Sweet Genius
Sweet Genius was an American reality-based cooking television series on the Food Network. The series was hosted by pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel.[1] The premise of the show pitted four chefs, of confectionery and pastry, against one another to compete for a chance to win $10,000 based on the creativity and taste of each dish. The first season premiered on September 22, 2011.[2] Season two debuted on March 15, 2012.[3] Season 3 premiered on October 18, 2012, ending on January 24, 2013.[4]
| Sweet Genius | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality |
| Written by | Amanda Hulsey |
| Presented by | Ron Ben-Israel |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 34 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Linda Lea Donna MacLetchie |
| Producer | Jessica Carbrera |
| Production location | America |
| Editors | Brian Gale Daniel J. Moratti Gregg Paine |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 41 to 43 minutes (excluding commercials) |
| Production company | Jane Street Entertainment |
| Release | |
| Original network | Food Network |
| Original release | September 22, 2011 – January 24th, 2013 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Format
Similar to the format of the show Chopped, four chefs compete in separate rounds with mandatory ingredients. After each round, a chef is eliminated from the competition. What differentiates it from Chopped is that they also must include an inspiration. In Season 1, the rounds were divided into challenges to create Frozen, Baked and Chocolate desserts and also an electronic voice told them their inspiration and ingredients for the round. In the following seasons, the format was changed to Chocolate, Candy and Cake and the electronic voice was taken out.
At the beginning of each round, Chef Ben-Israel reveals the first mandatory ingredient followed by an inspiration. The second mandatory ingredient is revealed at the halfway point of each round. On rare occasions, a third ingredient is introduced. The time limit goes from 40 minutes in the first round, 50 minutes in the second round, and then an hour in the final round. After each round, Chef Ben-Israel tastes and evaluates each dessert. The loser of the round is revealed when Chef Ben-Israel formally tells the contestant, "You were no sweet genius."
Series Overview
| Season | Episodes | Premiere | Finale | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | September 22, 2011 | November 3, 2011 | |
| 2 | 13 | March 15, 2012 | June 7, 2012 | |
| 3 | 13 | October 18, 2012 | January 24, 2013 | |
Episodes
- All episode titles ended with the word "Genius".
Season 1 (2011)
| # | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Dark Genius" | September 22, 2011 |
| 2 | "Hard Boiled Genius" | September 25, 2011 |
| 3 | "Hidden Genius" | September 29, 2011 |
| 4 | "Candied Genius" | October 6, 2011 |
| 5 | "Glistening Genius" | October 13, 2011 |
| 6 | "Global Genius" | October 20, 2011 |
| 7 | "Disco Genius" | October 27, 2011 |
| 8 | "Fiery Genius" | November 3, 2011 |
Season 2 (2012)
| # | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Golden Genius" | March 15, 2012 |
| 2 | "Dancing Genius" | March 22, 2012 |
| 3 | "Magic Genius" | March 29, 2012 |
| 4 | "Electrifying Genius" | April 5, 2012 |
| 5 | "Puzzled Genius" | April 12, 2012 |
| 6 | "Speechless Genius" | April 19, 2012 |
| 7 | "Baby Genius" | April 26, 2012 |
| 8 | "Relative Genius" | May 3, 2012 |
| 9 | "Genie Genius" | May 10, 2012 |
| 10 | "Serpentine Genius" | May 17, 2012 |
| 11 | "Glowing Genius" | May 24, 2012 |
| 12 | "Lofty Genius" | May 31, 2012 |
| 13 | "Plane Genius" | June 7, 2012 |
Season 3 (2012-2013)
| # | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Cuckoo Genius" | October 18, 2012 |
| 2 | "Halloween Genius" | October 25, 2012 |
| 3 | "Ugly Genius" | November 1, 2012 |
| 4 | "Wicked Genius" | November 8, 2012 |
| 5 | "Turkey Genius" | November 15, 2012 |
| 6 | "Squeaky Genius" | November 22, 2012 |
| 7 | "Holiday Genius" | December 6, 2012 |
| 8 | "Twinkling Genius" | December 13, 2012 |
| 9 | "Dream Catching Genius" | December 20, 2012 |
| 10 | "Electric Genius" | January 3, 2013 |
| 11 | "Sci-Fi Genius" | January 10, 2013 |
| 12 | "Samba Genius" | January 17, 2013 |
| 13 | "Wedded Genius" | January 24, 2013 |
References
- Sweet Genius on FoodNetwork.com
- "Food Network Hits A "Sweet" Spot With Ron Ben-Israle's New Primetime Series "Sweet Genius"". The Futon Critic. August 23, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- "Chefs Strive for "Sweet" Success With Ron Ben-Israel in New Season of "Sweet Genius"". The Futon Critic. February 14, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- "Master Pastry Chef Ron Ben-Israel Returns for Third Season of "Sweet Genius" on Food Network". The Futon Critic. September 14, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.