Get Ready for Chaotic Kitchens: Overcooked Reality Show is Cooking Up on Netflix

Your favorite "friendship-ruining" co-op cooking game, Overcooked, is officially making the jump from your screen to a real-life TV competition series on Netflix, with indie powerhouse A24 behind the wheel.

TL;DR: The Main Ingredients

• A24 and Netflix are collaborating to develop an unscripted reality competition series based on the popular video game Overcooked.
• The show aims to replicate the game's signature high-stakes kitchen chaos, in the vein of other Netflix hits like Nailed It! and Floor Is Lava.
• This marks A24's first venture into reality television and is currently in its early stages of development, with a potential release in 2026.

When Your Kitchen Turns into a Culinary Battlefield: The Overcooked Experience

Ever found yourself in a digital kitchen, barking orders at a loved one, frantically chopping virtual tomatoes while a counter slides away, all in a desperate attempt to serve a simple soup before a cartoon customer storms out? If so, you've likely experienced the joyous, yet utterly chaotic, world of Overcooked. As Brian Welk from IndieWire perfectly put it, "My wife and I had a pretty healthy relationship for years up until the point that we played 'Overcooked.'" It's a game capable of turning even the calmest individuals into frenzied culinary commanders.

The beauty of Overcooked lies in its simple premise, which quickly escalates into utter mayhem. Players (one to four) work together as chefs, preparing, cooking, and serving meals against a relentless clock. The real challenge, however, comes from kitchens that are anything but ordinary. Imagine trying to dice onions on an icy floor, or pass ingredients across a chasm created by a splitting ship, all while coordinating with your teammates. This dynamic, often hilarious, often stressful, cooperative spirit is what made the game an indie darling, and now, it's headed for television.

A Surprising Recipe: A24 and Netflix Team Up for Kitchen Mayhem

The big news, as first reported by Deadline on November 5, 2025, is that A24 has acquired the rights to Overcooked. They're partnering with Netflix to transform the game into an unscripted competition reality series. This pairing might raise an eyebrow for some, as A24 is renowned for its critically acclaimed independent films and prestige TV, such as Euphoria, rather than reality TV. Yet, this collaboration makes a lot of sense, hinting at a strategic expansion for both companies.

For A24, this venture signifies their "first foray into reality competition series." It's a clear signal of the trendy film and TV brand's evolution, as they continue to pursue larger-scale projects and expand their reach. This move aligns with their increasing interest in video game adaptations, with other high-profile projects like a film based on Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding and an adaptation of the fantasy game Elden Ring already in development. (Source: IndieWire, "A24 Is Making Its First Reality Competition Series Based on ‘Overcooked’ Video Game," Brian Welk, November 5, 2025).

Netflix's Proven Track Record with Unscripted Kitchens

Netflix, on the other hand, is no stranger to successful unscripted cooking and competition shows. They've found a winning formula with popular programs like the hilariously disastrous Nailed It! and the obstacle-course-driven Floor Is Lava. The reported concept for the Overcooked series is said to be "in the vein of such established Netflix reality shows with family appeal" (Source: Deadline, "‘Overcooked’ Reality Competition Series Based On Video Game In Works At Netflix From A24," Nellie Andreeva, November 5, 2025). This suggests a focus on lighthearted, high-energy challenges where teamwork and communication will be key, rather than cutthroat culinary professionalism.

The natural fit is undeniable. The core mechanics of Overcooked—coordination, quick thinking, and adaptability amidst chaos—translate perfectly into the reality competition format. While contestants won't be falling into actual lava or cooking in outer space (budget and safety permitting!), we can easily envision other "Overcooked-style mayhem," such as slippery icy floors, suddenly moving countertops, or even being plunged into temporary darkness, as suggested by Engadget (Source: Engadget, "Hilarious co-op video game Overcooked is making the move to the real world," undated). These physical obstacles, combined with the pressure of time and customer orders, promise a wild ride for both participants and viewers.

Behind the Culinary Curtains: Game Developers Onboard

Ensuring the show truly captures the spirit of the game, the original creators are actively involved. Executive producing the TV version are Gemma Langford, Oli De-Vine, and Phil Duncan, all key figures from Ghost Town Games, the studio behind the beloved Overcooked video game. Their direct involvement provides confidence that the adaptation will stay true to the game's core principles of fun, frantic teamwork, and unexpected challenges.

