America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation

America's Test Kitchen has always been different and innovative. It stands out against the slew of other cooking shows. I was so looking forward to the Next Generation, hoping it would do the same. It is a carbon copy of 20 other cooking competition shows. Nothing different or new to speak of. Timers counting down, crazy challenges, and way to many "confessional" cutaways. The vegetarian contestant has to cook shrimp just to manufacture drama. I was so disappointed. The judges and host are the best part. There isn't a single contestant to root for, they are all so similar. The producers basically picked the same 3 types of contestants. I expected so much more.

Remember when Food Network used to show programs about cooking, then the entire network turned into a slate of pathetic and inane competitions? It seems like ATK is about to travel down that same sad, sorry road if this horrid show is an example of what to expect.

The main host is horribly cast. Why is she shrieking and screaming at the contestants? Okay, I'm sure the producers want to generate some enthusiasm on the set but seriously? Her shrill voice is like nails on a chalkboard! At least we have one sensible, serious judge along the way.

And where do they find some of these cooks? I would expect someone wishing to obtain a position with ATK would have a touch more than basic food knowledge. We hear several times "I've never cooked that before". The worst was the contestant that seemed unable to comprehend the brief for the challenge in addition to their horrible time management. Just because your parent was a chef doesn't endow you with those skills.

I was really looking forward to watching this program but after two episodes I'm done.

I love the ATK brand and everything that Julia and Bridget have done since the split with Chris, but this show is a disaster. The host is wrong on so many levels, she just does not embody the spirit of the brand. And the format of the show is so boringly predictable, I would have hoped for something more creative. Such a disappointment! There is a folksy, Everyman feel to ATK and Cook's Country, and that is absolutely missing in this awkward, forced production. I have to admit that I've only watched two episodes, but the contestants seem really weak. One person didn't know that you need to cut skirt steak across the grain!?! That's cooking 101!

This was a really disappointing show. As much as I love ATK and CC, this is an abomination. Most of the cooks are from either California or, to a lesser extent, Massachusetts. This is one more show that caters to the coasts and to hell with the rest of the country. I don't know or care who wins but I'll only see any of them when they get to ATK.

The level of inexperience for several of the contestants is laughable. On a dish that one cook mentioned he did in dedication to his Dad was horrible. Not only did he overcook the salmon that he said he has prepared many times but he failed to even get his rice done. How is it that you don't start the rice immediately - all of the rice cookers I am aware of can keep the rice warm until the protein is done. It all resulted in a plate that would have been better presented as salmon nachos - at least there wouldn't have been a nearly empty plate.

Others had their own set of afflictions. Bottom line, I watched through about 1/2 of the meal presentations and turnedd it off, not likely to ever watch again. I learned a great deal from ATK and CC and I feel lke this denigrates their "exalted" position in the cooking TV world. Sorry Elle, Julia, Dan, and Jack but this is beneath you!

It's hard to believe that these were the best candidates they could find for this competition. There is constant emphasis on how the winner will be "joining the ATK family," but it's clear that most contestants are interested only in boosting their own social media presence and/or independent careers, not in working for ATK. Look at how they say they would spend the $100k winnings - generally it's on a project that would let them build a career with no relevance to working at ATK, such as opening a restaurant. None of the contestants are all that appealing, nor do they seem like the kind of dedicated food educators ATK is known for. I'm not rooting for anyone after watching four episodes. I'm very puzzled about a show called "the next generation" including a 49-year-old contestant! I think I'm done watching this show.