Alex vs America - Episode Guide

Season 1

Alex vs Shellfish

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2022

Alex vs Shellfish

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three talented shellfish experts from Louisiana, Maine and Hawaii to challenge Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in two intense rounds of cooking. In round one, the chefs seal their fate by choosing the ingredients they and Alex will cook with. One chef is eliminated before round two, where they have the chance to win up to $15,000 if they can win over judges Tiffani Faison and Tetsu Yahagi and defeat Chef Alex.

Alex vs Beef

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Jan 9, 2022

Alex vs Beef

The star of the competition is an iconic American ingredient: beef! Host Eric Adjepong challenges three skilled chefs from Oklahoma, Georgia and Texas to prove their mastery of beef by knocking Chef Alex Guarnaschelli off her pedestal. The chefs strategize what ingredients to use, and judges Cara Nicoletti and Michael Voltaggio decide if the competitors keep Chef Alex on her toes or if she walks all over them.

Alex vs Spicy

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Jan 16, 2022

Alex vs Spicy

The arena heats up as host Eric Adjepong welcomes three chefs from Arizona, Washington, D.C., and California who are ready to show Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and the judges their unique take on cooking with spice. Their strategy of choosing ingredients in round one could help them succeed, but it may not be enough to get them a win in the second round. Judges Antonia Lofaso and Bricia Lopez determine which chef can stand the heat and take the win.

Alex vs Noodles

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Jan 23, 2022

Alex vs Noodles

Three chefs specializing in noodles and hailing from New York, California and New Jersey meet host Eric Adjepong in the arena for their chance to knock Chef Alex Guarnaschelli out of the competition. The chefs strategize what type of pasta and ingredients they cook with in round one, and then judges Evan Funke and Jet Tila decide whether the self-proclaimed noodle experts have what it takes to beat Chef Alex.

Alex vs Chocolate

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Jan 30, 2022

Alex vs Chocolate

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three chocolatiers from Tennessee, Florida and California to the arena to take on classically trained Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a competition for dessert domination. The chefs must strategize what ingredients to use in round one in hopes of knocking Chef Alex out of the competition. In round two, the remaining chefs rely on their knowledge of chocolate work to vie for the top spot and the chance to win $10,000 as awarded by judges Valerie Gordon and Jonathan Grahm.

Season 2

Alex vs Italian

Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Jul 31, 2022

Alex vs Italian

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three chefs specializing in Italian cuisine from New York, Florida and New Jersey into the arena. The chefs strategize which ingredients to choose that will take Chef Alex Guarnaschelli out in round one. In a competitive round two, judges Evan Funke and Antonia Lofaso will determine if one of these Italian experts have the chops to beat Alex in her own kitchen.

Alex vs Brunch

Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Jul 31, 2022

Alex vs Brunch

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three talented brunch experts from New Hampshire, California and Arizona to challenge Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in two intense rounds of cooking. In round one, the chefs seal their fate by choosing the ingredients everyone will be challenged to cook with. Judges Adrienne Cheatham and Brooke Williamson eliminate one chef before round two, where taking first place could win a chef $10,000, but only if they can defeat Chef Alex.

Alex vs Pork

Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Aug 7, 2022

Alex vs Pork

Eric Adjepong hosts as Chef Alex Guarnaschelli goes up against three pork experts from New York, Washington and Arkansas. The chefs do their best to choose ingredients that will knock Alex out of the competition in round one. In round two, the remaining competitors will use their knowledge of pork to impress judges Kathy Fang and Simon Majumdar, vying for the top spot and the chance to win $10,000.

Alex vs Cheese

Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Aug 14, 2022

Alex vs Cheese

Host Eric Adjepong introduces three skilled chefs from California, Texas and North Carolina to take on one of America's favorite ingredients: cheese! The chefs strategize what ingredients to use to take a shot at knocking Chef Alex Guarnaschelli out of the top spot and test their abilities. Judges Michael Voltaggio and Leah Park Fierro's decision will lead to one of the most unexpected winner announcements yet.

