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Fast Foodies
Fast Foodies
Fast Foodies
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Fast Foodies
Genre
Presented by
Narrated byAndrew Morgado
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes22
Production
Executive producers
  • Michael Rucker
  • Julie Golden
  • Dan Peirson
  • Lisa Shannon
Production companyShed Media
Original release
NetworkTruTV
ReleaseFebruary 4, 2021 (2021-02-04) –
April 21, 2022 (2022-04-21)

Fast Foodies is an American reality television series that premiered on TruTV on February 4, 2021. The series features chefs Jeremy Ford (winner of Top Chef: California), Kristen Kish (winner of Top Chef: Seattle), and Justin Sutherland (winner of an Iron Chef America episode, participant on Top Chef: Kentucky) as they attempt to re-create a celebrity guest's favorite fast food item and later make their own take on it. In May 2021, the series was renewed for a second season.[1]

Background

[edit]

The idea was conceived by Shed Media producer Beau Delmore.[2] TruTV announced the ordering of 10 episodes in October 2020. It is produced by Shed Media with Michael Rucker as an executive producer and showrunner. Julie Golden, and Shed Media's Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon also serve as executive producers.[3][4] Rucker says that the show is based on a "dirty secret of fine dining", that the chefs themselves usually just make something fast at the end of their service period when it comes to eating.[5] Rucker also said “We didn’t want a tired series that felt one-note but something that reflected the real world, the amazing spectrum of voices in the culinary world, and was the type of kitchen that you’d actually want to hang out in.”[6] Rucker also said that fast food typically has a memory around it, whether it be childhood nostalgia or a guilty pleasure.[7]

The show was filmed at chef Melissa Perello's former[a] restaurant M. Georgina in Downtown Los Angeles, California.[10][11] Ford said that he got the call in 2020 after some of the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted.[12]

On May 19, 2021, TruTV renewed the series for a second season.[1] It premiered on January 27, 2022.[13]

Format

[edit]

The three chefs meet a celebrity guest and are presented with that guest's favorite fast food dish.

In the first challenge, called the "copycat round", they have to replicate the dish, during which the guest interacts with the chefs and even helps prepare parts of the dish. The guest and the chefs try out each dish and the guest then picks which one is the most similar to the dish.

In the second challenge, called the "remix round", the chefs make their own take on the dish, doing something completely different from the original. The winner of the first challenge gives the other two chefs a minor "handicap", such as having to use some unintended ingredient. No time limits are imposed on the challenges.[2][14]

They try out the new dishes and the guest picks a winner, who takes home the "Chompionship trophy"[11][15] and some memorabilia. The losing chefs then have to take a minor punishment[14][15] such as eating some nasty mix of ingredients or getting food thrown on them.

Broadcast

[edit]

The show premiered on TruTV on February 4, 2021. It ran on Thursdays after episodes of the ninth season of Impractical Jokers.[16] It was also released on HBO Max in late September 2021. Fast Foodies was given a special nine-week ten-episode run starting April 13, 2023 on Food Network.[17]

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
110February 4, 2021 (2021-02-04)April 15, 2021 (2021-04-15)
212January 27, 2022 (2022-01-27)April 21, 2022 (2022-04-21)

