The Czech version of the popular TV show Hell’s Kitchen has started airing in the Czech Republic.
As a fan of Gordon Ramsay, I couldn’t miss it either. After the first episode, which has already aired on television, the commentators in the discussions “think they have it all figured out.” So, how is this localized version, and why is Radek Kašpárek swearing?
Hell's Kitchen Česko
What Is Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a globally popular cooking competition where professional chefs compete against each other. The American version was aired here years ago on TV Barrandov under the name “Pekelná kuchyně” (“Hell’s Kitchen”), but TV Nova seems to avoid this name and uses the translation “Peklo v kuchyni” (“Hell in the Kitchen”).
The contestants are divided into two teams, who cook against each other in each episode under the supervision of a star chef. In the original version, this is British chef Gordon Ramsay, while in the Czech version, TV Nova chose Michelin-starred chef Radek Kašpárek, with Eliška Hromková and David Viktorín as sous chefs.
The episodes follow a similar structure. The contestants are tasked with preparing dishes according to a given assignment within a limited time. The chef closely monitors the teams while they cook, inspecting their work and not hesitating to point out even the smallest mistakes. The losing team must then nominate one or more members for elimination. The chef ultimately decides who leaves the competition.
The show has high viewership due to the tense moments, adrenaline, conflicts, and emotions that are typical of this format. Viewers see chefs under great pressure. It is interesting to watch how the team works, who takes the lead, and how they handle stress.
What Are the Rules of Hell’s Kitchen
- The contestants are divided into two teams (often by gender into a men’s and a women’s team, but not always). Each team has its own kitchen.
- In each episode, both teams compete against each other. The usual task is to cook a specific menu for the guests of the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant within a limited time. The menu consists of an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, chosen by the chef.
- The teams cook under the supervision of the chef and his two assistants. The chef observes them while they cook, advises them, but also criticizes them harshly for mistakes (and yes, in the original, Gordon Ramsay is VERY foul-mouthed).
- The guests in the restaurant then evaluate the food from both teams. The team that receives better feedback wins the task and a reward. The losing team faces a punishment (often an unpleasant or humiliating task). In the first episode, we saw the winning women’s team enjoy themselves at the 420 Restaurant, which is owned by Radek Kašpárek. The losing men had to assemble garden furniture and clean the entire kitchen.
- The losing team must nominate two (or sometimes more) of its members for elimination. Usually, those who performed the worst in the task or cooked poorly are nominated.
- The chef then invites the nominated contestants for an interview, where he asks them why they should stay in the competition. He then decides who will leave. Sometimes he eliminates one, sometimes both nominees, and rarely, no one.
- The eliminated contestant removes their apron and leaves. Gordon Ramsay in the original version concludes the episode with his famous line: “Give me your jacket and leave Hell’s Kitchen.”
- The competition continues until only two finalists remain. They then compete in a final challenge, each leading half of the previously eliminated contestants as their team.
- The winner of the final (and therefore the entire competition) receives an attractive prize – the position of head chef in a prestigious restaurant (in the Czech version, it’s the role of creative head chef at Radek Kašpárek’s restaurant and 2.5 million CZK).
Why Is Hell’s Kitchen So Popular
Hell’s Kitchen premiered in 2005 on the American network Fox. In America, 22 seasons have already been aired! The show is popular worldwide and has had many international versions.
As mentioned above, the original version is hosted by the famous British chef Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay is known for his temperamental and uncompromising approach. His vulgarity and directness in criticizing contestants have become the show’s trademark. Ramsay often shouts, curses, and uses foul language when he doesn’t like something. The reason is to create tension, shock viewers, and emphasize the seriousness of the mistakes the contestants make. So if Radek Kašpárek is swearing, he is simply “just” following the original format.
The original version skillfully works with emotions, conflicts between contestants, and the stress in the kitchen. This creates a thrilling watch. Viewers get to see what it’s like in a professional kitchen, how high gastronomy dishes are prepared. At the same time, the rivalry between the teams and the elimination of contestants keep the viewers on edge.
There are often arguments and conflicts between contestants, sometimes even physical altercations. Ramsay is also known for, when really angry, throwing dishes into the trash or hurling them across the kitchen. We saw this in the first episode as well; Radek Kašpárek mercilessly threw a plate of potato soup into the trash without tasting it.
Hell’s Kitchen vs. MasterChef
In Czechia, we have already seen several seasons of the local version of MasterChef Česko. This show is also hosted by Radek Kašpárek (along with Jan Punčochář and Přemek Forejt). However, there are significant differences between the two formats:
- MasterChef is a competition for amateur chefs, while Hell’s Kitchen is for professionals.
- MasterChef generally has a friendlier and more supportive atmosphere, while Hell’s Kitchen is known for its intensity and pressure.
- In MasterChef, the judges often act more like mentors, while in Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay is known for his strictness.
- MasterChef has more varied challenges (mystery box, outdoor challenges), while Hell’s Kitchen focuses on the operation of a restaurant.
Behind the Scenes of Hell’s Kitchen
Since Hell’s Kitchen has been airing in America for so long, a lot of behind-the-scenes (and of course unconfirmed) information has leaked out.
Contestant selection
- The casting process involves several rounds, the first being filling out an application and sending a video.
- Not only cooking experience is important, but also personality, communication skills, and backstory.
- The producers seem to look for a mix of experience, personalities, and “types.”
- It is not confirmed whether some are selected primarily for “drama potential.” However, in the Czech version, this was apparently the case for the first eliminated contestant 😁
- Professional experience in a culinary establishment is a prerequisite, but the length and position vary among contestants.
Filming
- Filming one season usually takes 5-6 weeks, with filming almost every day for long hours.
- Contestants spend 12-14 hours a day in the kitchen, and filming evening service lasts until night.
- The final episodes are edited from a large amount of footage, with many scenes left unused.
- It is unclear to what extent contestants are instructed regarding their on-camera statements.
Authenticity vs. Staged
- The show is a real competition with real stress and pressure; the basic events are not scripted.
- However, producers may create situations and prompts to encourage conflicts and drama.
- In some moments, the timing and editing give the impression of being “staged.”
Show Facilities
- Hell’s Kitchen is usually filmed in a TV studio designed to resemble a restaurant.
- The complex often includes accommodation for the contestants, but they have no privacy.
- When not filming, contestants have free time but are not allowed to leave the studio premises.
My Opinion After Watching the First Episode of Hell’s Kitchen Česko
TV Nova, with Radek Kašpárek, knows how to produce a great show in the case of MasterChef Česko. Currently, I like the Czech version more than the new episodes of the original series (truly!). Kašpárek, along with Punčochář and Forejt, have really “clicked” (check out the incredible similarity with the judges from the early seasons of American MasterChef, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot). The casting for Hell’s Kitchen Česko is interesting, and I’m already curious about the performances of chefs associated with restaurants like V Zátiší or Entrée.
The success of MasterChef Česko could very well be repeated with Hell’s Kitchen Česko. The question is how well Radek Kašpárek will adapt to the foul-mouthed role of Gordon Ramsay, and whether people will buy it (I don’t believe it yet). Another question is whether swearing in prime-time television is simply outdated today. I believed it when Zdeněk Pohlreich did it in “Ano, šéfe!” and enjoyed it, but I think that time has passed.
I wish the Czech contestants the best of luck and hope you enjoy watching!
Source of the cover photo: TV Nova
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