The Big Brunch (2022) User Reviews

A great show for an overlooked meal

[JonathanWalford · 9/10 · 16 November 2022]

The Big Brunch is a fantastic show that celebrates an oft-maligned and overlooked meal. Nothing says 'weekend' like a leisurely brunch with friends, and this show celebrates that occasion in a positive way too.

It's interesting that reality TV was the catalyst for much of the bad behaviour we now experience every day, from social media to politics. Think back twenty years to the first seasons of Survivor that encouraged disloyalty, lying, and treachery... Now, in 2022, reality TV shows like Ru Paul and Big Brunch have become models of civility, support, and encouragement.

The Big Brunch lifts your spirits as it promotes a great meal with great attitude.

A great show with a lot of heart

[atriplett-29020 · 9/10 · 22 November 2022]

Dan Levy has created a show with so much heart and humanity. I dearly love all of the contestants and their relationships with each other. They truly do love one another and want the best for each other. The behind the scenes info on each contestant is just great and really makes it so much more personal. Dan's love for food makes me like him even more than I already did and the fact that they hand picked each person on this show is wonderful. They all have such amazing stories that make you really connect and want to route for each even after the show ends. I was not aware of Sohla and Will before this show but I am a huge fan of both now.

Worth a watch, but not the best

[sammyp-78379 · 7/10 · 2 December 2022]

Dan Levy's cooking show looks beautiful and it is an easy watch. The kitchen and set are stunning, I loved the colors that they chose. I loved that we got to know the chefs on a more intimate level and almost felt like we were competing with them. The parts I did not enjoy were almost every critique from the judges. In one episode, they have a special guest judge who somehow topped will and sohla in terms of being insufferable. They tell the contestants to go back and think about the theme of the day... even though it wasn't really that clear ? That is ultimately the problem with this show, the contestants seemed confused on exactly what they are supposed to do - cook the best meal, or pitch the best idea for a restaurant.

Very sweet and not overly complicated

[JamiP2424 · 10/10 · 20 November 2022]

For those of you who enjoy Great British Baking Show/Great British Bake Off, you'll most likely enjoy this show. It follows the same format where there aren't any green screen interviews or intense judging panels or chef drama. This is a very sweet and wholesome show. Yes they swear but they're chefs and it's HBOMax so those that are complaining about that...come on. There is a great amount of humor and it's not terribly complicated or dramatic like other cooking competitions can be.

All of the chefs are people that are doing great things for their communities and with the diversity it brings a fresh take on a sometimes stale genre of television. Also Dan Levy is a gem per usual.

Joyful and a joy to watch

[catmailing · 10/10 · 18 November 2022]

Of all the various American cooking shows I've seen, this show stands out in a great way. First of all, cooks from a variety of venues are invited to compete, so it's not just the sous chefs from NY hotspots. The contestants are the most humble I've seen in a professional cooking competition. Their focus is on lifting each other up, learning from the experience, and growing their personal skills. Not bragging about how they'll slay.

Of course we know they want to win the prize money to further their dreams, but the prize was only mentioned once and no one talked about it again. Instead, they focus on the challenge ahead and cheering each other on. Even the judges cheer on their accomplishments, encourage their dreams, and lavish praise where it is due.

To add to a show that celebrates rather than continually shames is a subtle score-none of the jarring or tension building music so prevalent in American competitive shows.

I'm happy to see a professional cooking competition show that reminds us that professional chefs are real people and that it's their love and passion for food, giving of themselves, and serving people that brought them to their profession rather than how many Michelin stars they can rack up or when they will become the next celebrity chef. Great job!

I SPENT THANKSGIVING EVENING BINGE-WATCHING

[leidilat · 10/10 · 25 November 2022]

Wow, what a suprise!!! After spending Thanksgiving dinner with friends I stumbled across this gem. I never watch cooking shows, but I really like Dan Levy and thought I'd sample it... Well, I can't believe I spent the whole night binge-watching and binge-eating Thanksgiving leftovers until sunrise. I really liked the judges and thought the chefs they chose were brilliant, humble and unbelievably talented. Dan Levy is absolutely amazing and so cute with that semi permanent devilish smirk on his face... I too love brunch and was pleasantly surprised to find a show dedicated to this overlooked meal. I look forward to watching season 2!!! Well done!!! I had to come back and edit my review because I had to add that the beautiful relationship between these chefs, these strangers, was just as enticing as the food they prepared. I couldn't imagine a more deserving group of people. There wasn't any backstabbing or arrogance, the chefs very quickly bonded, supported and cheered one another on.

