Synopsis: Teams comprised of two chefs from different generations tackle challenges in which they must use popular ingredients and gadgets from the past as well as take on viral food trends and classic dishes, all while bridging the generational gap with their approach and techniques. From Snoopy Sno-Cone machines to Easy Bake Ovens, it is no easy feat for the competitors as they navigate challenges based on trends such as 1950s gelatin molds and savory jello salads to modern day dishes like accordion potatoes and fluffy Japanese Soufflé pancakes. The members of the last team standing then go head-to-head against each other in an old school vs. new school match up to see which chef walks away with $10,000.
Over the course of the season, host Jonathan Bennett is joined by a rotating panel of judges including Eddie Jackson and his father Eddie Jackson Sr., Antonia Lofaso and her daughter Xea Myers, Peter Fang and his daughter Kathy Fang, Julian Rodarte and his father Beto Rodarte, along with special celebrity guest judges including singer Taylor Dayne, actress Jennie Garth (90210), actor Wayne Knight (Seinfeld), Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis and actress Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).
In each of the eight hour-long episodes, three teams take on a series of challenges for the chance to make it to the final round. In round one it is all about nostalgia as host Jonathan Bennett reveals the contents of a time capsule which includes mandatory ingredients and a cooking gadget from a particular year that must be used in the first dish. The chefs will have to employ everything from an electric grill to a fondue pot to accomplish their missions. In round two, the remaining teams have to put their own spin on viral food trends like smiley fries and spicy vodka pasta. Then, in round three, the final team standing must face off against each other to create their version of a timeless dish like Chicken Kiev and Beef Wellington, for the ultimate test of the decades. In the end, only one chef will walk away with $10,000. (Courtesy Food Network, 2023)
The Cast:
Jonathan Bennett as The Host
Production Credits:
Produced by Beyond Productions, a Banijay Company, for Food Network.
The Episodes:
Season One Episode Guide (Food Network)
1-01 My Big Fat Greek Challenge--08/16/2023
The chefs celebrate a 2002 film with transformed moussaka dishes.
1-02 Lean, Mean, Grilling 90s--08/23/2023
The chefs use an iconic grill to turn foods from 1994 into upscale dishes.
1-03 That's Bologna!--08/30/2023
The chefs take on ingredients and a tricky kitchen gadget from the 1970s.
1-04 Diner Days--09/06/2023
Jennie Garth, star of 1993's timeless tv show 90210, helps host Jonathan Bennett celebrate all things '90s, and the chefs share their love of Snapple as they incorporate it into their dishes with Dunkaroos and sloppy joes. Then, it's go small or go home as the competitors tackle the viral trend of tiny foods before two chefs mix things up with chicken and waffles for judges Julian and Beto Rodarte.
1-05 Rise And Shine!--09/13/2023
Inspired by guest judge Greg Louganis' iconic Olympic performance, host Jonathan Bennett has the chefs use beloved foods from 1984 -- Wheaties cereal, Fruit Roll-Ups and instant coffee -- and an Easy-Bake Oven to create beautifully elevated dishes that wow judges Eddie Jackson and Eddie Jackson Sr. Then, the competitors tackle the technically-difficult birria pizza and go head-to-head in the final round with different interpretations of baked Alaska.
1-06 2004 Is So Fetch!--09/20/2023
On Wednesdays host Jonathan Bennett wears pink and will never stop trying to make "fetch" happen thanks to 2004's cult classic Mean Girls. He tasks the chefs with making pizza rolls, a raw bison burger patty and Budweiser work in one cohesive dish ... all without overusing the beer's iconic Super Bowl catchphrase. In round two, the chefs create two very different interpretations of viral corn ribs, while the remaining two competitors try to impress judges Kathy Fang and Peter Fang in a battle of crepes Suzette.
1-07 Furiously Fast Food--09/27/2023
In 1988, we were all singing "Tell It To My Heart" at the top of our lungs, including the one and only Taylor Dayne. She and host Jonathan Bennett turn their memories of the '80s into a unique challenge for the chefs involving Kit-Kats, Sunny D and a rib sandwich. Then, the chefs create their own viral-worthy version of Spicy Vodka Pasta, and judges Julian and Beto Rodarte decide whose beef bourguignon will take the prize.
1-08 Soup Is Good Food--
Jonathan Bennett goes old school with a trip back to 1953, when Campbell's soup, Spam and gelatin molds were all the rage and the chefs will have to use a vintage 1950's meat grinder to create dishes of today.