By james art 
There’s a lot in the works for celebrity chef Robert Irvine, who revealed in an exclusive interview with Mashed that he has four shows currently in the works. We caught up with Irvine at the New York Wine and Food Festival and got the exciting details on one of these upcoming projects. “Not just food shows, but [one with] the special operations community. It’s moving very quickly, right now,” Irvine told us. “I took 168 World War II veterans back to Normandy. So there’s a lot going on in that space.” Not entirely about food, Irvine’s new show is in keeping with his military background. He joined the British Royal Navy aged 15 and founded the Robert Irvine Foundation to support the mental and physical health of veterans.
When we last spoke with Irvine in March 2024, he revealed details about another new show focused on his entrepreneurial side and saving businesses. Acquired by CBS and Paramount, it’s filming in the U.S. Although Irvine didn’t reveal the titles of any of the shows, he did give us a ton of details about the WWII-set project, which is exciting news for his devoted fans following Food Network’s canceled Restaurant: Impossible after 22 seasons.
A bold exploration of history
According to Robert Irvine, this new show goes beyond the realm of food and restaurants that viewers usually see it in, immersing itself in the action and history of World War II. One exciting detail Irvine revealed is that he skydived with the veterans, hinting at the bold and adventurous scope of the show. Skydiving is very much in line with the mantra that Irvine lives by: “Nothing is impossible.”
“What it’s going to be is stories, action, record attempts and some food in it,” Irvine explained. However, don’t expect fancy French cuisine. When we asked Irvine if he and the veterans went to any good places to eat in Normandy, he said, “No good food—maybe a few cockroaches and stuff like that…” That may or may not be an exaggeration, but it’s with sure paints an unappetizing picture.
Working with Irvine on the show are KZ Lopez, the former senior appointee to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Mike Sarrell, a retired Navy SEAL who has worked extensively in special operations. The show promises to be intense and sounds both Irvine and viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the memories and experiences of World War II veterans. Irvine predicted that the show would be acquired by Fox.