100 Home Chefs Get Cooking in This New Food Network Show

Published: May 22, 2026

By Kayla DeKraker

The Food Network cooked up a delicious new show to bring to the table this summer, and Terry Crews is set to host.

The series, 100 COOKS, will be the network’s largest cooking competition ever with — as the title suggests — 100 home cooks from across the United States battling it out for a grand prize worth up to $250,000.

“This is the kind of competition I live for — big energy, big stakes, and 100 talented home cooks bringing everything they’ve got,” said Crews. “Every challenge was unpredictable, every dish had a story, and the passion in that kitchen blew me away. Seeing their creativity up close was an incredible experience — and an absolute blast!”

According to the description, “contestants include everyone from firefighters to lawyers to students and stay-at-home mothers.”

“The format finds them selected at random to compete by the lottery ball-style ‘Cook Mixer.’ They will then face off in the competition, which is also randomly chosen by the ‘Challenge Mixer,’” the synopsis continues.

The judging panel features chef Alex Guarnaschelli and popular food content creator Nick DiGiovanni. Together they will decide which cooks advance through the competition and who is ultimately eliminated. According to Food Network, thousands of cooks auditioned for the series.

“Thousands of people applied to compete on 100 COOKS and along with Terry, Nick and Alex, we were amazed at the passion and skill they brought to the table,” said Betsy Ayala, President, Food Network. “The 100 cooks chosen blew us away and while they don’t cook for a living, they all live to cook — and it shows in everything they served.”

Crews took to Instagram recently to share his excitement with his followers.

“Hey guys, it’s Terry Crews. I have a brand-new show on Food Network, 100 COOKS, with Nick DiGiovanni, Alex Guarnaschelli and 100 of the best home cooks in America. I can’t wait for you to see this. I’m so proud. Come hungry,” he said.

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Fans in the comment section gushed with excitement. “Oooooo…this is gonna be GOOD!” one person said. Another added, “The only reason why I’m watching food network again. Congrats Terry!”

The trailer for the series shows Crews standing in a stadium, saying, “These seats are about to be filled with 100 of the best home cooks in the country.”

TV Insider reported that the season begins with a “supersized” premiere, starting at 500 competitors before quickly eliminating down to 100.

The trailer shows Crews spinning a wheel, as contestants have to make their best version of whatever dish it tells them. Then judges DiGiovanni and Guarnaschelli choose which creations are the best.