FYI’s hit culinary competition series, “Man vs Child: Chef Showdown,” returns for a second season with all-new challenges, as some of the world’s most talented young cooks team up against the very people they admire – professionally trained, adult chefs. Nine one-hour episodes are set to premiere on Thursday, March 17th at 8pm ET.
In “Man vs Child: Chef Showdown,” a team of child cooking prodigies will challenge a prolific executive-level chef in the kitchen, where they will defend their culinary abilities. This time around, season one regulars – Cloyce (14), Emmalee (13), Estie (8) and Holden (15) will be joined by newcomers Isiah (9), Olivia (11) and Zion (10). After defeating multiple executive chefs in season 1, the kids’ confidence levels are way up. But this season, the competition is fiercer and no one is holding back – especially the professionals. The tables have turned and the chefs have learned that no child, no matter how small, should be underestimated.
In each episode, viewers will see a new executive chef face off against the team of minor masters. The competitors’ overall aptitude and areas of expertise will be tested in three dynamic cooking rounds as they’re challenged to create a different dish, under unusual circumstances with themes such as southern comfort food, Spanish cuisine classics and trend-setting ingredients. In the first two rounds, a panel of judges will taste the dishes and determine which chef has created the most delicious and inspired plate. The third and final round is blind tasted and judged by a critically acclaimed master-level chef. The overall winner takes home the ultimate prize of bragging rights.
Adam Gertler, chef and TV personality returns as host and Mike Isabella, chef and Washington D.C. restaurateur, and Alia Zaine, Los Angeles-based private chef, return as reoccurring judges and commentators. This season, new guest judges include a roster of executive chefs and restaurateurs, including Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo (“Animal,” “Son of a Gun”) Art Smith (“Table Fifty-Two”), Susan Feniger (“Border Grill”), Eric Greenspan (“The Foundry on Melrose,” “Greenspan Grilled Cheese”), Jonathan Waxman (“Barbuto”), Bruce Kalman (“Union”), Antonia Lofaso (“Scopa”) and more.
“Man vs Child: Chef Showdown” is produced by Kinetic Content for FYI. Chris Coelen, Katie Griffin, Kathleen Burns and Paul Hogan are executive producers for Kinetic Content. Gena McCarthy, Liz Fine and Jordan Harman serve as executive producers for FYI.
