Ty Pennington to host TNT's new series 'On the Menu'; legendary chef Emeril Lagasse is menu master

Fall premiere set for TV's first cooking competition to let viewers taste each week's winning dish

Ty Pennington is heading to the kitchen to host TNT's new series "On the Menu," with legendary chef Emeril Lagasse signing on as "menu master." "On the Menu" is television's first cooking show ever to give viewers the chance to taste the winning dish after every episode, as well as give everyday cooks the chance to have their dish appear in dining institutions across the country.

The series, slated to premiere this fall, is produced by One Three Media, with Mark Burnett serving as executive producer.

In each episode, a group of passionate home cooks will be challenged to create a signature dish for that week's selected restaurant chain, stadium concession stand, or other American food business. These amateur cooks will work in conjunction with professional chefs to create their dishes, from concept to execution. A panel of judges will then determine which dish not only tastes the best, but also fits with the restaurant's current menu offerings. The winning dish will immediately go on the business' menu, giving viewers at home the chance to go try the dish the very next day.

As host of "On the Menu," Pennington will lead contestants through a series of challenges that will put their brand knowledge and creative skills to the test. He will also be their confidant and sounding board.

Lagasse will be the show's "menu master," serving as the seasoned chef and industry insider resource to help guide, encourage and mentor the contestants through the competition. Using his vast knowledge of cooking, branding and sales, Lagasse will help the contestants refine the culinary creations they hope will pass the test and be served as a dish on the menu.

"Ty Pennington has everything we could want in a host: immense creativity, an engaging personality, a motivational spirit and lots of down-home charm," said David Eilenberg, senior vice president of unscripted development for TNT and TBS. "Emeril Lagasse is one of the most popular and loved chefs of our time, thanks both to his high-octane cooking style and his infectious enthusiasm. We're extremely excited to be working with Ty and Emeril on TNT's 'On the Menu.' "

"We love being first with new formats for our audience, and I think this one is a real winner," said executive producer Burnett. "Two TV veterans, Emeril and Ty, who have amazing energy, are coming together for a show that is all about serving up a brand-new experience for the viewer. This is going to be fun to watch: Emeril and Ty in a kitchen with real people creating a dish that's going to be on an actual menu."