Finally reality TV worth watching

[allisonpsharpe · 9/10 · 26 November 2022]

Loved this show mainly because it was quality humans doing quality things. No contrived drama, no drunken fights or mishaps, no backstabbing or conniving. It was relaxing to see good people doing good things. We pulled for all of them because there was no villain. Dan Levy, Sola and Will were a delight to watch and also genuinely cared about the contestants. The food created looked amazing, the set design was very clever and the special guests were good picks. If you're looking for a relaxing show to watch with your coffee on a chilly Sunday morning, this is it. Best cooking show I've seen, can't wait for season 2.

Not your ordinary cooking competition

[thejdrage · 9/10 · 27 November 2022]

First off, this is created and hosted by Dan Levy of Schitts Creek. And if you watch this unique and fun competition, that won't be the last time you'll hear that word, nor the F bomb.

It is a competition populated by all sorts of people all who had a goal in mind to use the $300,000 to accomplish, or boost or start a project. To a person, all those great competitors were consistently kind and helpful to anyone who needed it if they had it, be it crushed peppers or a spare burner. THAT was my favorite part of the show.

A major part of the show is to give the prize to a person to help them achieve their goal. This is literally part of this competition. Some (one) reviewer took great umbrage at that so dinged the show with all of their might. It's also why I gave the show 9 stars instead of 8.

I do wish that if there is a season 2 that they place all the equipment and ingredients they need at a level that is easily accessible to even the shortest of them.

I'm also in VERY high hopes for a Christmas special where the judges go to the homes of the contestants who invited them to join them and their families for the holiday meals. THAT would be WONDERFUL! Just a suggestion, Dan Levy.

Everyone else - Enjoy!

Mostly a hit, but needs some changes

[tmh98 · 8/10 · 7 December 2022]

I love Dan! And I went to this show because I love most cooking/baking shows and I adore Dan in anything and everything. I like Will ok but, if there's a season 2, I certainly hope Sohla does not return. She is completely unlikable and judges very harshly. Waaay too picky. I mean, can she even smile?? And it looks like it pains her to even give a compliment. Just a big dud. I mean, come on, even Paul Hollywood is less harsh and finds something to compliment. The rapport between judges usually really gels over a few episodes, but that's not the case here. Most of their chit-chat seems forced. But I love the challenges and the competitors.

It's... not bad

[Snarkysteff · 7/10 · 19 November 2022]

First off, to the person who complains that there's swearing, like it's a shock to hear form cooks. What's shocking is that swearing is censored so much for other shows because cooks and chefs swear like it's a career requirement.

Second, as a diehard fan of cooking shows, I'm really disappointed in the lack of discussion about what the cooks are doing or how. A guy makes switch from scratch. Are we shown this? No! He just tells them he did it.

I never "not learn" from cooking shows and that's true of this one. I'm only two episodes in so maybe it's all the background storytelling that gets in the way of technique discussion but it's a bit frustrating.

I want to love this but I feel like it was made by a team that don't actually watch a lot of great cooking shows. I'll keep watching because I want to see who wins but they really need to beef up the value for watching this. Give us techniques and tips, show us more of what the actual chefs are cooking.

Truly a must-see!

[zurya29 · 10/10 · 15 December 2022]

I've watched many cooking and baking competitions, but none quite like this. From the diversity of contests to the mix of judges and format, this show delivered. It gave the thrills and fast-pace of a cooking competition while showcasing heart. Learning about passionately unique stories of the competitors, the creation of their own little family, and the genuine care the judges had for these chefs all came together in a beautiful way. It's crazy to feel a bit moved by a cooking competition, but here we are. If you've not yet seen this show, get on it. It's well-worth the investment. Can't wait for a season 2 and beyond! P. S. Dan Levy KNOWS good TV!

Decent cooking show but not brunch

[jasnsav-51889 · 6/10 · 21 November 2022]

I have watched all the episodes and enjoyed them for the most part. However the thing that just gripes me is that this is not brunch food! I live for brunch every Sunday and am I self-proclaimed expert in brunch food. What these folks are cooking is not brunch. Interesting conceptions but again I can't stress enough it's not brunch. If there is a second season I hope they will reconsider the concept and make the chefs focus on actual brunch selections. In my opinion they need more selections that contain egg dishes and there is a more traditional breakfast items. I love Dan Levy and I have enjoyed the show for the most part but hope they change the concept for another season.

Loved.. Until the finale....

[ashperera-33465 · 5/10 · 25 November 2022]

I was really enjoying this show until the finale, where I felt as if the show became confused as to what it is. Is it a cooking competition? Is it a brunch themed cooking competition? Is it a pitch show?

