Chopped is an American reality-based cooking series that has aired on Food Network since 2009. The show, created by Michael Krupat, Dave Noll, and Linda Lea, has since become the gold standard for culinary competitions. As of early 2026, the show has aired more than 60 seasons and 750 episodes, earning multiple awards, including a James Beard Award for Best Television Program in 2012.
In each episode, four professional chefs open a mystery basket containing a mix of unconventional ingredients. They must incorporate all basket items into their dishes within a set time frame. After each round, a panel of judges evaluates the dishes based on taste, presentation, and creativity, eliminating one contestant until a final winner remains, with the winning chef taking home a $10,000 prize.
Ted Allen has hosted the show since its debut in 2009, bringing his food expertise and steady presence to the competition. The show also features a rotating roster of judges, including Marc Murphy, Scott Conant, Chris Santos, Alex Guarnaschelli, Geoffrey Zakarian, Maneet Chauhan, Aarón Sánchez, and Marcus Samuelsson. Amanda Freitag has also served as a frequent and fan-favorite judge across multiple seasons.
Chopped has expanded well beyond its original format over the years. It has produced spin-offs, including Chopped Junior, which features young cooking contestants, and Chopped Sweets, a dessert-themed spin-off that premiered. The show also regularly airs special editions featuring celebrities, culinary school students, amateur home cooks, and military veterans competing in themed tournaments.
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
