Series synopsis
24 in 24: Last Chef Standing is an American reality television series that premiered on Food Network on April 14, 2024. It stars Michael Symon and Esther Choi.
Food Network's most ambitious and grueling culinary competition to date. Featuring 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours, the 24-hour competition takes the chefs to the extreme, demanding they display the skills, creativity and stamina needed to be an elite chef. At the end of the 24 hours, there can be only one true master left standing.
Premise
Food Network's most ambitious and grueling culinary competition to date. Featuring 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours, the 24-hour competition takes the chefs to the extreme, demanding they display the skills, creativity and stamina needed to be an elite chef. At the end of the 24 hours, there can be only one true master left standing.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Michael Symon as Self - Co-Host
- Esther Choi as Self - Co-Host
Guest cast
- Jet Tila as Guest Judge
- Stephanie Izard as Guest Judge
- Scott Conant as Guest Judge
- Bryan Voltaggio as Guest Judge
- Michael Voltaggio as Guest Judge
- Eric Adjepong as Guest Judge
- Maneet Chauhan as Guest Judge
- Brooke Williamson as Guest Judge
- Aarthi Sampath as Self - Contestant
- Airis Johnson as Self - Contestant
- Camille Le Caer as Self - Contestant
- Carlos Anthony as Self - Contestant
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 26 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | April 14, 2024 | May 12, 2024 |
| Season 2 | 9 | April 27, 2025 | May 25, 2025 |
| Season 3 | 9 | April 27, 2026 | May 31, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shift 1: Speed The first three-hour shift is designed to test one of the most important qualities a true master must possess: speed. Speed judge Jet Tila will taste and score every dish, separating the leaders of the pack from the chefs on the brink of elimination. Right out of the gate, the chefs are served up a shocking twist that sets the tone for the rest of the competition, letting them know that no one will be safe from elimination until the end. |
April 14, 2024 |
| 2 |
Shift 2: Adaptability During hours three through six, the remaining chefs are forced to adapt to constant twists and turns. Hosts Michael Symon and Esther Choi have two chefs face elimination immediately, while the others enjoy a moment of rest. Then, the chefs must overcome restrictions, curveballs and expert judging from Stephanie Izard in order to make it to hour seven. |
April 24, 2024 |
| 3 |
Shift 3: Resourcefulness Fatigue starts to set in as the chefs face hours seven and eight in this intense culinary journey. Hosts Michael Symon and Esther Choi put forth three challenges in one where the chefs must turn one bag of ingredients into three distinct, delicious meals. This never-before-seen social experiment will be over for whoever fails to impress guest judge Scott Conant. |
April 24, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shift 1: Speed In the first shift, the chefs endure three challenges testing speed to impress judge Antonia Lofaso. |
April 27, 2025 |
| 2 |
Shift 2: Simplicity Michael Symon and Esther Choi begin the second shift with two chefs in a head-to-head elimination that tests simplicity; the 12 remaining chefs face a tricky taste test from judge Graham Elliot. |
May 4, 2025 |
| 3 |
Shift 3: Resourcefulness In a shift that tests resourcefulness, Michael Symon and Esther Choi ask the 11 remaining chefs to create a three-course meal worthy of a black-tie event in 60 minutes; judge Jet Tila decides which chef will be clocking out. |
May 4, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shift 1: Strategy The chefs begin their first shift and try to impress judge Jet Tila. |
April 27, 2026 |
| 2 |
Shift 2: Speed Michael Symon and Esther Choi give the remaining chefs three challenges that test their ability to think and cook fast, including a team relay race and a 15-minute fast-food dish. Expert judge Judy Joo sends two chefs home. |
May 3, 2026 |
| 3 |
Shift 3: Resourcefulness The chefs make a black-tie entrée in 90 minutes with only five ingredients. |
May 10, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Food Network |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 14, 2024 |
| Last aired | April 26, 2026 |
| Runtime | 180 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Sunday at 20:00:00 |