Alex vs French

Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Aug 21, 2022

Alex vs French

It's a battle for the ages as host Eric Adjepong welcomes three French experts from California, Florida and Colorado to attempt to take down classically French-trained Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Their strategy picking ingredients in round one could help the chefs succeed, but will it be enough to get them a win in the second round? Judges Ludo Lefebvre and Victoire Loup will determine which chef can dominate the competition in an emotional final challenge.

Alex vs Desserts

Episode: 2x06 | Airdate: Aug 28, 2022

Alex vs Desserts

Three seasoned dessert chefs from California, Washington and Texas challenge Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in two sweet rounds of cooking hosted by Eric Adjepong. The chefs are betting their pastry skills will give them a chance at taking down Alex, but it will be up to judges Sherry Yard and Dahlia Narvaez to decide on the winner.

Alex vs No Meat

Episode: 2x07 | Airdate: Sep 4, 2022

Alex vs No Meat

Three chefs from New York, Oregon and Texas who specialize in vegetarian and vegan cuisine meet host Eric Adjepong in the arena with the hopes of knocking Chef Alex Guarnaschelli out of the competition and a chance to win $10,000.

Alex vs Modernist Cuisine

Episode: 2x08 | Airdate: Sep 11, 2022

Alex vs Modernist Cuisine

Expect the unexpected when host Eric Adjepong welcomes three modernist cuisine experts from New Jersey, Colorado and South Carolina. These chefs are ready to stretch the boundaries of food in two rounds of intense competition, and judges Byron Gomez Chacon and Marcel Vigneron will decide if they succeed in outcooking Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.

Season 3

Alex vs James Beard Winners

Episode: 3x01 | Airdate: Apr 16, 2023

Alex vs James Beard Winners

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three powerhouse James Beard-winning chefs from Illinois, Georgia and California to the arena. These chefs know Alex Guarnaschelli personally, and they're ready to show off how they won one the most prestigious culinary awards in America. Iconic judges Stephanie Izard and Kwame Onwauchi determine which chef can dominate the competition in an emotional two rounds of impressive cooking.

Alex vs Chicken

Episode: 3x02 | Airdate: Apr 23, 2023

Alex vs Chicken

Three chicken-loving chefs from Florida, California and Illinois hope their poultry skills are enough to beat Alex Guarnaschelli's competition prowess. In round one, host Eric Adjepong asks the chefs to strategize what ingredients they hope will knock Alex out of the competition. In round two, the chicken challenge continues with the remaining chefs using their cooking skills to vie for the top spot. In a blind judging, Jet Tila and Gabriele Bertaccini determine which chef has the best chicken dish, whether it's Alex's or not!

Alex vs Bacon

Episode: 3x03 | Airdate: Apr 30, 2023

Alex vs Bacon

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and three skilled chefs from across the country meet host Eric Adjepong to take on one of America's favorite ingredients: bacon! Joining the fight from California, Massachusetts and Colorado, these bacon experts take their shot at knocking Alex out of the top spot. They'll have to prove their abilities and bacon know-how in front of judges Chris Cosentino and Cara Nicoletti to best Chef Alex with the country's most-loved protein.

Alex vs Southern Comfort

Episode: 3x04 | Airdate: May 7, 2023

Alex vs Southern Comfort

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli enters the arena to meet host Eric Adjepong and face three Southern comfort food experts hailing from Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina. These chefs will have to strategize what ingredients to use in round one in hopes of knocking Alex out of the competition. In round two, the comfort food celebration continues as the remaining chefs use their cooking skills to impress judges Kelsey Barnard Clarke and Adrienne Cheatham.

Alex vs Salmon

Episode: 3x05 | Airdate: May 14, 2023

Alex vs Salmon

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three of the country's most skilled salmon experts. Representing Washington, California and Alaska, these chefs must prove their knowledge of fish can compete with Alex Guarnaschelli's experience. The ingredients they choose in round one could give them an advantage or help Alex blow them out of the water. The chefs that make it to round two have the chance to win up to $15,000 if they can manage to win over judges Fariyal Abdullahi and Brooke Williamson and beat Chef Alex.

Alex vs Hawaii

Episode: 3x06 | Airdate: May 21, 2023

Alex vs Hawaii

Host Eric Adjepong invites three chefs hailing from the great island of Hawaii to take on Alex Guarnaschelli in a competition celebrating the uniqueness of Hawaiian food. The chefs strategize what type of ingredients will help them be successful in round one, but they'll have to impress judges Roy Yamaguchi and Sheldon Simeon to knock Chef Alex out of the competition and claim their prize.

