Fans Flood Premiere with Love for Anne Burrell: ‘It’s Not the Same Without You’

Six weeks after the tragic suicide of Food Network personality Anne Burrell, the 55-year-old chef appeared posthumously in the Season 29 premiere of Worst Cooks in America. The show featured Burrell’s trademark wit and warmth as she guided contestants through their culinary challenges in what would be her final television appearance.

Food Network honored Burrell with a tribute at the end of the episode and announced plans to continue commemorating her throughout the season. “The series will pay tribute to Anne each week,” the network told People magazine.

Remembering a Culinary Trailblazer

Betsy Ayala, Head of Content at Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted Burrell’s unique talents and lasting impact in a press release issued June 23. “Anne Burrell was a one-of-a-kind talent whose loss is deeply felt by family, friends, and fans,” Ayala said. “With these special programming events, we hope to honor Anne and celebrate her impact on Food Network and beyond, and to offer fans a way to remember her passion and culinary prowess that ran through everything she did.”

Burrell’s co-mentor on the show, Gabe Bertaccini, also spoke about her dedication. After working alongside Burrell during his first season, Bertaccini praised her passion and genuine care for the contestants. “She was so invested in it,” he told People. “It was her baby. She wasn’t there for the paycheck. The love, the authentic love that she had for the contestants, for the cooks—the love that she had to really teach them. She was there to teach them how to cook. It wasn’t just a show.”

Worst Cooks in America pits two mentors against each other, each coaching a team of amateur cooks to improve their skills over several weeks. Contestants are eliminated weekly until one winner receives a $25,000 prize.

A Sudden Loss and Lasting Legacy

Anne Burrell died on June 17 at her Brooklyn home. According to her family’s statement to People, she was “a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered.” They added, “Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner later ruled Burrell’s death a suicide, citing “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” as confirmed to TMZ.

The current season of Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible serves as the final chapter in Burrell’s journey to help struggling cooks improve their skills. It also stands as a tribute to her quick wit and generous spirit, with the entire season acting as a testament to her legacy.

The premiere episode concluded with an “In Memoriam” tribute featuring a smiling photo of Burrell, accompanied by a message offering resources for those struggling with mental health issues. Viewers were encouraged to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for support.

New episodes air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Food Network, with streaming access on HBO Max starting the following day.