After the first episode, there was little to no reference from the judges over the next several episodes of how good the contestant's pitches were for what they would do with the $300,000 grand prize. It became about the food and the best dishes would advance each week regardless of what they would do with the money.

Now, in the final 3, the pitches began getting critiqued and would impact their decision on who to choose to win The Big Brunch.

No spoilers, but if Contestant A's pitch seemed like it needed work, why not have the pitches be discussed throughout the show and allow each contestant to improve/change what they originally wanted to do with the money based on them evolving during the process, the judges feedback, etc.

The finale felt out of place to what the show had been up until this point especially with the Brunch aspect now seemingly being irrelevant.

If there is a season 2, they either need to just award the winner based on the dishes they cook or involve the contestant's pitches throughout the show and allow them to get feedback during the process and not just get these questions at the finale where it leaves the viewer wondering what show they are now watching.

Potential for greatness with Dan leading the way, but they need to figure things out for future seasons..

Good but weird decision making

[mbmessina · 8/10 · 15 December 2022]

I think Dan Levy is great. Overall I liked the show. I was not familiar with the other judges but the female judge was too critical and lacked any charm. She seemed annoyed to be there most of the time. And the other male judge did not form clear opinions although he was pleasant. I know it's heavily edited but the three did not gel well to me. The winner was the person who lacked leadership and screwed up the team challenge. I don't understand how they came to pick him even though I'm sure his food was delicious when they said in the previous episode that he failed to lead his team.

I'd love to see Dan Levy do this again with a clearer message to the competitors and a different combination of judges.

Honest and Refreshing

[lmsnyder-163-36782 · 10/10 · 29 January 2023]

I just got around to watching this series. What an awesome, awesome show! It reminds me of MasterChef Australia in that the (home) chefs support and encourage each other and are always sad to see one their friends go. The Big Brunch is that kind of show, but on a more intense scale. It's refreshing to see a group of chefs all vying for the same prize support one another. No backstabbing, no jealousy, no pettiness, no hate.

The judges are great as well, and even when they find that a dish doesn't work, they deliver their critiques with suggestions for improvement and words of encouragement. But the best part of the show is Dan Levy. This isn't the first time I've seen him host a cooking competition show as he hosted the first season of the Great Canadian Baking Show. He was great then, and he's even better now. Compassionate, self-deprecating, supportive and hilarious all at the same time. And oh so Canadian! Love LOVE this show, and I do hope there will be another season. We need more of this, and less of the other, if you know what I mean.

A refreshing cooking show, yet in need of deeper connections

[chuckpowell-39204 · 7/10 · 7 December 2022]

An attractively filmed refresh of the cooking competition genre, "The Big Brunch" is pretty, often witty, and humane. Indeed, its warm-heartedness is reminiscent of "The Great British Baking Show," the much-imitated global hit that has yet to be matched by any cooking series originating in the United States. (PBS's "Great American Recipe," at once overworked and underproduced, seemed intent on replicating "Bake Off" -- the format was embarrassingly similar -- but fell far short.) The tone is set by the on-trend, impish-meets-humble humor of series creator Dan Levy, while the judges -- expert chef Sohla El-Waylly and restauranteur Will Giudara -- bring serious cooking knowledge to critiques of each dish. El-Waylly is especially precise, even as she remains a fair, humane judge: it's a balance achieved by few others on shows like this one.

Where I was left wanting more was in the relationships viewers might form with the contestants. Unlike "Bake Off" and Bravo's long-running "Top Chef," we do not see interview-style play-by-plays from the cooks (as cutaways during the action) or immediate post-judging reactions. This storytelling difference winds up making the contestants feel less specific, less dimensional, and less interesting than their counterparts on those other programs. And in that feels particularly unfortunate in the case of this show, for the casting was clearly conducted with great intention. One gets the general sense, though not the deep feeling, that each contestant has a moving life story and cooking perspective to share. I was entertained, but never moved.

"The Big Brunch" offers improvements in the cooking competition model, including a willingness to allow silence on-screen as well as an absence of swooping graphics, dramatic sound effects, and sensational camera movements -- stylistic hallmarks of "Top Chef" and "Chopped," among many, many others. And the articulate judges, like those on "Bake Off" yet very much unlike the larger-than-life food personalities judging so many Food Network programs, bring an expertise that can teach the viewer as well as the contestant. But the show's producers could do more to connect viewers to the special cast they've recruited.