Alex vs Pastry

Episode: 3x07 | Airdate: May 28, 2023

Alex vs Pastry

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three experienced competition pastry chefs from Kentucky, California and New Jersey to outshine Alex Guarnaschelli's pastry knowledge. The pastry chefs pull out all the stops in two intense rounds of competition, giving Alex a run for her money. Judges Sherry Yard and Stephanie Boswell determine whether these chefs have what it takes to bring her down.

Alex vs Game Day

Episode: 3x08 | Airdate: Jun 4, 2023

Alex vs Game Day

Three talented chefs representing some of the busiest sports stadiums in the United States join host Eric Adjepong and challenge Alex Guarnaschelli in a battle for the best game day dish. In round one, the chefs seal their fate by choosing the ingredients everyone will be using and hope their decision will give them the advantage. Antonia Lofaso and Beau MacMillan judge as one chef is eliminated before going into round two, where they have the chance to win up to $15,000 if they can knock Chef Alex out of the ballpark.

Alex vs Potatoes

Episode: 3x09 | Airdate: Jun 11, 2023

Alex vs Potatoes

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three chefs who specialize in one of America's favorite foods: the potato. Spud experts from Massachusetts, New York and Colorado will have to strategize what ingredients they think will take Alex Guarnaschelli out in round one. Then in round two, judges Simon Majumdar and Ricardo Zarate determine if one of these chefs has the chops to beat Chef Alex in her own kitchen.

Alex vs California

Episode: 3x10 | Airdate: Jun 11, 2023

Alex vs California

Host Eric Adjepong invites three California-based chefs to take down New Yorker Alex Guarnaschelli with their coastal cuisine. Representing different parts of the Golden State, the chefs bet their skills with Californian food will give them a chance at defeating Chef Alex. Judges Michael Voltaggio and Troy Johnson decide if their strategy and talent give them the edge they need.

Season 4

Alex vs Iron Chefs

Episode: 4x01 | Airdate: Jul 14, 2024

Alex vs Iron Chefs

In the season premiere, Alex competes against her longtime friends and fiercest rivals - fellow Iron Chefs Michael Symon, Stephanie Izard and Jose Garces in an intense and emotional two-round showdown for the ages.

Alex vs New York City

Episode: 4x02 | Airdate: Jul 21, 2024

Alex vs New York City

Host Eric Adjepong introduces three talented competitors not just from Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's home state, but her home city: New York! Representing the city's the diverse cuisine, the chefs will have to strategize what ingredients to use in round one in hopes to knock Alex out of the competition. Judges Marcus Samuelsson and Leah Cohen keep the Big Apple in mind as the remaining chefs use their skills to vie for the top spot.

Alex vs Frozen Desserts

Episode: 4x03 | Airdate: Jul 28, 2024

Alex vs Frozen Desserts

Host Eric Adjepong challenges three pastry chefs specializing in frozen desserts to take on Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, and these cool treat experts will have to strategize on what ingredients they think will take Alex out in round one. In a competitive round two, judges Duff Goldman and Natasha Case will determine if one of these chefs is cool and collected enough to beat Alex in her own kitchen.

Alex vs Lobster

Episode: 4x04 | Airdate: Aug 4, 2024

Alex vs Lobster

Host Eric Adjepong brings in three lobster specialists from Maine, New York, and Connecticut to face Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in two boiling hot rounds of culinary competition. As they prove their skill with the king of crustaceans, judges Antonia Lofaso and Esther Choi see if anyone can sink their claws into Alex's reputation.

Alex vs Mediterranean

Episode: 4x05 | Airdate: Aug 18, 2024

Alex vs Mediterranean

Host Eric Adjepong brings in chefs from California, Texas and New York to show up Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a battle of Mediterranean specialties. These experts take their shot at blowing Alex out of the water as they hope their ingredient choices will put them in favor with judges Gabriele Bertaccini and Einat Admony.