Season 1 (2021)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		Guest(s)Fast foodWinning chefOriginal release date [18]US viewers
(millions)
11Joel McHaleChicago-style hot dog from Portillo's RestaurantsJeremyFebruary 4, 2021 (2021-02-04)0.248[19]
Actor Joel McHale talks about the Chicago Red Hot that he enjoys from Portillo's. The chefs recreate the hot dog and then make their own version of the dish. The losers got shot with weiners from a t-shirt cannon.
22Bobby LeeSausage McMuffin with Egg from McDonald'sJustinFebruary 11, 2021 (2021-02-11)0.244[20]
Comedian Bobby Lee shares his favorite fast food item from McDonald's. During the copycat phase, Lee asks trivia questions about his life and tosses eggs to the chef when they answer correctly.
33GaTaHawaiian pizza from Domino's PizzaAll threeFebruary 18, 2021 (2021-02-18)0.201[21]
Rapper and hype man GaTa talks about his favorite fast food pizza, and the chefs have to recreate it and give it their own remix. After GaTa pronounces all three chefs to be the winners, they try a slice of the Pizza of Pain, which is a combo of different ingredients.
44James Van Der BeekBurger and fries from In-N-Out BurgerKristenFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)0.260[22]
Former teen heartthrob actor James Van Der Beek visits the chefs and talks about the classic In-N-Out burger and fries. The losers have to smash a meat patty with their foreheads.
55Amanda SealesCheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco BellJeremyMarch 4, 2021 (2021-03-04)0.255[23]
Actress and television host Amanda Seales visits the chefs and talks about her favorite Taco Bell food item.
66Ron FunchesSpicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy'sJustinMarch 11, 2021 (2021-03-11)0.209[24]
Actor and comedian Ron Funches talks about his favorite go-to fast food item. The losers have to eat popsicles made of ingredients that should not be part of popsicles.
77Kevin Heffernan & Steve LemmeFried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, kerneled corn from KFCKristenMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)0.240[25]
Actors Kevin Hefferman and Steve Lemme known for Super Troopers and other films, as well as their TruTV series Tacoma FD, visit the chefs to try out dishes from the KFC family bucket meal.
88Charlotte McKinneyAll-Natural Burger from Carl's JrJeremyApril 1, 2021 (2021-04-01)0.214[26]
Model and actress Charlotte McKinney had become famous for her Carl's Jr. commercial which aired regionally during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 where she was promoting the All-Natural Burger. Although the burger has been discontinued and McKinney doesn't really eat burgers anymore, the episode brought this back for the chefs to recreate it and give it its own take. The losers have to eat a smoothie full of burger condiments.
99Andy RichterFilet-O-Fish sandwich from McDonald'sKristenApril 8, 2021 (2021-04-08)0.184[27]
Talk show sidekick and comedian Andy Richter visits the chefs and talks about the Filet-O-Fish. The losers have to eat a filet-o-fish sushi and a jello shot.
1010Fortune FeimsterOrange chicken and fried rice from Panda Express[2]KristenApril 15, 2021 (2021-04-15)0.265[28]
Comedian and actor Fortune Feimster visits the chefs and has them cook up a copycat version of orange chicken and fried rice from Panda Express. Although Jeremy takes the longest to cook up the main dish, he wins the copycat round. During the remix round, for their mini-handicap, Kristen and Justin had to spend three minutes preparing their dishes using only chopsticks. Justin does a crispy chicken congee, Jeremy does an orange glazed sweetbreads and pork belly fried rice; and Kristen does a chicken skin with vegetable fried rice. Fortune picks Kristen as the winner; she gets a panda scooter.

