Pressure Cooker - It's evident from the moment the chefs arrive at the house, with its brightly colored spacious kitchen and well-stocked pantry, that this isn't your normal culinary show.
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There is no host or panel of celebrity judges; just the eleven chefs and the restaurant-style ticket dispenser that assigns them challenges. Because the combination of private chefs and restaurant owners must live together, their personality and ability to collaborate are almost as crucial as their cooking to their ability to advance to the next round. They're even sharing a room, making it tough to avoid the occasional squabble.
Their first objective is to produce a dish in 90 minutes that demonstrates who they are as chefs. They are then judged by one another. Throughout the show, guests ranging from food experts to family members are brought in to review the food they prepare, although the majority of the judging is done by one of the chefs themselves. It produces even more of an insular experience and, of course, the opportunity for more drama. The tasks range from multi-course dinners to producing desserts out of savory components. These require the chefs to work as a team, in pairs, or on their own. No one knows what will come out of the ticket machine next, neither the cooks nor the viewers.
Pressure Cooker did a wonderful job of assembling a fascinating and diverse collection of contenders. There is a lot of diversity in terms of gender, color, and sexuality. Cooks have come from Michigan, the Bronx, Maryland, and other places. There is a mix of those who have attended prestigious culinary institutes and those who have had no official training. This reflects the diversity that exists in the restaurant industry. Some of the participants, such as Jeana, are tough to like yet entertaining to watch. Others, such as Robbie and Ed, are certain to be fan favorites.
It's incredible to see women like Renée and Lana showcase their worth as cooks from the beginning of the competition. They demonstrate that the title of "Chef" is no longer just for men.
Seeing how each chef brings their gorgeous dishes to life is a thrill. Similar to watching them all in their white chef jackets talking to each other while they cook. It's interesting to observe diverse approaches to cooking and how even the most talented chefs can occasionally botch up a meal under pressure. Of course, there are the talking head interview reactions to the show's happenings, when confessions are shared.
It's intriguing to watch the chefs form alliances, break them up, exchange beverages, and even get emotional. Many of them appear to genuinely care about each other. I'm curious about what these new connections between chefs may signify for the future of the culinary world.
Just as Netflix redefined reality dating with Love is Blind, it has done the same for food shows. It's difficult to stop watching, especially because several of the episodes end on cliffhangers that are frustrating but effective. The show is incredibly inventive and excellent at creating suspense.
Pressure Cooker is unlike any other cooking show. It is so full of twists and turns that I am impatiently expecting the announcement of a second season.
Pressure Cooker is now available for streaming on Netflix.
