The Big Brunch reinvents what a cooking competition can be

The Big Brunch. Photograph by Jeremy Kohm/HBO Max
The Big Brunch. Photograph by Jeremy Kohm/HBO Max

If you’re a fan of brunch, then you’re in for a treat. On HBO Max, The Big Brunch is breaking the mold on what a cooking competition can look like.

For some reason, brunch always seems to be a weird middle ground for people. You either love it, hate it, or just think it’s overrated yet still enjoy it. All in all, I think it’s generally up to you as a person and your group of friends if brunch is your thing or not.

Regardless, The Big Brunch puts a twist on what you might typically consider brunch and it only goes up from there. The series premiered on November 10th, 2022 with 3 episodes, and new episodes are rolling out on Thursdays.

Within the first three episodes, you really get a feel for what The Big Brunch is all about and how it can change the idea of what a cooking competition can be.

The Big Brunch is incredibly unique as a cooking competition in 2022.

Let me start off by saying that the major draw for this series is that not only is Dan Levy one of the judges and the host, but he also created and executive produced the show. It’s obvious The Big Brunch is a huge deal to him especially since he helped handpick all ten of the competitors featured.

Aside from the universal love for Dan Levy, The Big Brunch allows each chef to not only prepare and serve a dish but also tell their story. While we do get some backstory on chefs during competitions, it’s clear the show is putting an emphasis on them as individuals. Each chef has a cause they’re working toward, a dream they’re pursuing or a goal they are set on achieving.

As if learning about the chefs isn’t enough, the chefs really do feel like a family. Within the first three episodes, you can see connections and friendships forming. They’re all rooting for each other and cheering each other on. For a cooking competition, that’s almost unheard of but The Big Brunch changes that idea.

Plus let’s just be real, the plates these chefs put together look absolutely mouthwatering. At this point during each course, you’ll see a plate that you wish was in front of you. Coupled with the challenges they’ve been presented thus far such as creating a cocktail but having to create a meal either on the drink or in it.

Watching the creativity and heart each chef puts into their meal, you’ll quickly become addicted and marathon the first three episodes. Personally, I’m super intrigued and can’t wait to see what challenges come up next and what these chefs can do. Plus if you needed even more incentive, the judges are Will Guidara and Sohla El-Waylly. If you’re looking for a unique twist on the traditional cooking competition, then The Big Brunch should fill that void in your life.

New episodes of The Big Brunch premiere Thursdays on HBO Max. 

Have you watched The Big Brunch yet? Do you have a favorite contestant? Let us know in the comments.