Bobby Flay faces off against chefs in 'Beat Bobby Flay'

Eight-episode series premieres Thursday, March 6

Skilled chefs compete for the opportunity to cook against culinary master Bobby Flay in the new eight-episode competition series "Beat Bobby Flay," premiering Thursday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The action starts with two talented cooks going head-to-head in a culinary battle using an ingredient of Bobby's choice, in front of a studio audience and a rotating cast of special guests, whose goal is to pick the challenger with the skills to potentially "Beat Bobby Flay." The winner proceeds to round two for the ultimate food face-off against Bobby - but with an advantage: The contender makes their signature dish, and Bobby has only minutes to come up with his own interpretation of the dish. After a blind taste test, a panel of judges ultimately decides if the challenger has the chops to "Beat Bobby Flay" or if Bobby's food reigns supreme.

" 'Beat Bobby Flay' aired as a special last year and viewers were immediately hooked. The show is fun and compelling - a heart-racing competition with high expertise, infectious energy and a sense of humor - just like the man himself, "said Food Network GM and SVP, Bob Tuschman.

In each 30-minute, two-round episode, Bobby is joined by two culinary contenders who think they have what it takes to "Beat Bobby Flay," along with a rotating cast of special guest duos who know him well. The visiting chefs compete against each other in round one using an ingredient of Bobby's choice - and it's the special guest's job to handpick the contestant whom he or she believes can defeat Bobby in his own kitchen. In round two, the winning chef battles Bobby with that distinct advantage. A judging panel then determines the winner based on a blind taste test.

Special guests include Sunny Anderson, Anne Burrell, Scott Conant, Giada De Laurentiis, Eden Grinshpan, Alex Guarnaschelli, Katie Lee, Simon Majumdar, Jack McDavid, Mo Rocca, Michael Symon, Justin Warner, Jonathan Waxman and Ali Wentworth.

Viewers wanting more can visit FoodNetwork.com/BeatBobbyFlay  for behind-the-scenes photos, interviews and more insider coverage.