Season 2 (2022)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		Guest(s)Fast foodWinning chefOriginal release date [18]US viewers
(millions)
111Nikki GlaserVegan Chicken McNuggets from McDonald'sKristenJanuary 27, 2022 (2022-01-27)0.229[29]
Actor and comedian Nikki Glaser wants to enjoy Chicken McNuggets like she had in her childhood, but she has since become a vegan, so the chefs prepare vegan nuggets for the copycat round.
122Chris JerichoMomma's Pancake Breakfast from Cracker BarrelJeremyFebruary 3, 2022 (2022-02-03)0.144[31]
Professional wrestler and Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho enjoys Momma's Pancake Breakfast from Cracker Barrel, but has poor cooking skills, so the chefs prepare a Momma's Pancake Breakfast for the copycat round.[30]
133Natasha LeggeroSofritas burrito and chips from Chipotle Mexican GrillKristenFebruary 10, 2022 (2022-02-10)0.119[32]
Comedian Natasha Leggero has the chefs copycat the sofritas burrito and chips from Chipotle. Natasha gives them tequila shots. Justin, whose first kitchen job was with Chipotle, easily wins the copycat round. In the remix round, Justin and Jeremy both make seafood risottos, with Justin doing one from smoked lobster/king crab and Jeremy from box crab. Kristen's build-your-own-burrito with dessert ingredients impresses Natasha for her originality. Kristen wins a bunch of Chipotle gift cards. Justin and Jeremy have to wrap themselves together in a burrito, and get lettuce thrown on them.
144Jesse Tyler FergusonThe Original Sandwich from Schlotzsky'sKristenFebruary 17, 2022 (2022-02-17)0.114[33]
Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson has the chefs copycat the Original Sandwich from Schlotzsky's. Jeremy wins the copycat round, and has the other two mix and imbibe "drinks" while wearing goggles they can't really see clearly through. Kristen wins the remix round with a cheese and dough balls. She gets a Schlotzsky's cap. The guys have to pose between Kristen and Jesse wearing "I'm with this loser"-type shirts pointing to the guys.
155Jillian BellChick'n Shack chicken sandwich and crinkle-cut cheese fries from Shake ShackJustinFebruary 24, 2022 (2022-02-24)0.193[34]
Comedian Jillian Bell has the chefs recreate the Chick'n Shack chicken sandwich and crinkly cheese fries from Shake Shack. Kristen wins the copycat round. In the remix round, Jeremy and Justin have to taste cookies with random condiments in them and guess correctly what they are before resuming cooking. Justin makes a duck schnitzel, Kristen makes a spring roll, and Jeremy makes a chicken-of-the-sea tempura tuna salad. Jill picks Justin and he wins a neon sign.
166Reggie WattsWhopper and onion rings from Burger KingJustinMarch 3, 2022 (2022-03-03)0.146[35]
Comedian and musician Reggie Watts has the chefs remake the flame-broiled Whopper and onion rings from Burger King. Jeremy wins the copycat round. During the remix round, Kristen and Justin have to answer trivia questions and if they get it wrong they have to grab metal handles that deliver shocks. Kristen serves caramelized onion and cappelletti gruyere pasta; Jeremy serves smoked beef tartare with smoked beef bone marrow; Justin serves a flame-broiled panzanella salad. Reggie picks Justin for the win, and gives him a Burger King cap. The losers have to wear garbage-made hats and take a bite out of a raw onion.
177Bobby MoynihanBaconator burger from Wendy'sJustinMarch 10, 2022 (2022-03-10)N/A
188Baron DavisNachos Bellgrande from Taco BellJeremyMarch 24, 2022 (2022-03-24)N/A
Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis presents the Nachos Bellgrande dish from Taco Bell, which was placed inside a tank with a tarantula. Kristen wins the copycat round. In the remix round, Jeremy and Justin must either eat hot chicken wings or stand in a bucket of ice; Justin does both. Kristen makes a dish out of high-grade wagyu steak. Jeremy makes lobster with grated corn polenta. Justin makes a pozole (Mexican soup) with chicken feet. Jeremy wins the remix round and gets a framed Taco Bell "Thank You" sign. Justin and Kristen's "punishment" is to drink a smoothie that is poured through an ice sculpture of a butt.
199Lucas BrothersPepperoni pizza and plain wings from Domino's PizzaKristenMarch 31, 2022 (2022-03-31)N/A
2010Adam Pally & Jon GabrusMcDouble burger and McChicken sandwich from McDonald'sJeremyApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)N/A
2111Horatio SanzDouble Cheeseburger and onion rings from White CastleJustinApril 14, 2022 (2022-04-14)N/A
2212Joel McHaleSpaghetti carbonaroAll threeApril 21, 2022 (2022-04-21)N/A
Joel returns except this time, he gives the chefs their toughest challenge by tasking them to put a fast food spin on an unusual dish.

Reception

[edit]

Zach Johnston of Uproxx liked that Fast Foodies did not have the high pressure of the cooking competitions of other reality shows: "A win isn’t going to make some upstart chef’s career or get them a corporate catering gig. The show’s highest ambition is for you to say, 'That looks tasty! And everyone is having so much fun!' " He also wrote that the show "does a great job feeling representative of our diverse nation. Everyone making the show obviously cares about unique voices and experiences, and they prove that in the simplest and most straightforward way possible: by reflecting it through the people appearing on screen."[6] Andy Dehnart of the website Reality Blurred gave the show a B+, saying that it "is fun while it happens and kind of forgettable once it’s over. It resembles its cuisine: rich and enjoyable to consume, with some nutrition and a lot of unctuous filler."[14]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fast Foodies

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fast Foodies is an American cooking competition series that premiered on on February 4, 2021, featuring three acclaimed chefs— and Jeremy Ford, both winners of , and Justin Sutherland, winner of [Iron Chef](/page/Iron Chef)—who challenge themselves to recreate and then elevate a guest's favorite dish into a creation. The show combines elements of culinary recreation and innovation, with each episode centered around a guest who shares a beloved item from chains like or , prompting the chefs to first replicate it authentically before infusing it with high-end twists using premium ingredients and techniques. Guests have included notable figures such as rapper and professional , who bring personal stories tied to their selections, adding a layer of and relatability to the competitive format. The series emphasizes fun, fast-paced challenges in a vibrant set, highlighting the chefs' expertise while demystifying through professional reinterpretation. Since its debut, Fast Foodies has expanded its reach, airing reruns on starting in 2023, and becoming available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, where it has garnered a dedicated audience for its blend of nostalgia, humor, and culinary creativity. The program's lighthearted tone and focus on accessible yet aspirational cooking have contributed to its appeal, earning it a 6.7/10 rating on based on viewer feedback.

