The Best Cooking Shows to Binge-Watch

Julia Child may have been one of the first TV chefs (though not the first), but now instructional and competitive cooking shows fill the airwaves. These series are instructive, educational, entertaining, and sometimes even fraught with drama. We sifted through the current offerings on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video to bring you our top recommendations. Sit down, get comfortable, and see what's on the lineup.

Best Cooking Shows: Cutthroat Kitchen

• Host: Alton Brown
• Website: Cutthroat Kitchen on Food Network
• What's the twist: Competitors can spend money to help themselves or hurt their competition. But the more they spend, the less money is available for them to win. Cooking often takes place under wacky conditions and with unusual implements. For example, chefs make stuffed cabbage while stuffed in a cab and meatloaf while sitting in a recliner. They also make chopped salad with garden tools and thumbprint cookies without the use of their thumbs. Like we said, it's wacky.
• Why it's worth watching: Alton Brown! Also, Cutthroat Kitchen is entertaining whether you enjoy cooking or not. In fact, all the obstacles might convince you that cooking without impediments isn't so hard after all.
• Best way to binge: You can stream seasons 4-7 on Hulu, or purchase all 15 seasons on Amazon Video.

Best Cooking Shows: America's Test Kitchen

• Hosts: Previously Christopher Kimball, now Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davidson
• Website: Episode guides and clips on America's Test Kitchen
• What's the twist: There are no twists; America's Test Kitchen is entirely instructive. Themed episodes feature multiple segments with taste tests, product reviews, cooking science, and tips and tricks.
• Why it's worth watching: America's Test Kitchen is a trusted resource and a great way to learn to cook. While it's more educational than entertaining, this cooking show is what to watch when you want to know how it's done.
• Best way to binge: Get a one-year membership to America's Test Kitchen for $34.95. You'll need it to get through the hundreds of episodes in all 17 seasons (season 18 in progress). Or purchase seasons 12-17 on Amazon Video.

Best Cooking Shows: Barefoot Contessa

• Host: Ina Garten
• Website: Barefoot Contessa on Food Network
• What's the twist: Barefoot Contessa is the name of the specialty food store Ina bought in 1978, launching her career in the culinary world.
• Why it's worth watching: Ina is charming and accessible. She shows you how to wow your guests without spending the whole party in the kitchen.
• Best way to binge: You can stream seasons 1-9 on Hulu, or purchase all 13 seasons on Amazon Video.

Best Cooking Shows: Kitchen Nightmares

• Host: Gordon Ramsay
• Website: Kitchen Nightmares on YouTube
• What's the twist: Kitchen Nightmares brings together the best parts of Hell's Kitchen and Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Even if you've never heard of Kitchen Nightmares, we bet you've heard about Amy's Baking Company. (Season 6, Episode 16)
• Why it's worth watching:  Gordon Ramsay yells a lot, but this show is an illuminating look at the restaurant industry. If you've ever dreamed of owning a restaurant, Kitchen Nightmares ought to nip that idea in the bud.
• Best way to binge: You can stream seasons 1-6 on Hulu, or purchase season 7 on Amazon Video.

Best Cooking Shows: Cooked

• Host: Michael Pollan
• Website: Cooked documentary series on Netflix
• What's the twist: There are only four episodes, and each one covers an element of nature -- fire, water, air, earth.
• Why it's worth watching: Michael Pollan is a well-known journalist and author who focuses on growing, cooking, and eating food. This series looks at cooking from an anthropological perspective and underscores Pollan's message about the importance of cooking for ourselves.
• Best way to binge: Stream all four episodes on Netflix.