The highly anticipated return of Food Network's Worst Cooks in America for its 30th season has been overshadowed by grief and a palpable sense of loss for viewers, particularly in the UK, as the show aired for the first time without its iconic host, Anne Burrell.
A Sombre Premiere Without Its Star
The popular culinary competition series premiered its new season on Sunday night, six months after the tragic death of long-serving presenter Anne Burrell. The celebrated chef, instantly recognisable by her spiky platinum hair, died by suicide at her home in Brooklyn, New York, on June 17, 2025. She was 55 years old.
Her family released a heartfelt statement at the time, remembering her as a "beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend" whose smile "lit up every room she entered." They added that her light "radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world."
New Hosts and Fan Backlash
The season 30 premiere was co-hosted by celebrity chefs Jeff Mauro and Tiffany Derry, who introduced a fresh batch of celebrity contestants including Lisa Barlow, Ryan Lochte, and Reza Farahan. However, the absence of Burrell, who had hosted the show for 27 seasons, was deeply felt.
Devastated fans quickly took to social media to voice their upset, with many stating the series "just isn't the same" without her. On Reddit, one viewer commented, "I could look over the games, but I hate the seasons of influencers and celebrities as the selling point. I miss Anne's passion."
Similar sentiments flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. "Watching Worst Cooks without Anne Burrell just isn't the same," wrote one user. Another stated bluntly, "Not the same without Anne," while a third declared, "Will never watch the show again without Anne, and definitely not with Mauro on it."
Carrying the Torch Forward
In an emotional interview with TV Insider, new co-host Jeff Mauro paid tribute to his former colleague and friend. "I had the honor of co-hosting several seasons with Anne, as well as being close personal friends with her," he said. "I know we worked well together and loved working together. Her legend lives on, and I'm more than honored to carry that torch into the future. I know she would approve."
This new season follows a controversial tribute to Burrell that aired in July during the premiere of her final season, Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible. A brief 'In Memoriam' card at the end of the episode disappointed many fans, who branded the five-second acknowledgement a "slap in the face."
The format for season 30 sees each celebrity contestant assigned to either Mauro or Derry. They will face elimination rounds until one is crowned champion, winning $25,000 for their chosen charity. The full celebrity line-up includes Reza Farahan, Val Chmerkovskiy, Amara La Negra, D.T. Julie Brown, Beverley Mitchell, Romeo Miller, CT Tamburello, and Manila Lizon.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat at 988lifeline.org.
