Throwdown Returns to Food Network

Photo - Instagram

Throwdown with Bobby Flay has been one of the longer running shows on Food Network with the show starting in 2006 and airing for nine seasons.  Throwdown will return to Food Network tonight at 9:30pm ET, but this time it will be Throwdown with Michael Symon.  The premise of the show is the same with Michael Symon and his longtime culinary director Katie Pickens challenging chefs around the country by cooking their signature dish to be judged in a blind taste test. 

I don't think the change to Michael Symon had anything to do with Bobby Flay's contract negotiations with Food Network because Bobby Flay's production company is producing the show. 

Bobby Flay also posted the following message on Instagram to promote the upcoming episode, "You OGs may remember Throwdown… a competition show on @foodnetwork that premiered in 2006 and put spotlight on some of the country’s best culinary talent. WELL I HAVE OFFICIALLY PASSED THE THROWDOWN BATON. Tomorrow, Tuesday, #ThrowdownWithMichael premieres on @foodnetwork at 9:30pm… featuring my friends @chefsymon, his right hand @pickens_katie… and some unsuspecting chefs he’s about to surprise on their own turf. Don’t miss it."

Bobby and Michael are good friends, but Bobby has said that he is rooting for the chefs he is competing against to win.  Michael also said he was driven to do the show to help promote other chefs and to get their name/restaurant some publicity.  

Will you be watching Throwdown with Michael Symon?