Background and Development

Conception

announced on October 28, 2020, that it had ordered 10 episodes of Fast Foodies, a cooking competition series featuring alumni from the Bravo series . The concept for Fast Foodies emerged as a lighthearted, low-pressure format designed to showcase chefs recreating and reimagining popular dishes selected by guests, prioritizing comedic fun and creativity over high-stakes competition tension. The series was produced by Shed Media US in association with , with executive producers including Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon from Shed Media, alongside Michael Rucker for . Pre-premiere promotion emphasized the hosts' pedigrees as Top Chef winners and contestants, building anticipation for the show's debut on February 4, 2021.

Casting and Production Team

The hosts of Fast Foodies are Kristen Kish, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland, all of whom bring expertise from their appearances on Bravo's Top Chef. Kish, the winner of Top Chef Season 10 (Seattle), was selected for her competitive background and on-camera presence, having hosted shows like Travel Channel's 36 Hours. Ford, the Season 13 (California) champion, contributes his fine-dining experience from his Michelin-starred restaurant Stubborn Seed, adding a layer of precision to the show's recreations. Sutherland, a contestant on Season 16 (Kentucky) and winner of Iron Chef America, was chosen for his innovative approach to Southern cuisine and charismatic energy, enhancing the trio's chemistry during challenges. In December 2024, Sutherland was sentenced to two years of probation following a guilty plea to felony threats of violence in a domestic incident. Their shared Top Chef pedigree fosters a playful rivalry and collaborative dynamic, emphasizing humor and camaraderie in the kitchen. Each episode features a rotating celebrity guest who selects their favorite fast food item to inspire the hosts' recreations and remixes, injecting personal anecdotes and enthusiasm into the proceedings. Notable early guests included comedian , who shared his love for a classic burger, and actress , highlighting a beloved drive-thru , setting a tone of accessible involvement. This format allows guests to guide the theme while the hosts compete, blending star power with culinary creativity without overshadowing the core team. The production is led by Shed Media under Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, with key executive producers including Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon, who oversee the blend of competition and comedy. Michael Rucker serves as showrunner and executive producer, drawing from his experience on Top Chef Masters to craft episodes that reveal the "dirty secrets" behind professional recreations of everyday foods. Julie Golden rounds out the core team, contributing to the show's fast-paced structure. The directing emphasizes casual kitchen banter among the hosts, capturing unscripted moments of trial-and-error to maintain an approachable, entertaining vibe. The host lineup reflects intentional diversity in gender, ethnicity, and background, with Kish as an openly LGBTQ+ woman, Ford representing established fine-dining talent, and bringing Midwestern Black culinary perspectives, promoting inclusive representation in food media.

Format and Gameplay

Copycat Challenge

The Copycat Challenge serves as the opening round of each episode, where the three resident chefs and hosts—, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland—attempt to precisely replicate a celebrity guest's chosen fast-food dish using accessible ingredients and professional culinary techniques. No time limits are imposed, allowing focus on achieving close fidelity in taste, texture, and appearance to the original item, often requiring the chefs to reverse-engineer proprietary recipes through experimentation and guest-provided clues. During preparation, the celebrity guest often interacts with the chefs, offering hints or even assisting to guide the process toward greater accuracy. Judging focuses on how closely each version matches the original, with the guest providing key input on authenticity based on sensory —evaluating elements like flavor balance, visual , and overall resemblance. In early episodes, representative copycat dishes included recreating the Sausage McMuffin with Egg, where chefs tackled the precise layering of sausage, egg, and cheese on an , and the , emphasizing the fresh beef patty and signature spread. Other examples featured challenges like mimicking french fries, adjusting for the subtle sweetness from post-cooking seasoning, and replicating items from chains such as , , and to test the chefs' adaptability to diverse fast-food profiles. The guest selects a round winner based on these criteria, though the overall episode victor is determined after the subsequent Remix Challenge.

