Viewers of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America” were heartbroken as the show aired for the first time without Anne Burrell, following her tragic passing.

The beloved series launched its 30th season on Sunday night, marking a poignant return six months after the veteran host passed away at age 55, a result of suicide.

Now helmed by celebrity chefs Jeff Mauro and Tiffany Derry, the new season began with the introduction of fresh contestants, featuring notable names like Lisa Barlow, Ryan Lochte, and Reza Farahan.

Anne Burrell, known for her distinctive spiky platinum hair, passed away on June 17, 2025, at her residence in Brooklyn, New York.

In a heartfelt statement, her family reflected, “Anne was a cherished wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile illuminated every space she entered.”

‘Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world.

‘Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.’

Devastated Worst Cooks in America fans voiced their upset over Burrell’s absence from the new series, adding that the series just ‘isn’t the same.’

Anne Burrell fans complained that Worst Chef in America is not the same without her 

Jeff Mauro and Tiffany Derry are the show’s new co-hosts following Burrell’s death in June

Taking their sadness to Reddit, one wrote: ‘I could look over the games, but I hate the seasons of influencers and celebrities as the selling point. I miss Anne’s passion.’

‘Watching Worst Cooks without Anne Burrell just isn’t the same,’ another wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. ‘But I love the variety of people this season.’

‘Not the same without Anne,’ a third added on the network’s Instagram page.

‘Will never watch the show again without Anne, and definitely not with Mauro on it,’ another said.

Food Network chef Mauro recently paid tribute to Burrell in an emotional interview, in which he said her ‘legend lives on’ as the show continues.

Speaking to TV Insider, he said: ‘I had the honor of co-hosting several seasons with Anne, as well as being close personal friends with her.

‘I know we worked well together and loved working together. Her legend lives on, and I’m more than honored to carry that torch into the future. 

‘I know she would approve.’

The Worst Cooks in America co-host was found dead inside her Brooklyn apartment on June 17 at the age of 55 

Burrell hosted Worst Cooks in America for 27 seasons. She last appeared in season 29, which aired just weeks after her death. 

In July, Food Network fans blasted the network after they aired a tribute to Burrell during the premiere of her final season as a mentor in Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible.

At the end of the episode, a tribute message read: ‘In Memoriam, Anne Burrell, 1969-2025.’

‘If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available,’ another note read.

‘Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat at 988lifeline.org.’

Furious viewers were disappointed by the ‘five second’ tribute and branded it a ‘slap in the face.’

In this new season of Worst Cooks, each reality star is assigned to one of the co-hosts.

They will each be eliminated until one contestant is crowned champion, earning $25,000 for the charity of their choice.

Reza Farahan, Val Chmerkovskiy, Amara La Negra, D.T Julie Brown, Beverley Mitchell, Romeo Miller, CT Tamburello and Manila Lizon complete the line-up of celebs.