The game itself has a celebrated history. The original Overcooked first launched in 2016 on PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch version following in 2017. Its innovative gameplay quickly earned critical acclaim, winning two BAFTA Games Awards in 2017 for both Best British Game and Best Family Game. A successful sequel, Overcooked 2, arrived in 2018, further cementing its status. In 2020-2021, the comprehensive Overcooked: All You Can Eat edition bundled both games, all DLC, and added new levels and chefs, making it accessible to even more players.

The Road Ahead: Early Stages and Future Flavors

Currently, the reality series is in its early stages of development. This means details like casting and an official release date are still under wraps, with reps for Netflix and A24 declining immediate comment on specifics. While a precise timeline isn't available, some reports suggest we might see the show premiere possibly in 2026. The fact that it's unscripted and built around competition also opens up the exciting possibility for real-world scenarios where viewers could eventually participate.

However, it's important to set expectations for how closely the show can mimic the game's wildest levels. While a digital chef might teleport across chasms or navigate lava pits, real-world liability and budget constraints mean some of the game's more fantastical elements will need creative reinterpretation. Yet, the core essence of collaborative chaos – think moving platforms, sudden power outages, or strategically inconvenient appliance placement – is entirely achievable and would make for incredibly entertaining television. The charm of Overcooked isn't just in its extreme settings, but in how it pushes people to their communicative limits, and that can certainly be brought to life on screen.

"Overcooked is one of the freshest couch co-op games I’ve ever played. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and chaos, asking you and your teammates to think on your feet as its smart and strange levels do everything they possibly can to make sure you are shouting at each other."

— Rebekah Valentine, Senior Reporter for IGN

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating the Overcooked Reality Show

• Expect Collaborative Chaos: The show will focus on teamwork, communication, and quick thinking under pressure, just like the game.
• Familiar Netflix Vibe: Look for a lighthearted, high-energy competition similar to Nailed It! or Floor Is Lava.
• A24's Expanding Universe: This is part of A24's strategy to diversify into reality TV and video game adaptations.
• Early Days: The series is still in early development, so casting and a firm release date are yet to be announced.
• Real-World Twists: Anticipate creative physical obstacles and environmental challenges that capture the game's spirit without relying on impossible digital effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Overcooked Reality Series When is the Overcooked reality show expected to be released? The series is currently in the early stages of development, so no official release date has been announced. Some reports suggest a possible release in 2026. Where will I be able to watch the Overcooked TV series? Netflix is developing the unscripted series with A24, meaning it will be available exclusively on the Netflix streaming platform globally. Who are the key players behind the Overcooked reality show? A24 has acquired the rights and is partnering with Netflix for development. Executive producers include Gemma Langford, Oli De-Vine, and Phil Duncan from the game's developer, Ghost Town Games. What kind of challenges can viewers expect to see on the show? The show aims to recreate the game's high-stakes kitchen challenges and signature chaos, with practical obstacles like moving countertops, icy floors, and periods of darkness, rather than literal lava pits or space travel.

Sources

• Deadline, "‘Overcooked’ Reality Competition Series Based On Video Game In Works At Netflix From A24," Nellie Andreeva, November 5, 2025.
• Engadget, "Hilarious co-op video game Overcooked is making the move to the real world," undated.
• IndieWire, "A24 Is Making Its First Reality Competition Series Based on ‘Overcooked’ Video Game — A Game Capable of Dividing Families," Brian Welk, November 5, 2025.
• IGN, "Oh My God They're Finally Making an Overcooked Reality TV Show," Rebekah Valentine, undated (referencing 2017 review).
• ComicBook.com, "Netflix Adapting One Of The Most Stressful Video Games Of All Time For New TV Show," undated.
• GameSpot, "Overcooked Reality Competition Show Coming To Netflix - Report," Eddie Makuch, November 5, 2025.
• Explosion Network, "A24 and Netflix Team Up for an Overcooked Unscripted Series Adaptation," Dylan Blight, November 6, 2025.
• FandomWire, "Overcooked TV Series: Release Update and Where to Watch," Deepak Bisht, undated.