Remix Challenge

The Remix Challenge serves as the second and culminating round of each episode in Fast Foodies, where the three competing chefs—, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland—transform their recreations from the preceding Copycat Challenge into elevated, gourmet interpretations of the original dish. Building directly on the replicated item, the chefs incorporate premium ingredients, advanced techniques, and creative twists to reimagine while preserving and enhancing its core flavors, such as turning a Cheesy Crunch into shrimp and cheese grits. No time limits are imposed, emphasizing and culinary artistry over speed. The celebrity guest, who selects the winner based on taste, creativity, and successful flavor elevation, awards the "Chompionship" trophy to the top performer, highlighting how effectively the transcends the origins without losing its essence. Losers of the Copycat Challenge enter the Remix round with light-hearted handicaps, known as "Consequences," to add humor and maintain the show's playful tone, such as enduring "The Ice Hole"—eating from a shared, chilled communal bowl—or being targeted by a cannon firing hot dogs. These penalties, often involving spicy foods or minor pranks, ensure all chefs remain engaged while underscoring the competitive yet fun atmosphere.

Broadcast History

Original Airings

Fast Foodies premiered its first season on on February 4, 2021, airing new episodes on Thursdays at 10:30 PM ET/PT. The season consisted of 10 episodes, running through April 15, 2021, with a one-week hiatus on March 18, 2021, due to network scheduling. The second season debuted on January 27, 2022, shifting to Thursdays at 10:00 PM ET/PT and comprising 12 episodes that concluded on April 21, 2022. This season also featured a brief hiatus on March 17, 2022. The finale incorporated unique elements, including a mystery guest and a Fast Foodies alum presenting a dish to transform into . No further scheduling adjustments occurred during the original runs of either season on . The series was canceled after the second season and has not aired new episodes since April 2022.

Syndication and Streaming

Following its premiere on truTV, Fast Foodies expanded its availability to streaming platforms, beginning with HBO Max in September 2021, where all episodes became accessible on demand for subscribers. This addition allowed viewers to catch up on the series outside of linear broadcasts, broadening its audience reach shortly after the initial season concluded. The series was available on HBO Max (rebranded as Max in 2023) until May 2025. It was also available on Hulu in early coverage following its debut. In 2023, the series received further syndication through a special nine-week run of 10 episodes on , starting April 13 at 9:30 PM ET/PT, with back-to-back episodes airing initially to kick off the block. This rerun marathon highlighted the show's enduring appeal as a "hit cooking reality series," extending its visibility on a sibling network amid the lack of new seasons. As of November 2025, Fast Foodies is streamable on the official app and website, enabling on-demand viewing of episodes for users with TV provider authentication, and on . It is available for purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and . International access remains limited, primarily through select regional platforms where content is licensed.

Episodes

Series Overview

Fast Foodies is an American reality television cooking competition series that aired on from 2021 to 2022, featuring three celebrity chefs—Kristen , Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland—who compete to recreate and remix dishes selected by guest celebrities. The show produced a total of 22 episodes across two seasons, with Season 1 consisting of 10 episodes that premiered on February 4, 2021, and Season 2 comprising 12 episodes that began airing on January 27, 2022. Reruns aired on in a special nine-week run starting April 13, 2023. Recurring themes throughout the series centered on a diverse array of fast food chains, including iconic items from Taco Bell, such as the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, and KFC, alongside other staples like McDonald's Filet-O-Fish, with selections often influenced by the personal favorites of celebrity guests ranging from comedians to athletes. These episodes emphasized the chefs' creativity in elevating everyday fast food through precise recreations followed by innovative remixes, highlighting the cultural significance of quick-service dining in American cuisine. The series evolved in Season 2 by incorporating more dynamic and unpredictable elements, such as surprise guest returns from previous alumni and heightened chaos in challenges, exemplified by the season finale where a mystery guest introduced a dish for transformation. This progression added layers of surprise and intensity to the competitions, building on the foundational format while amplifying the entertainment value through guest interactions. As of November 2025, no further seasons have been announced or produced.

Season 1 (2021)

