tips, tricks, and other elements that home cooks will want to emulate. As long as each episode has something engaging, different, even unlikely, it will get people watching time and again.
What will Yes, Chef episode 2 have in store for viewers? Be sure to watch new episodes Monday night on NBC at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.