About this season
Jamie's Kitchen is a five-part British documentary television series that aired on Channel 4 from 5 November to 10 December 2002. It follows chef Jamie Oliver as he attempts to train a group of fifteen disadvantaged youth, who will — if they complete the course — be offered jobs at Oliver's new restaurant Fifteen. The series was executive produced by Peter Moore for Talkback Productions, and has since spawned several others along similar lines.
Episodes (7)
1. Episode 1
Aired 10 January 2003 • 60 min
The launch of the project, and the selection process begins with video auditions and reality dawns: these kids do not look like future top chefs. With the help of top restaurateurs Ruth Watson and Gennaro Contaldo, Jamie must makes some tough decisions.
2. Episode 2
Aired 10 January 2003 • 60 min
Having found a suitable venue, the participants now have nine months in which to transform it into a top London eatery.
3. Episode 3
Aired 17 January 2003 • 60 min
Jamie faces a serious problem: Some of his trainees skip classes, and others are not up to scratch.
4. Episode 4
Aired 17 January 2003 • 60 min
Jamie sends the trainees on placements for a month, working with professional chefs in a dozen top restaurants.
5. Episode 5
Aired 14 May 2003 • 60 min
The restaurant is about to open, and the trainees are put through their paces in the newly completed kitchen.
6. Episode 6
Aired 19 May 2003 • 60 min
The students are invited to cook for the Prime Minister.
7. Episode 7
Aired 26 May 2003 • 60 min
With Jamie off on paternity leave the trainee chefs start taking days off behind his back; Jamie returns to the restaurant to find two trainee chefs have quit.