Food-centric TV [1] is more popular than ever, and it's easy to see why. I mean, who doesn't love a good cooking show? Whether it's the kind that teaches viewers how to make a delicious dish, a high-stakes competition that's a feast for the eyes [2], or a holiday-themed baking showdown, there's something in the genre for everyone. According to a recent study by The Hollywood Reporter, food television is the single fastest-growing niche [3] in unscripted TV. And over the years, 10 shows have elevated themselves above the rest, either by virtue, their huge celebrity personalities, or just their own sheer charm [4] (we're looking at you, MasterChef: Junior). Keep reading for the 10 most-watched food TV shows — is your favourite on the list?
24 Hours to Hell and Back
It's a new version of the popular extreme/quick makeover shows. Gordon Ramsay [5] arrives at struggling restaurants to diagnose the problems and try to get them back on track in 24 hours, resulting in a lot of intense drama and personality conflicts.
How to watch: Season two is available for streaming on Fox [6].
The Great American Baking Show
Adapted from the UK hit The Great British Baking Show [7], the American version has the same premise. A group of amateur bakers compete weekly over the course of several weeks, with three challenges per week to test their skills. Even though it's a similar premise to many competition shows, its light, sweet tone is what's gained the franchise so many fans.
How to watch: This one's a little trickier: there aren't episodes available for streaming, nor a return date, but applications just closed in June [8] for the next season, so there's at least one more on the way!
Hell's Kitchen
This is the intense series that first introduced us to hot-tempered chef Gordon Ramsay [9]. A group of chefs compete in a high-pressure environment designed to test their mettle, with the promise of a real chef job as the prize at the end.
How to watch: The most recent season, season 18, is available for streaming on Fox [10]. The seven other previous seasons are also available on Hulu [11].
MasterChef: Junior
Surprisingly enough, the junior edition of Ramsay's MasterChef franchise is actually ranked higher than its original, adult counterpart! The lighter and softer version of the show is a straightforward cooking competition, with new themes and challenges each week, but it features incredibly talented kids aged 8 to 13.
How to watch: The most recent season, season seven, is available for streaming on Fox [12]. All seven seasons are also available on Hulu [13].
MasterChef
Unlike some of the other cooking competitions, this one is specifically for amateur (or "home") chefs, putting them through a series of challenges — both individual and team-based — in pursuit of a $250,000 prize.
How to watch: The most recent season, season 10, is currently airing on Fox on Mondays at 8 p.m ET/7 p.m. CT. All 10 seasons are also available on Hulu [14].
Family Food Fight
Based on an Australian reality food show, it's all right there in the name. A group of families face off in a series of challenges, increasing in difficulty as one family is eliminated each episode.
How to watch: Season one is currently airing on ABC, Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.