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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Spring onions kick off the season in high gear as Vivian takes a break from penning her first cookbook to prepare a benefit dinner at Lomax Farm in Cabarrus County, NC. Even though The Avett Brothers make an appearance, the underdog onion steals the show, playing both star and support.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 2
After a summer away, Vivian returns to the restaurant and a staff of new faces. She also asks a favor of an avid home chef: test her cookbook recipes.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 3
As a visit from her editor accelerates book preparations, Vivian reckons with handing over the restaurant reins to John and Justise. A tutorial in “beatin’ peas” delivered by a 92 year-old expert is an entertaining and therapeutic history lesson.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 4
Vivian’s summer itinerary picks up with a 14-day photoshoot as she preps for a first-time trip to Feast Portland. Sam Jones and Miss Lillie share old-school cabbage recipes that influence what Vivian prepares for the festival.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 5
Vivian explores Portland, Ore., prior to preparing the BBQ cabbage for Feast Portland.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 6
Vivian demonstrates rabbit processing during a visit to the Carolina Meat Conference; and is depressed at the prospect of losing a cherished staff member at the restaurant.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 7
Vivian learns about farm-raised catfish; and a staff member's last day at the restaurant arrives.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 8
Flo and Theo's pre-school class visits the restaurant, but slow service makes everyone antsy. In other events, Vivian turns to an old friend for help when a sunchoke dish doesn't work.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 9
A view behind-the-scenes reveals the hot and cold of curing ham. At a New York dinner party hosted in her honor, Vivian serves up a gift of North Carolina seasoning meats --the pig tails, ham hocks, and fatback that give Carolina cuisine its quintessential kick. While in the Big Apple, a visit with her publisher reveals an itinerary certain to make for an ambitious autumn.
Where to watch A Chef's Life
Episode 10
Vivian holds a mayo blind taste test and a surprise brand takes top prize. After a new chef takes the reins, her diminishing role at the restaurant becomes clearer. Vivian’s long-held vacation plans are stifled by a series of strange events.
Where to watch A Chef's LifeEpisode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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Vivian HowardHerself
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