Plot Synopsis

In this five-episode tournament of CUTTHROAT KITCHEN, host Alton Brown leads 16 sabotage-hungry chefs through the culinary mayhem and a chance to win up to $50,000. Starting with the 1950s and ending in the 1990s, each heat is all about the iconic dishes and cultural touchstones of one decade. From 1950s diners and protest signs of the 1960s to 1970s disco, the video game mania of the 1980s and the boy band explosion of the 1990s, each battle reflects the food, clothes and crazes of years gone by. Four chefs compete in each of the first four heats, with the four heat winners facing off in the finale. The episodes are:

1950s (June 1): The chefs kick off the tournament by stuffing themselves into a 1950s phone booth as they make an all-American breakfast. Then, one chef shows off his rock and roll moves to win ingredients for a TV dinner. Finally, a contestant must wear a dress blowing in their face, ala Marilyn, while making a milkshake and fries. Competitors: Guilherme Barreto (New York, New York), Chris Gentile (San Diego, California), Dwayne Ingraham (Oxford, Mississippi), Jessica Roy (Boston, Massachusetts) Judge: Simon Majumdar.

1960s (June 8): The chefs head back to the 1960s by riding around the kitchen in a mustard submarine. Then, contestants have to prep Chicken Kiev on protest signs. In the last challenge, one chef must make banana pudding while wearing a space suit. Competitors: DeMarco Ellis (Lancaster, California), Nancy Manlove (Houston, Texas), Perry Pollaci (Los Angeles, California), Jose Rego (New Bedford, Massachusetts) Judge: Jet Tila.

1970s (June 15): The chefs must ride on a 1970s banana seat bicycle while making hamburger mac and cheese, followed by a disco-themed quiche challenge. Next, a chef must dress up as a human disco ball and make Crepes Suzette. Competitors: Adia Benson (Lake Forest, Illinois), Clay Carnes (Wellington, Florida), Martha Esquivel (Los Angeles, California), Chris Mortenson (St. Helena, California) Judge: Richard Blais.

1980s (June 22): For the 1980s themed battle, the chefs have to rent VHS tapes to get the ingredients for their Chinese chicken salad. Then, one must cook a blackened fish dish in a bouncing cigarette boat. Finally, a competitor has to play a giant, live-action video game as they make a toaster pastry. Competitors: Guy Clark (Caramel Valley, California), Craig Jones (Detroit, Michigan), Won Kim (Chicago, Illinois), Elizabeth Solheim (Chicago, Illinois) Judge: Antonia Lofaso.

1990s (June 29): Tournament Finale, immediately following an encore presentation of all previous episodes from 5-9pm.

In the grand finale of the Time Warp Tournament, the chefs head back to the 1990s. First up, three chefs have to join a boy band as they make barbecue chicken pizza. Then, two chefs have to make fried calamari while riding on a ship bow. Finally, one chef has to go through a giant, physically-challenging obstacle course as they make cookie dough ice cream.