Adam Richman to Host New NBC Culinary Game Show FOOD FIGHTERS

Related: FOOD FIGHTERS, NBC, Reality TV

It's the perfect recipe for the ultimate food battle when the best amateur cooks in America put their signature dishes to the test against six professional chefs in FOOD FIGHTERS, a high-stakes culinary game coming to NBC. Television personality, author and food enthusiast Adam Richman hosts the series that takes culinary sparring to an exciting new level. The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

"'Food Fighters' combines compelling competition and game show fun with a delicious twist - giving every day home cooks a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete with world class chefs," said Telegdy. "Every true home cook has at least one 'signature dish,' - the peach cobbler, the lasagna, that appetizer that friends beg you to bring to parties. This is a show that puts those recipes to the ultimate test and rewards the passion Americans bring to their home kitchens every day. We're excited to have the dynamic Adam Richman, one of the world's greatest food enthusiasts, on board as host - and can't wait for viewers to root on these contenders in the ultimate culinary showdown!"

In a series of compelling, tension-filled showdowns, a top-notch amateur home cook will Face Off one by one against six professional chefs from every corner of the world. Armed only with recipes for their best signature dishes, and three culinary "lifelines" afforded each cook, they'll square off against an expert chef who will have to cook the same dish. The completed dishes will then be sampled in a blind taste test by an esteemed panel of culinary judges known as "The Dinner Party." After the two competing dishes are tested, the verdict determining the winner is given to the host.

If the home cook wins, they earn a cash prize and get to Face Off again against another culinary expert, climbing a money ladder with increasing cash prizes for every professional chef they knock out. If the professional chef wins, their kitchen battle is over. It's the ultimate food fight, pitting amateur cooks against the most formidable culinary pros in America to see if they have what it takes to beat the very best.

"We are very proud to partner with NBC on the first show that Electus has taken to market with Tim Puntillo. We look forward to bringing audiences and food enthusiasts a unique series that breathes new life into the culinary competition genre," said Ben Silverman, Chairman and Founder of Electus. 'Food Fighters' is an incredible new format with broad franchise appeal. Everyone who eats will love this show!"

"I'm beyond excited to be working with NBC and to be part of a show that gives the UnSung heroes of culinary arts - the everyday home cooks - their chance to shine on the national stage, and have a chance at winning some serious, life-changing money," said Richman. "I've always loved traveling and meeting great, passionate, every day, food-loving people and sampling their creations. To have the opportunity to put them on equal footing with the pros and to give them their recognition and a shot at glory is literally the icing on the cake. This show is about celebrating ordinary people with extraordinary talent. I can't wait!"

Richman's love affair with food began early on, growing up in New York City and sampling all of the diverse culinary specialties The Big Apple had to offer. Years later, as an undergraduate at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, he began a food journal to document the standout food establishments he was discovering throughout the southeastern United States. Though he majored in international studies, his love of all things edible naturally drew him into the culinary world after graduation. Subsequently, he Built a solid resume working in nearly every echelon of the restaurant world, from coast-to-coast and from the counter to the kitchen.

After earning a master's degree in Fine Arts from Yale University's School of Drama, Richman traveled the United States acting in many regional theaters. The Nature of his work allowed him to feed his appetite for the best local dishes across America - all of which found their way into his food journal. In 2008, Adam began hosting "Man v Food" for the Travel Channel, which quickly became their highest-rated show. With "Man v Food Nation," he not only hosted but also was a co-executive producer on the series. He was also the host and executive producer of "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America," and his new show, "Fandemonium," will premiere in summer 2013. The author of "America the Edible," Richman is currently working on his first cookbook and is a regular contributor for NBC's "Today" show.

Ben Silverman, Chris Grant, Jimmy FOX and Tim Puntillo are the executive producers of the series from Electus and Universal Television. Electus recently acquired Puntillo's production entity to form a new, yet-to-be-named venture that capitalizes on Puntillo's ability to create and produce high quality content around the world. "Food Fighters" marks the first series of this new partnership. Electus International will distribute the series worldwide. Creative Artists Agency negotiated the deal.