Season 1 of Fast Foodies premiered on on February 4, 2021, and consisted of 10 episodes that aired weekly through April 15, 2021, establishing the show's foundational format of celebrity guests presenting their favorite items for the hosts—, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland—to recreate in a Copycat Challenge and then reimagine in a Remix Challenge. The season highlighted the chefs' competitive yet collaborative dynamic, with their banter and shared enthusiasm for elevating into gourmet experiences building noticeably stronger as the episodes progressed, setting a lighthearted tone for the series. Guests ranged from comedians to actors, each bringing personal stories tied to their selections, which the chefs used to inform their precise recreations and creative twists without relying on recipes. Episode 1 (February 4, 2021): Comedian kicked off the season by challenging the chefs with Portillo's , a classic Midwestern staple loaded with toppings like relish, onions, tomatoes, and sport peppers. In the Copycat Challenge, the trio aimed to nail the exact flavors and textures of the all-beef frank in a bun, drawing on McHale's nostalgia for his roots, before moving to the Remix Challenge to transform the hot dog's components—such as the snap of the casing and the tang of yellow mustard—into elevated dishes that honored the original while showcasing fine-dining techniques. Episode 2 (February 11, 2021): Actor and comedian selected the Sausage Egg McMuffin as his guilty pleasure, a known for its , sausage patty, egg, and . The chefs tackled the Copycat Challenge by replicating the portable item's melty cheese and folded egg precision, inspired by Lee's love for late-morning indulgences, then in the Remix Challenge, they deconstructed elements like the 's savoriness and the muffin's chew to craft innovative morning meals with unexpected gourmet pairings. Episode 3 (February 18, 2021): Musician and actor brought , featuring ham, , and on a thin crust, to test the chefs' ability to balance sweet and savory. During the Copycat Challenge, they focused on capturing the pizza's juicy tang and smoky ham without overpowering the cheese pull, reflecting 's tropical vibe, before the Remix Challenge allowed them to remix the toppings—such as caramelized and cured meats—into sophisticated dishes that played with contrasting flavors. Episode 4 (February 25, 2021): Actor chose the In-N-Out burger, an iconic item with two beef patties, cheese, , tomato, onion, and special sauce on a sesame bun. The Copycat Challenge required the chefs to recreate the fresh, never-frozen patty's char and the sauce's tangy balance, tied to Van Der Beek's West Coast memories, while the Remix Challenge saw them reworking the burger's layers—like the crisp and melty cheese—into refined entrees that amplified the casual diner's essence. Episode 5 (March 4, 2021): Comedian and actress presented Taco Bell's Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a hybrid of a soft , crunchy shell, seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, and sauce. In the Copycat Challenge, the chefs worked to duplicate the dual-texture contrast and spicy beef filling, drawing from Seales' passion for the item's bold convenience, before the Remix Challenge let them innovate with the core components—such as the molten cheese and zesty sauce—to produce fusion plates that elevated the Mexican-inspired . Episode 6 (March 11, 2021): Comedian opted for Spicy Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy fried fillet, , mayo, and a spicy sauce on a bun. The Copycat Challenge centered on achieving the chicken's crunch and heat level, aligned with Funches' affinity for bold flavors, as the chefs layered the toppings meticulously; in the Remix Challenge, they remixed the spicy elements and tender poultry into upscale variations that maintained the sandwich's fiery spirit. Episode 7 (March 25, 2021): Actors Kevin Heffernan and , stars of , selected KFC's family meal, emphasizing the Original Recipe's herb-and-spice coating on juicy pieces. The Copycat Challenge involved perfecting the eleven herbs and spices' crunch and moisture lock, inspired by the duo's comedic take on , before the Remix Challenge transformed the chicken's crispy skin and seasoned meat into inventive dishes incorporating global influences. Episode 8 (April 1, 2021): Model and actress chose 's All-Natural Burger, a grass-fed beef patty with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mustard on a , nodding to her past ads for the chain. The chefs recreated the clean, simple flavors and fresh toppings in the Copycat Challenge, capturing McKinney's "burger girl" history, then remixed the natural ingredients—like the lean patty and crisp veggies—into health-conscious yet indulgent gourmet burgers. Episode 9 (April 8, 2021): Comedian introduced , a with and cheese on a steamed , a staple he cherished from his days. The Copycat Challenge focused on the delicate breading and tangy sauce replication, while the Challenge enabled the chefs to elevate the seafood sandwich's mild flavors with premium fish and creative sauces for sophisticated takes. Episode 10 (April 15, 2021): Comedian wrapped the season with , the sticky, sweet-and-sour bites served with rice. In the Copycat Challenge, the chefs aimed to match the glossy glaze and crispy coating, reflecting Feimster's love for the addictive Asian-inspired dish, before the Challenge reimagined the citrusy sauce and tender chicken into refined entrees blending sweet heat with elegant presentations.

