TV series
A character-driven documentary and cooking series that takes viewers inside the life of Chef Vivian Howard, who, with her husband Ben Knight, left the big city to open a fine dining restaurant in small-town Eastern North Carolina.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
A Chef's Life premiered September 7, 2013. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
A character-driven documentary and cooking series that takes viewers inside the life of Chef Vivian Howard, who, with her husband Ben Knight, left the big city to open a fine dining restaurant in small-town Eastern North Carolina.
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Episode 1
With squash season in full effect, trouble with the twins, staffing issues at the Boiler Room, and a new cookbook overloading her plate, Vivian seeks motherly advice from Mrs. Scarlett and her sister Johna over a Southern classic: squash and onions. Despite nerves, Vivian plays it cool on camera, as Ben and all of Kinston anticipate her appearance on The Today Show.
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Episode 2
Vivian's mother shares the secrets of Gramma Hill's canned peaches as well as memories from her childhood. Vivian also sweats through a Thanksgiving-in-July photo shoot, and there's a major mix-up at the restaurant.
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Episode 3
Vivian has three days to write a book chapter on figs. The resulting stress leads to a fig-honey-bourbon slushie tasting; and a fig preserves session. In other events, Vivian and Ben decide to charge for bread at the restaurant.
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Episode 4
Vivian visits a friend, who serves homemade pickles, chicken salad and chocolate cake. Ben and Vivian also audition a new chef.
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Episode 5
Vivian learns that picking okra is a prickly business and receives a crash course in food styling during a photo session for her cookbook. Scott Barton, Vivian's mentor, visits the restaurant and they discuss the African roots of okra.
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Episode 6
Vivian learns to make pickled beets. She also incorporates beets into an unconventional chocolate cake for Ms. Mary's 89th birthday.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 7
A new manager signs on at the Boiler Room; and a family reunion features an impressive spread of home-cooked casseroles.
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Episode 8
Vivian makes chicken livers drizzled with hot honey. Ben preps for his art show in Durham, N.C. and Vivian checks out the city's restaurants.
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Episode 9
Vivian learns to bring out the bitter and sweet in rutabagas. She also showers her team with gifts while they prepare a holiday menu and, despite brewing tension, a busy New Year's Eve at the restaurant ends in a toast and smile.
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Episode 10
Vivian heads to the Charleston’s Wine and Food Festival, the South’s premiere gathering of world-class chefs and food folk. Her jam-packed schedule includes the prestigious “perfectly paired” dinner at Frank Lee’s High Cotton Restaurant. A clamming trip with lowcountry legend, “Clammer Dave” adds a bit adventure to her everyday.
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Episode 11
Conclusion. Charleston, S.C., is visited. Included: the Waffle House Smackdown; the proper way to open a clam; and clam hash.
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Episode 12
After some initial hiccups, Vivian’s whole cow program finds its groove. Mrs. Scarlett shows her how to make a classic cubed steak, inciting an epic tantrum from Flo. Vivian nervously heads to New York to meet her new editor as work on her upcoming cookbook continues.
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Episode 13
Vivian judges the Southern Sides competition at the annual BBQ Festival alongside Mrs. Scarlett and Ms. Lillie, who prove to be finicky judges. Vivian follows up with a take on the BBQ plate, featuring a crispy potato salad. When the Avett Brothers stop by the restaurant for dinner, the entire staff, including Vivian, serve up a side of girly giddiness.
Where to watch A Chef's LifeEpisode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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