Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE is a one-hour, elimination competition series that features a face-off between five talented chefs who must create mind-blowing Thanksgiving dishes. Giada puts these competitors to the test, challenging them to prepare the most delicious and innovative turkeys, side dishes and desserts to ever hit a dining room table. Judges Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall and Christian Petroni determine which chef heads into the holiday with the $25,000 grand prize and bragging rights. The three-episode series premieres Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network, and the winner was named on Sunday, November 18 at 9pm. Competitors in the first season were: Darnell Ferguson, Deborah Vantrece, Jackie Rothong, Josh Hedquist, and Jordan Economy.

Season 2 of ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE premiered on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT. In the season opener, "Bang for Your Buck," six of America's best chefs begin their journey, as host Giada De Laurentiis sets up their first challenge: transforming a low-cost item into an extraordinary Thanksgiving appetizer. The winner gets an advantage in the dinner round, when the chefs must feature an inexpensive turkey item in their turkey dinner. Expert judges Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall and Christian Petroni decide which chef is sent home, and the remaining competitors continue toward the $25,000 grand prize on Sunday, November 24th at 9pm ET/PT. Season 2 competitors include: Eric Howard, Jen Brule, Robin Song, Christian Gill, Kelli Ferrell, and Mary Bass.
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On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT, Food Network premiered "$25,000 Thanksgiving," the Season 2 finale of ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE. Giada challenges the three final chefs -- Eric, Christian, and Robin -- to make a dish that represents the person they're most thankful for, and they each have to incorporate a different type of squash. The chef who most impresses judges Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall and Christian Petroni wins a critical advantage for the dinner round, when the chefs have to make the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. The final three chefs battle through hours of cooking until the best walks away with $25,000 and the title of Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge Champion.