5.7 / 10 (based on 591 reviews)
Home cooks compete to transform leftovers into delicious creations, finding ways to give old leftovers new life, all in the hopes of winning a $10,000 prize.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jackie Tohn, David So, Rosemary Shrager, Shawn Niles
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like Best Leftovers Ever! (2020)
Crazy Delicious (2020)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1077 reviews)
Carla Hall, Niklas Ekstedt and Heston Blumenthal will judge as three cooks will battle it out to create the best feast.The set will be entirely edible and will contain edible blossom, chocolate soil, and a drinkable babbling brook.
Genre: Documentary, Game-Show
Main Cast: Jayde Adams, Heston Blumenthal, Niklas Ekstedt, Carla Hall
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
Sugar Rush Christmas (2019)
6.9 / 10 (based on 657 reviews)
Four sets of bakers compete in Christmas themed baking challenges. First round is cupcakes, second round confections, and final round cakes. After each challenge one group is eliminated and the winner of the final challenge gets $10,000.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Hunter March, Candace Nelson, Adriano Zumbo, Tiffani Thiessen
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 12 episodes
Bake Squad (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 936 reviews)
Expert bakers elevate desserts with next-level ideas and epic execution. Now the battle is on to win over clients in need of very special sweets.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Christina Tosi, Ashley Holt, Gonzo Jimenez, Maya-Camille Broussard
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Baking Impossible (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 1306 reviews)
Innovative bakers are paired with the brightest engineers to compete in designing and baking creations that are both delicious and made to survive intense engineering stress tests.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Andrew Smyth, Hakeem Oluseyi, Rodolfo Goncalves, Justin Willman
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
The Final Table (2018)
7.6 / 10 (based on 4415 reviews)
Teams of chefs vie to impress some of the world’s toughest palates as they whip up iconic dishes from different nations in this reality cooking competition.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Andrew Knowlton, Monique Fiso, Mark Best, Shane Osborn
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Sugar Rush (2018)
7 / 10 (based on 1627 reviews)
A baking competition with 4 teams, 3 rounds, 2 cakes and 1 winner of $10,000.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Hunter March, Candace Nelson, Adriano Zumbo, Colin Hanks
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 20 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
Nailed It! (2018)
7.4 / 10 (based on 5092 reviews)
Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re- creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. It’s part reality contest, part hot mess.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Nicole Byer, Jacques Torres, Weston Bahr, Charity George
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
6 seasons, 39 episodes, 33.0-minute runtime
The Big Family Cooking Showdown (2017)
7.1 / 10 (based on 710 reviews)
Competitive food show celebrating the families who make ordinary food extraordinary, presented by Zoe Ball and Nadiya Hussain.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Angellica Bell, Tommy Banks, Zoë Ball, Nadiya Hussain
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 26 episodes, 59.0-minute runtime
Zumbo’s Just Desserts (2016)
6.9 / 10 (based on 2253 reviews)
Amateur Australian chefs compete to impress patisserie chef Adriano Zumbo with their sweet creations. Those who don’t fit the brief go head to head in the ‘Zumbo test’ to replicate his unique desserts.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Gigi Falanga, Rachel Khoo, Adriano Zumbo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 22 episodes, 52.0-minute runtime
The Big Flower Fight (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 1293 reviews)
Ten pairs of florists, sculptors and garden designers face off in a friendly floral fight to see who can build the biggest, boldest garden sculptures.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Natasia Demetriou, Vic Reeves, Kristen Griffith-Vanderyacht, Sarah Campbell
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Nadiya Bakes (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 287 reviews)
Nadiya Celebrating the joy of creating and sharing her favorite homemade cakes, bakes and delicious pastries alongside exciting new recipes inspired by other passionate bakers.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Nadiya Hussain, Ravneet Gill, Richard Bertinet, Lungi Mhlanga
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 29.0-minute runtime
In the world of culinary television, there’s a show that stands out for its unique premise and engaging content: “Best Leftovers Ever!” Launched in 2020 on Netflix, this series takes an unconventional approach to cooking competitions. Instead of starting with fresh ingredients, contestants are challenged to transform leftovers into high-quality, delicious dishes. This concept not only entertains but also educates viewers on minimizing food waste, making it a timely addition to the culinary TV landscape.
The Premise
At its core, “Best Leftovers Ever!” is a testament to creativity in the kitchen. Each episode features three home cooks who compete in two rounds of cooking challenges. The first round requires contestants to take a common leftover item and reimagine it into an entirely new dish. The second round ups the ante by presenting a mishmash of leftovers from which contestants must create a restaurant-quality meal. The winner of these rounds walks away with a $10,000 prize, but the real victory lies in showcasing the potential of overlooked or discarded food.
The Host and Judges
The show is helmed by Jackie Tohn, an actress and musician whose energy and enthusiasm add a vibrant layer to the series. Tohn’s rapport with the contestants and judges alike brings a sense of camaraderie to the competition. Speaking of judges, the panel includes chef David So and food expert Rosemary Shrager. Their expertise and constructive feedback guide contestants while offering viewers insights into culinary techniques and flavor combinations.
Why It Stands Out
A Fresh Take on Cooking Competitions
In a genre saturated with shows focusing on gourmet dishes and exotic ingredients, “Best Leftovers Ever!” breaks the mold. Its focus on leftovers addresses a common household dilemma: what to do with the food that didn’t get eaten. This relatable premise, combined with the creativity and resourcefulness it demands from contestants, makes the show both practical and inspiring for viewers.
Educational Value
Beyond entertainment, the series serves an educational purpose. It highlights the issue of food waste, encouraging viewers to think twice before tossing out yesterday’s meal. Episodes are filled with tips and tricks for repurposing leftovers, from turning stale bread into a savory bread pudding to transforming leftover rice into a flavorful fried rice dish. This emphasis on sustainability adds a layer of depth to the show, making it not just fun to watch but also informative.
Community and Diversity
“Best Leftovers Ever!” celebrates diversity, not just in the dishes prepared but also in the contestants it features. The show brings together home cooks from various backgrounds, each bringing their unique culinary traditions to the table. This melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and personal stories enriches the viewing experience, offering a glimpse into the vast world of food and the different ways people relate to it.
Memorable Moments
Throughout its run, “Best Leftovers Ever!” has given viewers plenty of memorable moments. For instance, there was the episode where a contestant turned day-old sushi into a delectable Mexican-inspired sushi burrito, wowing the judges and audience alike. Then there was the challenge that saw contestants transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into entirely new holiday dishes, proving that creativity in the kitchen knows no bounds.
The Impact
While “Best Leftovers Ever!” is primarily a cooking show, its impact goes beyond teaching people how to cook. It’s a call to action on food waste, a celebration of culinary creativity, and a reminder of the joy of cooking. The show encourages viewers to look at their fridges and pantries not as repositories of unwanted food but as treasure troves of potential culinary masterpieces.
Conclusion
“Best Leftovers Ever!” is more than just a cooking competition; it’s a testament to the power of creativity and sustainability in the kitchen. By focusing on leftovers, the show tackles an often-overlooked aspect of cooking and food consumption, making it both relevant and revolutionary. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook looking for inspiration, or someone interested in sustainability, “Best Leftovers Ever!” offers something for everyone. Its unique premise, engaging host and judges, and emphasis on creativity and education make it a standout show in the culinary TV genre. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, consider giving it a try. Who knows? You might just look at your leftovers in a whole new light.