Food Network announces new series Alex Vs. America

In all her time on Food Network, Alex Guarnaschelli has never been one to back down from a challenge. She has competed on numerous shows over the years, including Chopped and Iron Chef America. With the notable exception of Season 1 of Tournament of Champions, she almost always comes out on top.

But what if the odds were specifically stacked against Guarnaschelli? What if her opponents were doing everything in their power to take her down? Kind of like a more intense version of Beat Bobby Flay where the odds aren’t always in her favor?

According to Deadline, that is the premise of the new show Alex Vs. America, coming to Food Network and Discovery Plus this December. It will see Guarnaschelli challenged by three superstars of the kitchen in each episode of the five-part series.

In the series, the three competing chefs and Guarnaschelli will learn what the challenge is and then have to work together to decide on various elements, including the time they have to prepare the dish. The catch is that the three chefs will all be experts in the same field, such as in Episode 1 when Guarnaschelli will go up against a trio of shellfish experts.

New series Alex Vs. America set to arrive on Discovery Plus Christmas Day

Each episode will have two rounds with the judging being done blind. The chef that prepared the dish that impresses the least after Round 1 will be then sent home, even if the chef that prepared that dish is Guarnaschelli.

When asked by Deadline, Guarnaschelli said that Alex Vs. America is everything she ever wanted in a competitive cooking competition.

"“Truth is, I have loved competitive cooking for as long as I can remember, first watching, then judging and competing myself. Now, I finally have the opportunity to invite other adrenaline-junkies to join me in doing what we love, cooking our butts off, and Alex vs America is literally my dream come true. That said, what I have learned the hard way is, while I love winning, I hate losing more.”"

Alex Vs. America is set to debut on Food Network on January 2 at 10 PM with Discovery Plus subscribers getting a special preview of the premiere on Christmas Day.

What do you think Guilty Eaters? Does Alex Vs. America sound like appointment television? Or is it a hard pass from you? Leave a comment below and let us know or join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages.