Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Kardea Brown with judges Eric Adjepong and Melba Wilson, THE GREAT SOUL FOOD COOK-OFF is a cooking competition series that finally spotlights the culinary contributions of Black chefs with challenges designed to highlight the past and present of soul food. Eight chefs go head-to-head throughout the show in this high-stakes, spiritual, and emotional competition, but only one competitor can take home the grand prize of $50,000. In each episode, Adjepong and Wilson are joined by a guest judge, including: Tanya Holland (Episode 1); Alexander Smalls (Episodes 2 & 6); BJ Dennis (Episode 3); Tiffany Derry (Episode 4); Millie Peartree (Episode 5); and Kwame Onwuachi (Episode 6). Season 1 competitors include: Chris Scott, 53 (Chef/Owner, Butterfunk Biscuit Co.; Harlem, NY); Dorian Hunter, 47 (Chef/Caterer, Elevated Soul; Atlanta, GA); Fred Fluellen, 32 (Private Chef/Caterer, Fluniversity; Atlanta, GA); Jamarius Banks, 28 (Private Chef; Atlanta, GA); Jermaine Smith, 48 (Chef/Owner, Henry's Soul Cafe; Washington, D.C.); Razia Sabour, 40 (Private Chef/Caterer, Fuller Foods; Atlanta, GA); Shacafrica Simmons, 47 (Private Chef/Caterer, Southern Fusion; Tallahassee, FL); and Tirzah Love, 38 (Private Chef/Caterer; Oakland, CA).

The first two episodes dropped on Saturday, November 20, 2021 on discovery+. The competition premieres with a Soul Starter Challenge paying homage to the foundational "meat and three," a meal featuring a portion of meat and three sides that are African American community must-haves. In this first challenge, the chefs form teams and are challenged to a Meat N' Three Knockout, preparing smothered pork chops, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and a potato salad. The winning team then holds an advantage going into the main Cook-Off Challenge, where the chefs create innovative dishes with staple ingredients. So who will dig the deepest and draw inspiration from their ancestors to win, and who is going home?

A new episode of the six-episode first season debuted each Saturday thereafter.
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THE GREAT SOUL FOOD COOK-OFF made its linear television debut on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.