Worst Cooks in America returned for its new season with an emotional tribute to Anne Burrell, the beloved chef and host who passed away earlier this year.
The premiere episode opened with a heartfelt segment honoring Burrell’s legacy on the Food Network show. She’d been the face of the series since it launched in 2010, helping amateur cooks transform their kitchen disasters into edible meals.
“Anne was the heart and soul of this show,” said Food Network executives in a statement. “Her passion for teaching and her incredible patience with even the most hopeless cooks made Worst Cooks what it is today.”
The tribute featured highlights from Burrell’s most memorable moments on the show. Clips showed her signature tough-love approach and her genuine excitement when contestants finally mastered basic cooking skills.
Burrell’s impact went far beyond television.
She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked in some of New York’s most respected kitchens before becoming a TV personality. Her restaurant experience gave her the credibility that made her teaching so effective.
The show’s format remains unchanged for the new season. Two teams of cooking-challenged contestants still compete in weekly challenges, with one person eliminated each episode until a winner emerges.
Food Network hasn’t announced a permanent replacement host yet. Guest chefs will rotate through the season, each bringing their own style to Burrell’s role.
“We want to honor what Anne built while also allowing the show to evolve,” network officials said.
The premiere drew the show’s highest ratings in three years. Social media filled with fans sharing their favorite Burrell memories and expressing support for the tribute.
Worst Cooks in America airs Sundays at 8 PM on Food Network. The season will feature 12 episodes, with the finale scheduled for late March.