Watch Knife Fight
- 2013
- 4 Seasons
-
6.2 (132)
Knife Fight is a cooking competition show that premiered in 2013 on the Esquire Network. Hosted by chef Ilan Hall, each episode features two chefs going head-to-head in a culinary battle for bragging rights and a $2,000 prize. The show is set in a small, dimly lit kitchen with no fancy gadgets or appliances. The contestants are given a set of ingredients and a time limit to create a dish that will impress the judges: Hall, professional skateboarder and food enthusiast Giovanni Reda, and a rotating guest judge. The judges taste both dishes blind, not knowing which chef made each dish, and then declare a winner.
While the show's format may seem familiar to fans of other cooking competitions, Knife Fight sets itself apart with its gritty and unpredictable tone. The kitchen is purposely small and cramped, forcing the chefs to work in close proximity to each other and increasing the likelihood of accidents and mishaps. The show also encourages the chefs to take risks with their dishes, with Hall frequently reminding them that there are no rules in Knife Fight.
One of the most notable aspects of the show is the caliber of the chefs who compete on it. Though not all are well-known, each has an impressive resume and a unique cooking style. Kris Morningstar, a Los Angeles-based chef who has worked in some of the city's most famous kitchens, is a frequent guest judge and mentor on the show.
Knife Fight also features a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that goes into each dish, with close-ups of the ingredients being chopped and sautéed, and the contestants' hands working to plate their creations under the pressure of the ticking clock.
Throughout the show's four seasons, fans have praised its refreshing take on the cooking competition format, with many saying that it feels more authentic and true to the world of professional cooking than similar shows. The grittiness of the kitchen and the intense, fast-paced nature of the competition have made for some truly exciting television moments.
Despite its cancellation in 2015, Knife Fight remains a cult favorite among foodies and reality TV fans alike. Its unique format and emphasis on the craft of cooking make it a standout in a crowded field of cooking competitions, and a must-watch for anyone looking for something a little different from the standard fare.
Knife Fight is a series that ran for 4 seasons (71 episodes) between September 24, 2013 and on Esquire Network
