It's said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, those behind this statement obviously never went to a good brunch, which is getting its proper respect with the new reality cooking competition The Big Brunch.
Brunch is the meal that combines the best elements of both breakfast and lunch, and in many cases, is topped off with a nice champagne beverage. Someone who understands the allure of this special meal is Dan Levy, who is hosting and serving as a judge of The Big Brunch.
The show follows 10 amazing culinary gurus as they showcase their skills in the kitchen all in an effort to impress Levy and his team of judges and win the six-figure cash prize. So what else can viewers expect from this new cooking competition?
Here's everything we know about The Big Brunch.
The Big Brunch release date
The Big Brunch premiered with the first three episodes on November 10 on HBO Max. The rest of the season's episodes debut on the following Thursdays. The final two episodes debut just in time for Thanksgiving on November 24.
We are still waiting to hear an official word as to when the series will premiere in the UK. Once that information becomes available to us, we'll be sure to pass it along.
The Big Brunch episode guide
Provided below you'll find an episode guide for the season, which we will update as information becomes available.
Episode 1: "Today’s Brunch Is You"
"Dan and fellow judges Sohla and Will welcome ten chefs to The Big Brunch kitchen for a chance to fulfill their dreams with a $300,000 prize. Their first challenge: create a starter and main celebrating their culinary past and future."
Episode 2: "The Day After Brunch"
"The chefs crank up the heat when they’re asked to create a hangover cure cocktail and small bite followed by a diner-inspired main course. But while this boozy brunch will see new chefs rising to the top, one hopeful will be sent home."
Episode 3: "Farm to Table Brunch"
"After getting a seasonal surprise at a farmers’ market, the remaining chefs are tasked with creating vegan and vegetarian dishes. Back in the kitchen, Danielle feels pressure to prove she’s more than a baker, and old wounds open for Catie."
Episode 4: "Carb Loading Brunch"
"For Carb Day, the chefs are tasked with their most difficult challenge yet: create a two-bread starter and a main dish featuring leavened dough. Can the chefs step out of their savory comfort zones to take on experienced baker Danielle?"
Episode 5: "Fine Dining Brunch"
"Fine Dining Day sees the chefs impressing the judges with their flavor-packed amuse-bouche starters and a surprise test in collaboration when they’re placed in teams to create a three-course tasting menu for the mains."
Episode 6: "Picture Perfect Brunch"
"The final five chefs are eager to impress legendary pastry chef Dominique Ansel with their Trendsetting starters, but after a disappointing showing Dan, Will and Sohla reveal a shocking surprise for the main."
Episode 7: "Holiday Brunch"
"It's the Big Brunch Holiday Party, and the remaining chefs are tasked with creating festive party dishes. With the finish line in sight, J reflects on family, while Roman and Danielle are reminded of what's at stake back home."
Episode 8: "The Big Pitch"
"With the help of some special guests, the finalists prepare to bring their A-game for the $300,000 grand prize. Their last challenge? Prepare 3-5 dishes and an effective business pitch to make their culinary dreams come true."
The Big Brunch plot
Warner Media describes The Big Brunch premise as the following:
"Created by Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek) and centering around one of the most versatile, yet underrated, dining experiences, The Big Brunch celebrates inspiring and undiscovered culinary voices from every corner of the country. This eight-episode cooking competition series gives ten talented chefs the opportunity to share their stories and business dreams while vying for a life-altering $300,000 cash prize. With Levy acting as host and judge alongside fellow culinary experts chef Sohla El-Waylly and restaurateur Will Guidara, The Big Brunch serves up the next generation of success stories in American cuisine."
The Big Brunch judges
Pulling double duties as host and judge in the brand-new competition series is four-time Emmy-winning actor/writer/producer Dan Levy. Levy is instantly recognizable to many TV watchers for his brilliance as David Rose in the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek. (For those that haven’t seen the comedy yet, it’s currently available to stream on Hulu.)
Joining Levy on the panel is American chef Sohla El-Waylly. The chef is not only well-known for her culinary expertise, but also for her captivating personality. She’s been featured in a number of New York Times cooking segments, and she recently showed how to turn Hot Pockets into a three-course meal. Take a look.
Will Guidara rounds out the judges on the new reality show. He is an American restaurateur that co-owns the Make It Nice hospitality group, which is responsible for restaurants like NoMad in Vegas, NoMad in Las Angeles and NoMad New York City.
The Big Brunch contestants
Ten chefs from across the US are competing in The Big Brunch. See who they all are below, but find out more about them with our meet The Big Brunch cast feature.
The Big Brunch contestants:
- Antwon Brinson
- J Chong
- Nadege Fleurimond
- Daniel Harthausen
- Kelly Jones
- Kip Poole
- Catie Randazzo
- Danielle Sepsy
- Roman Wilcox
- Mason Zeglen
The Big Brunch trailer
HBO Max has released the official trailer and we have to say, we're intrigued and getting hungry. Take a look.
How to watch The Big Brunch
The Big Brunch is an HBO Max Original series, and as such, episodes stream directly on HBO Max. For those interested in watching the culinary competition, you’ll want to make sure you’re subscribed to the streamer. Currently, the platform offers a few different subscription options.
