Watch Conviction Kitchen

Conviction Kitchen was a reality television show created by Planet Green, which aired in 2009. The show was hosted by Marc Thuet, a renowned chef from Toronto, Canada. The premise of the show was to train ex-convicts to work in a high-end restaurant and provide them with an opportunity to start a new life.

Each episode of Conviction Kitchen featured a group of ex-convicts who were selected to participate in a rigorous training program under Marc's tutelage. The program aimed to teach the ex-convicts the skills necessary to work in a professional kitchen, including cooking techniques, time-management, and teamwork.

The show was filmed in Toronto, and the restaurant selected for the training program was named "Conviction," which was owned by Marc and his wife, Biana Zorich. Conviction was a high-end restaurant that served French-inspired cuisine, and it was known for its high standards and demanding clientele.

The show began with Marc and Biana selecting a new group of ex-convicts for each episode. The ex-convicts were chosen based on their motivation to change their lives and their willingness to work hard. Once selected, the ex-convicts were put through a rigorous training program that lasted several weeks.

During the training program, the ex-convicts learned how to cook various dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. They were also taught how to work efficiently in a kitchen setting and how to manage their time effectively. Marc was a demanding teacher, and he pushed the ex-convicts to their limits to bring out their best work.

In addition to the training program, the show also featured challenges for the ex-convicts. One of the challenges involved the ex-convicts working in groups to cook an entire menu for a group of VIPs. The VIPs included food critics, celebrity chefs, and other influential individuals in the food industry.

The challenges were designed to test the ex-convicts' skills and their ability to work together as a team. Marc and Biana observed the ex-convicts during the challenges, and they provided feedback on their performance.

The show also dealt with the personal struggles of the ex-convicts. Each episode featured a backstory of one of the ex-convicts, which revealed their reason for being in prison and their struggles to find work after being released. Many of the ex-convicts had difficulty finding employment due to their criminal records, which is why the show was particularly meaningful to them.

At the end of each episode, Marc and Biana selected a few ex-convicts to work at their restaurant, Conviction. The ex-convicts were given the opportunity to showcase their skills and work alongside professional chefs in a real restaurant setting.

Overall, Conviction Kitchen was a unique reality show that tackled important social issues, such as recidivism and employment opportunities for ex-prisoners. It provided the ex-convicts with a chance to turn their lives around and pursue their dreams of becoming chefs. Marc Thuet's hard-hitting approach to training was a reflection of his passion for food and his desire to help the ex-convicts succeed.

Conviction Kitchen is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (14 episodes). The series first aired on January 6, 2010.