Season 2 (2022)

The second season of Fast Foodies premiered on on January 27, 2022, and ran for 12 episodes, airing weekly on Thursdays through April 21, 2022. Compared to the first season's 10 episodes, this season expanded with more experimental elements, including guest spots by returning from prior episodes and mystery twists, particularly in the later episodes like secret ingredients and surprise reveals in the finale. The core gameplay retained the Copycat and challenges, but episodes often incorporated thematic twists tied to the guests' preferences, such as vegan adaptations or secret menu hacks. Episode 1: Nikki Glaser (January 27, 2022)
Comedian kicked off the season by challenging the chefs—, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland—to recreate in a vegan version, drawing from her childhood memories of the item while adding a modern dietary twist. In the Copycat round, the chefs focused on mimicking the crispy texture and tangy without animal products, leading to humorous mishaps like overly sticky batters. The Remix challenge elevated the nuggets into gourmet dishes, with Kish winning for her innovative plant-based reinterpretation that balanced crunch and flavor; the episode highlighted the season's emphasis on inclusive adaptations, setting a playful tone. Episode 2: Chris Jericho (February 3, 2022)
Wrestling star brought his favorite Momma's Pancake Breakfast, complete with pancakes, eggs, and bacon, tasking the chefs with replicating the hearty, homey meal under time pressure. The Copycat round emphasized stacking fluffy pancakes and syncing sides for a balanced plate, while Jericho's energetic presence added wrestling-themed banter. In the Remix, Ford triumphed with a savory-sweet upscale version incorporating smoked elements, showcasing the season's evolution toward more theatrical guest interactions. Episode 3: Natasha Leggero (February 10, 2022)
Comedian selected Chipotle's Sofritas and Chips, challenging the chefs to capture the spicy, plant-based filling and fresh wrap that she craves for its bold flavors. The episode featured a unique assembly-line twist in the Copycat round to mimic fast-casual efficiency, with mishaps in spice levels providing . Kish won the Remix by infusing global influences into an elevated bowl, underscoring the season's growing focus on customizable, shareable formats. Episode 4: (February 17, 2022)
Actor presented The Original Sandwich, a deli-style creation with meats, cheeses, and veggies, prompting the chefs to nail the toasted texture and layered fillings. The Copycat challenge included a pairing with strong cocktails for a party vibe, reflecting Ferguson's social preferences. The Remix round saw Kish excel with a deconstructed slider, highlighting the season's integration of beverage elements as a novel twist. Episode 5: Jillian Bell (February 24, 2022)
Actress chose Shake Shack's Chick'n Shack and Cheese Fries, focusing on the crispy and loaded spuds that evoke comfort for her. In the Copycat, chefs battled crispy breading and melty cheese adhesion, with Bell's candid feedback adding levity. Sutherland claimed victory in the via a spiced-up, elevated fry tower, exemplifying the season's push toward bolder flavor profiles in remixes. Episode 6: (March 3, 2022)
opted for Burger King's and Onion Rings, a classic combo he enjoys for its smoky beef and crunchy sides. The episode introduced a interlude during prep, tying into Watts' style, while the Copycat round stressed flame-grilled authenticity. won the Remix with a fusion burger incorporating musical "notes" of herbs, marking the season's blend of entertainment and cuisine. Episode 7: (March 10, 2022)
Comedian selected Burger, named after a cyborg-like creation, delivered dramatically by a for thematic flair. Chefs underwent quirky makeovers like in the Copycat to match the fun energy, replicating the double-patty stack with weave. Sutherland's Remix triumphed with a deconstructed, upscale , illustrating the season's increasing use of props and surprises. Episode 8: (March 24, 2022)
player brought Taco Bell's Nachos Bellgrande, loaded with beef, cheese, and chips, sharing stories of courtside snacking. The Copycat featured a "" layering technique for even distribution, with Davis judging on portion size. Ford won the Remix by transforming it into a nacho tower with tropical salsa hints, nodding to the season's occasional thematic diversions like sports motifs. Episode 9: Lucas Brothers (March 31, 2022)
Comedian twins Keith and Kenny Lucas chose Pepperoni Pizza and Plain Wings, a duo of indulgent staples for their shared fast-food rituals. The Copycat round split tasks between pizza dough tossing and wing saucing, with twin banter amplifying the chaos. Kish's fused the items into a hybrid , emphasizing the season's collaborative guest dynamics. Episode 10: Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus (April 7, 2022)
Comedians and presented a "secret menu" hack combining and sandwiches, challenging the chefs with its layered, budget-friendly ingenuity. The Copycat required precise stacking to avoid collapse, incorporating duo-specific tweaks. Ford secured the win in the Remix with an artisanal double-decker, highlighting the season's nod to fan-hacked customs. Episode 11: Horatio Sanz (April 14, 2022)
Comedian selected White Castle's Double and Onion Rings, an "engineered" sliders meal he loves for its simplicity and nostalgia. The Copycat focused on mini-bun steaming and ring crispiness, with Sanz adding SNL anecdotes. Sutherland prevailed in the Remix via a slider board, building anticipation for the finale's mysteries. Episode 12: Joel McHale (April 21, 2022)
Actor closed the season with a twist, featuring a mystery Fast Foodies alum alongside his choice of Spaghetti Carbonara—reimagined from roots into a fast-food style pasta dish. The episode ramped up chaos with secret ingredients and alum-assisted judging in both rounds, culminating in a collaborative win for all three chefs on an elevated carbonara remix. This finale exemplified the season's experimental evolutions, blending surprise elements for a memorable close.

Reception

Critical Response

Fast Foodies has received generally positive reviews from critics, who praise its relaxed format and the chemistry among hosts Kristen Kish, Jeremy Ford, and Justin Sutherland. Zach Johnston of Uproxx highlighted the show's lack of high-pressure competition, describing it as a "chill" and "laid-back-yet-engaging" experience that feels like a "breath of fresh air" in the cooking competition genre. He also commended its representation of diversity, noting that the series reflects "the real world" through its casting and approach, as emphasized by showrunner Michael Rucker. Similarly, Andy Dehnart of Reality Blurred awarded the series a B+ rating, appreciating its blend of unconventional cooking competition and "affectionate hang-out" that delivers a "satisfying half-hour" of lighthearted fun. Critics have noted some minor flaws, such as occasional uneven pacing during the remix challenges, where the creative reinterpretations can feel like "unctuous filler" amid the . Despite this, the overall acclaim centers on the hosts' engaging banter and supportive dynamic, which fosters a welcoming atmosphere for wild ideas and mutual encouragement. A review from echoed this positivity for the "freewheeling atmosphere" but critiqued the show's promotional undertones, rating it 3 out of 5 for resembling an "" for fast-food chains while lacking deeper motivation behind the cooking. In terms of awards recognition, Fast Foodies earned a at the 2022 Hollywood Professional Association Awards for Outstanding in an episode from Season 2, underscoring its innovative format in . truTV promoted the series as a fresh take on culinary shows, emphasizing its bingeable, authentic style that avoids typical drama. The show's enduring appeal was evident in its 2023 run on , where it aired for nine weeks, continuing to draw viewers with its creative fast-food recreations.

Audience and Legacy

Fast Foodies garnered a dedicated during its run on , contributing to its renewal for a second season in May 2021 as part of the network's expanding and slate. The series' lighthearted format and guests helped it achieve streaming availability on HBO Max shortly after its premiere, broadening its reach beyond cable viewers. While specific Nielsen ratings were modest, with episodes averaging around 104,000 viewers in select airings, the show's appeal as an accessible cooking competition positioned it as a network success, leading to a nine-week rerun block on in 2023. Fan reception has been generally positive, reflected in an IMDb user rating of 6.7 out of 10 based on 360 reviews, where viewers frequently praised the hosts' chemistry and the entertaining recreations of dishes. Many highlighted the show's binge-worthy quality and humorous take on culinary challenges, with comments noting its uniqueness and fun despite occasional critiques of the chefs' styles. This grassroots enthusiasm aligns with broader critical acclaim for its comedic elements, though the series maintained a niche following rather than mainstream blockbuster status. The legacy of Fast Foodies lies in its timely embrace of comfort food nostalgia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when surveys indicated that two-thirds of Americans increased consumption of familiar, indulgent items like fast food favorites for emotional solace. Airing from 2021 to 2022, the program amplified interest in reimagining everyday eats through professional twists, resonating with homebound viewers seeking escapist entertainment. However, potential for further seasons was complicated by host Justin Sutherland's 2024 legal troubles, including a guilty plea to threats of violence stemming from a domestic incident involving a , which led to , , and the loss of several professional partnerships. As of November 2025, no third season has been announced, with the hosts shifting focus to individual endeavors— continuing as host of and leading the kitchen for a new members-only at The Ned in , which opened in spring 2025, Jeremy Ford having opened the Michelin-starred Stubborn Seed in , and Sutherland navigating post-sentencing recovery while maintaining his culinary presence in the .

References

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