Alex vs Ultimate Fruits

Episode: 4x06 | Airdate: Aug 18, 2024

Alex vs Ultimate Fruits

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three talented fruit experts from across the United States to challenge Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a battle for the best fruit dish. In round one, the chefs seal their fate by choosing the ingredients everyone will be using, and their pick could give them an advantage or help Alex dominate the competition. After judges Troy Johnson and Lee Anne Wong send one chef home, the remaining competitors amp up their produce game in an effort to claim up to $15,000.

Alex vs Japan

Episode: 4x07 | Airdate: Aug 25, 2024

Alex vs Japan

Host Eric Adjepong invites three expert Japanese chefs to take on Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a competition that's way out of her comfort zone. Skilled chefs from Washington, Illinois and New York test their mastery of Japanese cuisine in two rounds of intense competition, while judges Shota Nakajima and Tetsu Yahagi decide if these chefs have what it takes to beat an Iron Chef in her own arena.

Alex vs Eggs

Episode: 4x08 | Airdate: Sep 1, 2024

Alex vs Eggs

Host Eric Adjepong challenges Chef Alex Guarnaschelli with one of the most versatile ingredients as three egg-loving chefs from Kansas, Washington, DC, and California hope their skills with eggs will crack Alex's competition prowess. In a blind judging, Brooke Williamson and Michael Voltaggio see if any of the challengers can leave Alex feeling scrambled in her own kitchen.

Alex vs Rice

Episode: 4x09 | Airdate: Sep 8, 2024

Alex vs Rice

Host Eric Adjepong invites three chefs representing California, Washington and New York to tackle one of most difficult foods to pull off in competitions -- rice! They will have to prove their skills with rice can compete with Alex Guarnaschelli's knowledge of intense competition as judges Jet Tila and Claudette Zepeda decide who has a chance at the money round.

Alex vs Southwest

Episode: 4x10 | Airdate: Sep 15, 2024

Alex vs Southwest

Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three award-winning chefs from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to show Chef Alex Guarnaschelli the best of the Southwest. While they use their seasoned cooking skills to outcook the Iron Chef, noted Southwestern judges Beau MacMillan and Maria Mason determine which chef can handle the heat in two spicy rounds of competition.

Season 5

Alex vs Tournament of Champions Winners

Episode: 5x01 | Airdate: Oct 7, 2025

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In the premiere episode,Eric will introduce Alex to this season's theme, "Alex's Nightmares." The episode will feature Alex taking on some of the best competition chefs in the game, three Tournament of Champions winners: Antonia Lofaso, Tiffani Faison, and Mei Lin. Each of these champs defeated five other All-Star Chefs in a row without a single loss to win their title. Not only are these chefs some of the most formidable competitors, but they are also close friends and colleagues of Alex, which will render the two rounds of cooking even more intense. It will be a battle for the ages to see if Alex can defeat these conquerors of the randomizer. 

Alex vs Chopped Judges

Episode: 5x02 | Airdate: Oct 14, 2025

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Host Eric Adjepong has some tricks up his sleeve when he invites three all-star Chopped judges and some of Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's closest friends to the arena. James Beard Award winners Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant, along with Tournament of Champions winner Maneet Chauhan, enter the kitchen with a plan to take Alex down, using some of the most difficult ingredients yet. Antonia Lofaso and Jonathon Sawyer judge this historic battle and decide which of the exceptional chefs will go out in the first round. Will Alex be able to defend her name in lights, or will her trusted colleagues become her greatest enemies?

Alex vs Thailand

Episode: 5x03 | Airdate: Oct 21, 2025

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Chef Jet Tila curates a group of Thai chefs ready to blow Chef Alex Guarnaschelli out of the water with their skills in Thai cuisine. Previous Alex vs America winner Sugar Sungkamee and James Beard Nominee Arnold Myint join Chef Jet with a plan to take Alex down in the first round. In unfamiliar food territory, will Iron Chef Guarnaschelli be able to hold her own, or will she be forced to put down her knives in the first round? Host Eric Adjepong welcomes Thai experts Justin Pichetrungsi and Penny Chutima to judge in two rounds of spicy and intense cooking.

