Introduction
Food Network’s Final Tribute: Anne Burrell’s Last Season Premieres Soon
Fans of Anne Burrell, the fiery and beloved Food Network chef, will soon have a bittersweet opportunity to experience her kitchen magic one last time.
Just six weeks after her sudden passing on June 17th, 2025, Food Network is set to premiere the 29th season of Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible on Monday, July 28th at 9:00 p.m. ET.
This will mark Burrell’s final on-screen appearances, a heartfelt farewell to a culinary icon whose passion and mentorship touched thousands.
The new season pairs Burrell with Italian-born chef Gabe Bertacchini, known for hosting Chow House.
Though Bertacchini is a recent addition to the franchise, he recalls how Anne approached their partnership with her trademark zeal.
“It wasn’t a co-hosting job, more like you’re on a ride with Anne,” he shared.
Her infectious energy quickly turned his first-day nerves into pure fun, setting the tone for what would become a memorable season.
Since the show’s debut in 2010, Anne Burrell had been the heart and soul of Worst Cooks in America, transforming over 400 hopeless cooks into confident home chefs over 14 years.
Bertacchini emphasized that for Anne, the show was never just a paycheck—it was her passion project.
Food Network announces Anne Burrell’s final “Worst Cooks in America” season after chef’s death at 55
She was deeply invested in her recruits’ growth, often inviting them for dinners and follow-up lessons long after filming wrapped, demonstrating a mentorship that extended far beyond the camera.
To honor Anne’s legacy, Food Network and Warner Bros.
Discovery will air a special tribute marathon on Wednesday, June 25th.
This block will feature fan-favorite episodes of Worst Cooks in America, a highlight reel titled Boot Camp Diaries, and some of Anne’s fiery moments on Guy’s Grocery Games.
Betsy Ayala, Food Network’s Content Chief, described the tribute as a celebration of the passion and culinary prowess that defined Anne’s career.
Food Network chef Anne Burrell dies at 55, Entertainment News – AsiaOne
For Bertacchini, watching the upcoming season will be an emotional experience.
Filmed just months before Anne’s unexpected death, the competition captures intimate moments that now serve as her on-air farewell.
He reflected, “I’m going to watch and a lot of memories will come back.”
Each episode showcases Anne’s rare ability to connect with people—her teaching was always second to her gift for coaxing confidence from nervous recruits and celebrating their successes with her signature cackle.
Talented and Terrible offers fans one last chance to learn from the chef who famously urged everyone to “cook like a rock star.”
For colleagues and viewers alike, it stands as proof that Anne Burrell’s greatest recipe was a blend of skill, empathy, and exuberance—a combination that will continue to inspire America’s worst cooks to become better long after the credits roll.