Pressure Cooker is a cooking reality show that revolves around eleven chefs competing against each other to win the grand prize money. The show is based on a fierce concept of mutual judgment and elimination and is divided into eight episodes with an average runtime of 35-40 minutes each.
-Pressure Cooker Review Does Not Contain Spoilers-
The premise of this highly competitive show is pretty straightforward. There are eleven contestants cum masterful chefs, who simply battle it out in each episode, to make the best dish possible. However, the catch which separates it from a normal cooking series is the reality show environment, where every friend is an enemy and vice versa.
Furthermore, every episode of the show is like the ultimate test of the skill and creativity of each contestant. The challenges are diverse, ranging from creating a dish using only certain ingredients to recreating a classic dish from a famous restaurant. Each challenge requires the chefs to think on their feet and come up with unique and innovative dishes that will impress the most.
The trajectory of the contestants, especially Robbie Jester, is a fine highlight of the show. You get to watch the complete transition of the chefs, from a normal contestant to a unique rendition of Gordon Ramsay.
Another likeable aspect of the show was the constantly changing dynamic among the contestants. While they are all competing against each other, they also form friendships and alliances (apart from the usual frenemy drama) and it’s interesting to see how these relationships play out over the course of the competition.
The show also finds a great space to educate the viewer, and provide a detailed insight into the meticulous happening of the culinary industry. It’s almost like watching a food documentary in parts, with the exception of crying contestants and over-the-top drama (Moreover, if your social media algorithm suggests too many food shorts and reels, then you might spot cooking scenarios resembling Hell’s Kitchen in bits and pieces).
The only part where I was a little tuned out, came towards the end of the show. When things started to appear a little repetitive and slow. It almost felt like the series could have done with lesser episodes and more dishes.
The blend of drama and cooking is well-balanced for the most part. Even though the former takes the center stage towards the end of the series. Moreover, if you stick to the climax, there’s an unexpected wholesome winner, that definitely makes the experience worthwhile.
Pressure Cooker Final Thoughts
Pressure Cooker is a must-watch show for any foodie or culinary enthusiast. The challenges are exciting and the dishes are too delicious to watch (you might order a full course meal after this binge), and there is also space for an intense drama element. All in all, this unique mix of reality series and food competitions, won’t disappoint you.
You can stream the show on Netflix. Let us know your thoughts about the cooking reality show in the comment section below.
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Show was ok, I think Mike got robbed of the title. Did anyone call out Jeana?
They need to pay mike 200,000 usd for wasting his time.