Alex vs Winners

Episode: 5x04 | Airdate: Oct 28, 2025

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Host Eric Adjepong welcomes back three incomparable chefs who have each beaten Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in past competitions. It's one of Alex's biggest nightmares yet as chefs Kevin Lee, Taylor Frankel and Jonathon Sawyer return to defend their winning title. In two rounds of intense competition, renowned chefs and judges Marcus Samuelsson and Maneet Chauhan decide if Alex will find redemption.

Alex vs Her Favorite Chefs

Episode: 5x05 | Airdate: Nov 4, 2025

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Host Eric Adjepong welcomes some of Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's favorite chefs to the arena, but it's not for fun, it's with the mission to take her down! All-star chefs Geoffrey Zakarian, Rocco DiSpirito and Gabriele Bertaccini prepare to compete in two rounds of intense culinary competition using what they know about Alex to outcook her. Food Network Star Aarti Sequeira and Tournament of Champions winner Mei Lin judge these four friends in a raucous and fierce competition. 

Alex vs Mexico

Episode: 5x06 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2025

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Host Eric Adjepong welcomes three award-winning chefs specializing in Mexican cuisine to the arena. Ray Garcia, Claudette Zepeda and Gustavo Romero are ready to take on Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a battle celebrating America's neighbors to the South. Chef Alex fights to maintain her dominance against skilled chefs in a cuisine she loves to eat but rarely cooks, but will these skilled chefs be too spicy for Alex to handle? Respected chefs Daniela Soto-Innes and Bricia Lopez judge whether Alex has the expertise to get the better of these Mexican experts in her own house.

Alex vs Restaurant Teams

Episode: 5x07 | Airdate: Nov 18, 2025

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It's six against one! Never before seen in the Alex vs America arena, host Eric Adjepong invites three restaurant teams, consisting of an executive chef and sous chef, to take on Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. With only herself to rely on, Alex will have to outcook acclaimed teams of chefs who have years of experience cooking together. In two rounds, where anyone can be sent home, will she be able to keep up? The expert team of restaurateurs and brothers Michael and Bryan Voltaggio serve as judges for these exciting battles.

Alex vs Pastry

Episode: 5x08 | Airdate: Nov 25, 2025

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Eric Adjepong hosts as experienced bakers and successful competitors Keya Wingfield, Melissa Yanc and Karina Rivera join forces to take down Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a pastry battle. As the cuisines get even more difficult, Alex must use her expertise in gameplay to outthink and outcook her opponents. Stephanie Boswell and Sherry Yard judge the two rounds of competition, where the chefs have a chance to win up to $15,000, but only if they can defeat Chef Alex!

Specials

Chefs' Cut: Alex vs Beef

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Aug 7, 2022

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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Alex vs America host Eric Adjepong react to the beef battle episode, assessing whether any of the three competing beef pros have what it takes to beat Chef Alex. They pick their most memorable beef dishes as judges Cara Nicoletti and Michael Voltaggio decide which chef best handled the iconic American ingredient.

Chefs' Cut: Alex vs Shellfish

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Aug 14, 2022

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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Alex vs America host Eric Adjepong watch as three talented shellfish experts take on two intense rounds of cooking. They choose which chefs and dishes impress them the most, and then they react as judges Tiffani Faison and Tetsu Yahagi choose a champion.

Chefs' Cut: Alex vs Noodles

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Aug 21, 2022

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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Alex vs America host Eric Adjepong follow along as three chefs specializing in noodles take on two fierce rounds of cooking. Judges Evan Funke and Jet Tila determine whether these noodle experts have a chance of taking Alex down in her own arena while Alex and Eric react to the competitors' dishes.

Chefs' Cut: Alex vs Spicy

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Aug 28, 2022

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Chefs Alex Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong watch as three spice experts attempt to take the top prize in the Alex vs America kitchen. They compare opinions on whose spice strategy impressed them the most and who they think should have turned up the heat a little more before judges Antonia Lofaso and Bricia Lopez declare a winner.

Chefs' Cut: Alex vs Chocolate

Episode: S02 Special | Airdate: Sep 4, 2022

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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli kicks back with Chef Eric Adjepong to watch as three chocolatiers take on tough chocolate challenges in the Alex vs America kitchen and try to impress judges Valerie Gordon and Jonathan Grahm.

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