Plot Synopsis

This one-hour competition series challenges four undiscovered chefs to create a spectacular three-course meal from everyday ingredients. After each course, a panel of guest judges decides who gets 'chopped.' At the end of the meal, the last chef standing takes home $10,000. Hosted by Ted Allen. CHOPPED returned for its 18th season on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network, followed by a "Celebrity Holiday Bash" five days later on December 1, featuring Teri Hatcher, Anthony Anderson, Dawn Wells and Antonio Sabato, Jr. competing for their favorite charities. CHOPPED returned for its twentieth season on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network, with the usual rounds being replaced by breakfast, lunch and dinner. In round one, the chefs attempted to make a glorious morning meal from coffee cake and cream-filled chocolate eggs. Then in the second round, three chefs raced to create delicious fish dishes for lunch, but one competitor's recklessness led to an emergency situation. And then the judges were excited to see what the two finalists were able to do with a divine dinner basket. On Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 10pm ET/PT, Food Network aired the Season 21 premiere of CHOPPED. In the season opener, "Food Truck Fight," four food-truck and food-cart pros compete for Chopped Kitchen dominance. The mandatory appetizer round ingredients range from a cheap, sweet treat to a fine-dining indulgence. The three chefs who move on to the entree round find a pork delicacy and a Mexican staple. And when the finalists take on the dessert round, there is potential for confrontation over a key piece of equipment. Subsequent episodes in Season 21 feature: fourth and fifth graders; cheftestants working with money-saver baskets; and more. On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, Food Network premiered the Season 27 finale of CHOPPED. In the season ender, "The Bold and the Baconful," in the first basket, the chefs are shocked to find that a certain fun food has been wrapped in bacon, and in round two, the three remaining competitors present pork and noodle dishes. Then, one of the final chefs looks very proud of a bold chance he took with his dessert, but will the judges agree that his final plate is both creative and delicious? Season 29 of CHOPPED premiered on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Fried Chicken Time," comfort food king, fried chicken, gets the royal Chopped treatment for three rounds! A weird syrup and a savory pancake are two of the ingredients that the chefs must use in their fried bird appetizers. The poultry party continues in round two with fried chicken entrees that have to include peach cobbler, and what will be expected from the chefs in a fried chicken-themed dessert round? CHOPPED returned for its thirtieth season on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Kefir and Loathing," a basket ingredient with a "secret" history and the fermented milk drink kefir are at the forefront of the appetizer round. The second basket looks to be deceptively simple, except for a strange blue drink. Then, something you wouldn't expect to find in a can is discovered in the dessert basket, and the last two chefs decide to go in a similar direction with their final plates. Season 32 of CHOPPED premiered on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Clean Eatin'," the chefs are instructed to make delicious healthy dishes that are suitable for someone who's watching their weight and concerned about nutrition. In the first round, some legumes legitimately confound some of the chefs. Then, a fancy fish and a fermented drink must make their way onto the competitors' entree plates. Finally, fruit-and-grain dishes sound like healthy options for dessert, but will they be tasty? The 33rd season of CHOPPED premiered on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network, immediately following an eight-hour marathon (2-10pm) of encore episodes. In the season opener, "Best Laid Plans," a big setback leaves one chef unsure whether her sausage and okra appetizer will come together on time and as planned. Savory pie and a fresh Italian cheese meet on the chefs' entree plates. Then, peppers and pears pair up in an exciting dessert round. Season 34 of CHOPPED premiered on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Thanks, Mom!," to honor the wonderful women who raised them right, four famous Food Network cooks -- Ted Allen, Jeff Mauro, Jet Tila and Chris Santos -- compete with their moms! In the first round, the mother/son teams strive to manage their time and to carefully crack quail eggs. A large fish and some lovely lemons make up part of the second basket. Then, the final two family duos must find sweet ways to use blood oranges and walnuts. CHOPPED returned for its 35th season on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network, immediately following an eight-hour marathon (2-10pm) of encore episodes. In the season opener, "Clam Clash," in the lightning-fast first round, the chefs must create appetizers in just 20 minutes from clams and a sweet dried fruit. Squid ink and a strong-flavored candy are part of the entree round puzzle. Then, a pie made of beans and an alcoholic drink made with sorbet are two of the mystery basket ingredients for dessert. Season 40 of CHOPPED premiered on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the season opener, "Fire It Up!," firefighter cooks take over the Chopped stoves in this special competition, proving that they're cool under pressure and thrive when the heat is on! Will some familiar finds in the first basket lead the competitors in predictable or creative directions? In the entree round, the firefighters must make a strange sweet treat work with beef, and the dessert basket reveals a flaming surprise for the two finalists.
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On Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT, Food Network premiered "A Very Brady Chopped," a special episode of CHOPPED. The competitors get the surprise of their lives when they find out that three original cast members of the legendary '70s sitcom will be tasting their food! Christopher Knight, Maureen McCormick and Susan Olsen -- famous for playing siblings Peter, Marcia and Cindy Brady on THE BRADY BUNCH -- take on the role of CHOPPED judges. In all three rounds, the baskets feature ingredients inspired by the groovy show, including pork chops and applesauce.