The highly anticipated second season of America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation is set to premiere on April 1, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. Building on the success of its debut season, the competition series brings together talented home cooks from across the country to test their skills in rigorous culinary challenges. With returning host Jeannie Mai and the expert judging panel from America’s Test Kitchen, Season 2 promises even more mouthwatering dishes, intense kitchen drama, and invaluable cooking wisdom.
This season introduces a fresh group of ambitious contestants, each bringing unique regional flavors and personal stories to the competition. From Detroit-style pizza makers to Hawaiian-inspired chefs, the diverse lineup ensures thrilling culinary battles. Alongside the new faces, fan-favorite ATK experts—including Julia Collin Davison, Dan Souza, and Jack Bishop—return to share their unparalleled knowledge and judge the competitors’ creations.
Host & Judges
– Jeannie Mai (Host)
Jeannie Mai returns as the charismatic host of America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation, bringing her infectious energy and passion for food to the series. Best known as a television personality and Emmy-winning co-host of The Real, Mai has also showcased her culinary skills on shows like Hello Hunnay and Chopped. Her ability to connect with contestants and audiences alike makes her the perfect guide through the competition.
Beyond hosting, Mai is an advocate for self-empowerment and cultural representation in media. Her dynamic presence ensures Season 2 will be as engaging as it is delicious, blending cooking expertise with heartfelt moments.
– Lan Lam (Cook’s Illustrated Editor)
Lan Lam, a seasoned editor at Cook’s Illustrated, brings her meticulous attention to detail and deep culinary knowledge to the judging panel. With a background in food science and recipe development, Lam is known for her ability to break down complex techniques into approachable lessons.
Her expertise in perfecting home-cooked meals makes her an invaluable critic, offering contestants constructive feedback that elevates their dishes.
– Julia Collin Davison (ATK Veteran)
A familiar face to America’s Test Kitchen fans, Julia Collin Davison returns with her signature warmth and sharp culinary eye. Having worked on the show for over two decades, she’s a master at evaluating both classic and innovative recipes.
Davison’s experience in recipe testing and cookbook writing ensures her critiques are both insightful and encouraging, pushing contestants to refine their skills.
– Dan Souza (Science Editor)
Dan Souza, ATK’s resident food scientist, combines culinary expertise with a deep understanding of kitchen chemistry. Known for his experiments that reveal the “why” behind cooking techniques, Souza brings a unique perspective to the competition.
His ability to explain the science of cooking helps contestants—and viewers—understand how to achieve perfect results every time.
– Jack Bishop (Chief Creative Officer)
As ATK’s Chief Creative Officer, Jack Bishop has spent decades shaping the brand’s approach to home cooking. His expertise in vegetarian cuisine and global flavors adds depth to the judging panel.
Bishop’s thoughtful critiques and passion for teaching make him a standout mentor for the contestants.
– Antoinette Johnson (Test Cook)
Antoinette Johnson, a skilled test cook at ATK, rounds out the judging panel with her sharp palate and technical precision. Her background in professional kitchens ensures she can spot even the smallest flaws in a dish.
Johnson’s constructive feedback helps contestants grow, making her an essential part of the competition.
Season 2 Contestants
1- Nikita Leone (Detroit From Woodland Hills)
A proud Detroit native now based in Woodland Hills, Nikita specializes in bold, hearty flavors inspired by her Midwest roots. Her signature dishes often feature smoky spices and slow-cooked comfort foods.
With a competitive spirit and a knack for improvisation, Nikita is a strong contender to watch this season.
2- Lauren Windham (Winter Park From Atlanta)
Lauren brings Southern charm and refined technique to the competition. Raised in Atlanta and now cooking in Winter Park, she excels at elevated comfort food with a modern twist.
Her meticulous plating and creative flavor combinations set her apart from the pack.
3- Ashley Gibson (Houston Native)
Houston’s vibrant food scene has shaped Ashley’s cooking style, which blends Tex-Mex, Cajun, and barbecue influences. She’s known for her fearless use of spices and bold presentations.
Ashley’s confidence and adaptability make her a formidable competitor.
4- Saori O’Reilly (Los Altos Native)
Saori’s Japanese-American heritage informs her delicate yet flavorful dishes. A Los Altos native, she specializes in fusion cuisine that balances tradition with innovation.
Her precision and artistic plating could give her an edge in technical challenges.
5- Annabelle Finefrock (Montecito From NYC)
After years in New York’s high-pressure restaurant scene, Annabelle now cooks in Montecito, focusing on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. Her dishes highlight fresh, local ingredients.
Her professional experience makes her a frontrunner in high-stakes challenges.
6- Justine Ma (NYC From Hawaii)
Justine’s Hawaiian roots and New York hustle create a unique culinary perspective. She’s a master of island-inspired dishes with a metropolitan flair.
Her ability to blend sweet, savory, and umami flavors could take her far in the competition.
7- Colin Bracken (Madison From Chicago)
A Midwest culinary star, Colin combines Chicago’s deep-dish heartiness with Wisconsin’s dairy-rich traditions. His cheesy, indulgent creations are crowd-pleasers.
His technical skills and creativity make him a dark horse this season.
8- Alex Heugel (St. Joseph From Chicago)
Alex’s German-American background influences his hearty, rustic cooking style. Based in Chicago, he’s a pro at reinventing classic comfort foods.
His disciplined approach and attention to detail could earn him high marks.
9- Dennis Jackson (D.C. From Rockville)
Dennis brings Chesapeake Bay flavors and Southern soul food to the table. His crab-centric dishes and smoky meats reflect his D.C. roots.
His passion for regional American cuisine makes him a standout.
10- David Welch (Detroit From Chicago)
David’s cooking bridges Detroit’s urban flavors and Chicago’s gourmet scene. He’s known for his inventive takes on street food and gourmet sandwiches.
His ability to transform simple dishes into extraordinary meals could be his ticket to victory.
11- Kyle Lopez (Long Island From Brooklyn)
Kyle’s New York upbringing shines in his eclectic, globally inspired dishes. From bagels to bao, his cooking reflects Brooklyn’s diverse food culture.
His versatility and quick thinking could give him an advantage in surprise challenges.
Don’t miss the premiere of America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation Season 2 on April 1, 2025, only on Prime Video!
