Octavia Spencer hosts Southern home cooking competition show Family Recipe Showdown, launching July 17 in New Orleans, where families contend for a $10,000 prize by preparing beloved Southern dishes. The program debuts on Food Network at 9pm ET/PT, with streaming available on HBO Max the following day, inviting viewers to witness both tradition and friendly rivalry as home cooks showcase their culinary heritage.
Octavia Spencer Returns to Her Roots as Host
Returning to the flavors of her Southern upbringing, Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer leads the new series set in vibrant New Orleans. She is joined by renowned chef Edgar “Dook” Chase, known as a Southern cooking authority, who serves as the show’s resident expert. The show invites family duos from across the region to compete in the kitchen, presenting recipes that have been passed down through generations, infusing every episode with a sense of history and heartfelt connection.
Every episode, Octavia and Dook sample the dishes prepared by competing families before welcoming a rotation of celebrity friends and guest judges to the tasting panel. The lineup of celebrity guests is impressive, featuring familiar faces such as Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain, Danielle Brooks, Eric Stonestreet, Tina Knowles, Kandi Burruss, Tim Gunn, and legend Al Roker with his daughter Leila. Their participation adds both entertainment value and a sense of celebration to the proceedings, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere in the kitchen.
How the Competition Unfolds
Family Recipe Showdown structures each episode in two distinct rounds, providing family teams a chance to showcase both skill and creativity. The first round centers on a classic Southern culinary theme, ranging from indulgent brunch creations to high-stakes biscuit bakeoffs. In each episode, three teams enter the competition, cooking for Octavia, Dook, and the guest judges, all of whom cast their votes based on authenticity, taste, and personal flair.
From the initial round, two duos are chosen to advance, moving on to face a personalized challenge: reimagining a family favorite of that episode’s guest judge. This unique twist brings revered traditions into the spotlight while encouraging teams to personalize dishes further for a shot at the $10,000 prize. In the anticipated premiere, viewers will watch as an aunt and niece, a mother-in-law and son-in-law, and a wife duo each present their best Southern brunch specialties. Guest judge Reese Witherspoon’s childhood favorites inspire the final culinary challenge, with only one team earning the ultimate win each episode.
Celebrating Food, Family, and Shared Traditions
The series is as much a celebration of family stories as it is a competition. For Octavia Spencer, the experience brings personal joy and resonance as she connects with contestants over cherished recipes and memories.
“Southern food means family to me, and I am thrilled to introduce these outstanding home cooks to viewers,”
—Octavia Spencer, Host
She further reflected on the depth of the competition, noting the emotional ties woven into every plate:
“The competing families bring their own traditions to every dish – from buttery biscuits to cast-iron skillet specialties, the food took me and my friends back to our childhoods with every bite…and getting to taste it all with Dook Chase made the experience even sweeter. This show is about family, friends and food – there’s nothing better than that.”
—Octavia Spencer, Host
Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food at Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized the show’s heart and the unique environment it fosters:
“Octavia is truly passionate about Southern food and the home cooks that tell family stories through their recipes,”
—Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery
She continued, praising both the show’s host and the guest lineup for their enthusiasm and engagement:
“She is the perfect host to welcome these families and their incredible dishes to the table and spotlight the love and care that goes into their cooking. Our viewers can also look forward to visits from Octavia’s fantastic friends, who delight in the food just as much as she does.”
—Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery
Culinary TV Chemistry and Behind the Scenes
The chemistry in the kitchen is an essential ingredient for Family Recipe Showdown. Bringing together Octavia Spencer and Dook Chase has proven to be a hit even before the official premiere, with Sara Rea, Head of Unscripted at Hello Sunshine, calling attention to the dynamic duo at the core of the program:
“Octavia and Dook are a match made in culinary television heaven,”
—Sara Rea, Head of Unscripted at Hello Sunshine
Rea also highlighted the contributions of the show’s celebrity participants and families:
“Dook is a world-renowned chef, and Octavia is a self-proclaimed ‘excellent taster.’ These two together, along with the celebrity guests and families competing with their most prized traditional recipes, are the perfect combination for a funny, family-friendly show with great southern cooking!”
—Sara Rea, Head of Unscripted at Hello Sunshine
The series is developed and produced by Hello Sunshine in collaboration with Orit Entertainment for Food Network. Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, and Lauren Neustadter executive produce for Hello Sunshine, while the Orit team includes Octavia Spencer, Brian Clisham, and Stephanie Kluft. Brielle Lebsack Cohen directs production as showrunner, with Joe Guidry at the helm as director.
What Viewers Can Expect and Where to Find More
Fans eager for more can visit FoodNetwork.com for regular updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and details on both the hosts and celebrity guest stars. Those active on social media are encouraged to follow along and share their own culinary traditions using #FamilyRecipeShowdown, building a vibrant digital community around the series.
Food Network, part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s diverse media family, brings this celebration of food, family, and Southern culture to a vast audience across the United States and globally. The network’s commitment to showcasing talent, elevating home cooking, and fostering community is reflected in the show’s joyful, energetic approach. Together with partners like Hello Sunshine—founded by Reese Witherspoon with a focus on women’s stories and dynamic storytelling—and Orit Entertainment, led by Octavia Spencer and Brian Clisham, the series stands as a testament to creative collaboration and a love for Southern traditions.
As Family Recipe Showdown gets ready to premiere, the stage is set for a season highlighted by memorable food, heartfelt family stories, and a spirit of friendly competition. With a parade of notable celebrity guests, expert guidance from both Octavia Spencer and Dook Chase, and families eager to share the recipes that define them, the show promises laughter, nostalgia, and the thrill of a $10,000 win for the top team each week. Audiences can look forward to an engaging culinary journey that spotlights not just the art of home cooking but the enduring power of family and heritage in Southern cuisine.