The show itself is decent. Not a fan of one of the judges

[shaneka-96788 · 5/10 · 26 December 2022]

I only came to watching this show after binge watching Dan's other show Schitts Creek. I love his fun positive energy. However I found this cooking show hard to watch because of that "Wednesday Adams like" judge Sohla. She was really annoying with how she judged. She came off as really snooty with her comments and mean spirited. She didn't know how to compliment the chefs without being awkward but was very arrogantly critical unapologetically. I just didn't like her style at all. Then the comment she made about how no one is going to invite her to dinner after watching this show was really showing her true mean girl attitude. It's like she wants to not be liked, it's weird. She's just oddly negative with judging approach and cones off super entitled. Anyway my dislike for her presence on the show overpowered my overall enjoyment of the show. I would love to see this show without her in it. She's a vibe kill.

Oof, needs work

[cojodojo · 4/10 · 14 November 2022]

I love Dan's work, but is he hosting (cheerleading) or judging competitors? Doing both doesn't work.

These judges are seriously struggling. It's always tough, especially for new shows, for the judges to deliver on likability and credibility. For unknown judges, negativity, random comments about their personal preference, and unhelpful feedback derail both the vibe of the show and make it clear that they are not playing to the viewer.

Everyone's obviously self producing their lines, and much is cringeworthy, but what little we see of the competitors is interesting and real. There's also strange editing with a ton of silence.

Will revise after more episodes are released.

The set does look expensive though.

Made an account just so I can leave this review

[kanikavarma-61407 · 2/10 · 11 December 2022]

Honestly the judges were so mean and biased I had to stop watching after the second episode. They were trying so hard to cultivate an environment where everyone was friendly, it just made the comments passive aggressive. The concept was super interesting so this is unfortunate and had so much potential they wasted by picking unlikeable judges.

The format was also confusing and the judges commented more on what they personally didn't like as opposed to the execution of a task. It felt like complaining about a meal at home because you like less garlic. It's funny that people are comparing this to bake off because the likability is The Big's biggest pitfall.

A great show to hate watch!

[dkarzian · 1/10 · 18 November 2022]

This show is awful! The hosts are awful! Especially sohla and will. I will never watch a dan levy production again! The contestants were great so shout out to them and I'm sorry you had to go through what you went through in hopes to win the 300k.

Im gonna keep this spoiler free, but i will say they clearly have a favorite and that person is likely to win even though they should have been sent home in episode 6.

Their critiques are non constructive using terms like "we want to see more of you in the dish"... What does that even mean? The contestants are clearly passionate about being chefs so i can't imagine how they arent putting themselves into the food.

I would skip this unless you wanna hate watch like me.

The Big not that interesting Sunday hangover meal

[Couchkik20 · 5/10 · 14 November 2022]

The Big Brunch is a strange concept, a food show focused on a specific meal option that's usually not that sophisticated food wise. Obviously it's an interesting challenge but the cooking skills have to be exciting. After the first six episodes, we are watching a group of people making tacos, burgers, bread and scones, but also intricate fine dining dishes or elaborate Asian delicacy. It's quite confusing as we go from fast food level plates to Michelin star in a heartbeat.

The word Brunch basically means everything is possible which affects a fair judging as the qualities asked to the contestants vary from team leadership, bread cooking, cocktail making, "personal journey" dishes. I understand a cooking show has to demonstrate a large range of skills but this is all over the place with very subjective rules. If your contestants have to do Bake Off and Masterchef on the same week, good luck with that.

My other issue is do we need to hear this crowd swear? Hearing F-words and S-words constantly while doing plates is just bizarre and distracting. Ok this is a youthful energetic group will human reactions but sorry it completely takes me out of the "fine dining" experience.

On the positive I think the judges are charismatic and professional, the set is incredibly luxurious, and that sort of show always needs time to find its footing. But the pace is awkward as we see the jury waiting and getting drinks served while contestants cook. It sets a "client/ staff" vibe I don't love.

The Big Brunch needs more structure to its rules, fair challenges and less of the very repetitive "bread/ doughnut / scones" skills. As anyone I love having egg toast and vegs for brunch but it's boring as a cooking show.

This review was edited after watching the first 6 episodes.

I hate how they talk about food

[cherylloeffler-72857 · 5/10 · 31 July 2023]

I'm sure people will hate my take, but this show is obnoxious.

I love to cook, I've worked in restaurants for decades, and I do get emotional about food, but not like this. Every cooking show always has people talking about food like it's some woo spiritual experience, and they all take on the same sniff-your-own-farts kind of tone when talking about local produce. Like, yeah a farmer's market carrot is usually better than a grocery store one, but it's nothing to cry about. C'mon guys, the walk-in at the homeless kitchen I volunteer for has farm-fresh vegetables, it's not like the hand of god is reaching down to bless you with a turnip.

I know the production team probably dictates a lot of that, but I have a hard time connecting to a group of people who come off so inauthentically, and since the food actually doesn't feature all that much, that's a big nope for me.