When NBC premiered the new food television show, Yes, Chef, many people wondered how the Jose Andres and Martha Stewart led culinary competition would set itself apart in the genre. As seen through the first couple of episodes, the chefs evolved beyond their culinary creativity in every challenge.
Food television competitions often capture people’s attention with impeccable food, picturesque locales, and curious ingredients. While fiery judges with their quips have become social media memes, the chef contestants endear themselves to the audience. Viewers cheer every triumph and are dismayed with every loss.
What makes a great food television show different from just another 60 minutes of television is that connection between the view and the chefs. That sentiment is one of the reasons why food television shows have been more open and honest about the struggles that chefs face in their career path. The pressure of providing an impeccable experience for a guest can be hard for chefs to manage.
On Yes, Chef, the competitors are looking to make changes. From letting their tempers influence how they treat others to self-doubt that rattles their confidence, each person is struggling to become better.
NBC’s Yes, Chef provided this exclusive clip that shows the chefs’ struggles.
As seen in the clip, these chefs are struggling beyond the line. No one is saying that they cannot cook impeccable food. Unfortunately, their attitude and actions in the kitchen are impacting their overall success.
While the diner might never see an executive chef yell at his line cook, sometimes those choices can be felt in the food. It might not be connected as a scene from Como Aqua Para Chocolate, but a great chef does put their passions into food. If that chef is not personally engaged with the dish, it will not be as successful as it could be.
During conversations with the recently eliminated chefs, they have commented that the Yes, Chef experience has helped them evolve. Whether it was understanding their flaws or just accepting their shortcomings, the experience was more than just winning a competition.
While the competing chefs keep each episode engaging, the commentary from Jose and Martha is equally vital to the show’s success. Both of them see the flaws and challenge the chefs to do better. Each episode focuses on a concept and makes the chefs tackle it. No one is asking for perfection, but improvement is vital to moving forward into the next episode.
Which chef will not only prove their culinary greatness but also showcase their personal growth? Be sure to watch new episodes of Yes, Chef every Monday night at 10 p.m. on NBC. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.