Food Network Announces Premiere of Anne Burrell’s Final Season Alongside Emotional Tribute Programming Block
Food Network will air Anne Burrell’s final season of Worst Cooks in America, titled Talented and Terrible, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In celebration of her life and career, a special tribute marathon will air on June 25, featuring her most memorable moments on television. This season, filmed before her sudden passing, features a unique cast of performers who are confident on stage but completely out of their depth in the kitchen.
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A Sudden Loss: Celebrating Anne Burrell’s Culinary Legacy After Her Unexpected Passing at 55
Anne Burrell, one of the most vibrant personalities on Food Network, tragically passed away on June 17, 2025, in Brooklyn at the age of 55. Found unresponsive in her home, her death is under investigation, with autopsy results pending. Anne was best known for her no-nonsense teaching approach, spiky blonde hair, and her contagious enthusiasm in the kitchen. She co-hosted over 20 seasons of Worst Cooks in America and hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, earning legions of fans across generations. Her legacy as both an educator and entertainer will continue through this final season.
What to Expect from the Upcoming “Talented and Terrible” Season of Worst Cooks in America
The new season, titled Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible, takes a playful turn. It gathers performers who are confident in the spotlight but helpless behind the stove. As usual, recruits will compete under the guidance of expert chefs, with Anne Burrell and Gabe Bertaccini leading opposing teams. The format follows a familiar arc: contestants first cook their so-called “signature dish,” then attempt to recreate a perfect “winner winner chicken dinner” based on the chefs’ example.
As the season progresses, recruits tackle restaurant-style classics, global cuisines, and the notorious “Remote Control Chef” challenge—where instructions are relayed via earpiece. Each episode ends with one or more eliminations, narrowing the group down until the finale. It’s chaos in the best way, filled with fiery stoves, misused utensils, and Burrell’s sharp coaching style that fans have loved for years.
Tribute Marathon on June 25 Will Highlight Anne Burrell’s Most Memorable Moments on Food Network
On Wednesday, June 25, Food Network will broadcast a three-part tribute block in memory of Anne Burrell. The programming starts at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will include three classic episodes that capture her humor, resilience, and teaching magic.
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10:00 p.m. – Guy’s Grocery Games: An episode featuring Burrell alongside fellow chefs Eric Greenspan, Jet Tila, and Marcel Vigneron. The challenges involve unusual ingredients and A-list dinner creations.
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11:00 p.m. – Worst Cooks in America: Worst of the Worst: A countdown of the show’s 15 most hilariously awful dishes—spanning spicy disasters to bizarre ingredient combos (including one dish with a lost fake nail).
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11:30 p.m. – Worst Cooks in America: Boot Camp Diaries: A behind-the-scenes look at the boot camp kitchen, showing kitchen fires, dangerous knife handling, and tense moments as mentors struggle to transform amateurs into competent cooks.
This tribute reflects Burrell’s indelible mark on Food Network and celebrates the humor and heart she brought to every project.
Anne Burrell’s Career: From Culinary School to Television Icon and National Role Model
Anne Burrell’s journey began with a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America, followed by formative years cooking in Italy. She gained recognition as Mario Batali’s sous chef on Iron Chef America before becoming a Food Network staple. Burrell hosted her own show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and wrote two bestselling cookbooks.
More than just a chef, she became a mentor and icon—especially for women in the culinary world. Her sharp critiques were always paired with encouragement, and she believed that anyone could learn to cook with enough grit and guidance. Her boisterous laugh, signature catchphrases, and no-fear attitude made her beloved across the industry.
Final Season Is a Celebration of Anne Burrell’s Teaching, Mentorship, and Fearless Personality
Anne Burrell’s final season feels more than just another installment—it’s a celebration of her ability to transform fear into confidence. Contestants this season will fumble through the basics but slowly improve under her guidance, mirroring what made Anne such a standout figure. Co-host Gabe Bertaccini said the show was Anne’s “baby,” emphasizing how deeply she cared for each recruit’s journey. The season was fully filmed before her death, ensuring fans can enjoy her final on-screen performance exactly as she intended it.
Mark Your Calendars: Dates and Times to Remember for Tribute and Final Season Premiere
Date |
Time (ET/PT) |
Event |
|---|---|---|
June 25, 2025 |
10 p.m. |
Tribute Block: Guy’s Grocery Games, Worst of the Worst, Boot Camp Diaries |
July 28, 2025 |
9 p.m. |
Premiere of Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible |
