Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer returns to her roots this summer as host of Family Recipe Showdown, a new Southern home cooking competition premiering Thursday, July 17 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network and streaming the next day on HBO Max.
Set in New Orleans, the eight-episode series celebrates family traditions and cherished recipes, with contestants competing for a $10,000 prize. Spencer is joined by resident expert and Southern culinary legend Edgar “Dook” Chase. Each episode features two rounds of cook-offs, with celebrity guests like Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain, Danielle Brooks, and Al Roker appearing to judge the final dishes.
“This show is about family, friends, and food—there’s nothing better than that,” said Spencer.
Produced by Hello Sunshine and Orit Entertainment, Family Recipe Showdown highlights beloved dishes like buttery biscuits and cast-iron favorites. It brings heartfelt storytelling and high-stakes flavor to the kitchen every week.
For more, follow #FamilyRecipeShowdown on social media and visit FoodNetwork.com.
