US chef Josh Scherer doesn’t need the endorsement of a TV channel or streaming service: he’s already amassed over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube.
But Netflix’s decision to host 50 episodes of his web series Last Meals – in which he interviews stars like Kelly Rowland and Tom Hanks as their favourite dishes are served – won’t hurt his numbers. To mark the occasion, a new episode joins the lineup (though tellingly, it hit YouTube at the same time).
For it, Scherer is joined by actor Gillian Anderson – incidentally a previous guest on the similarly themed Off Menu podcast. Scherer lacks the comedic chops of that show’s hosts James Acaster and Ed Gamble, mind: Anderson politely moves past a clumsy “coq au vin” joke early on.
Before we get to the food, Scherer also asks how much she thinks about death, which doesn’t do the show’s momentum much good. A TV exec might advise him to drop this bit.
Moving on, the pair are served a selection of Anderson’s G Spot drinks – prompting another crap joke from Scherer, plus several minutes of promotion, including a toast to “further investment”. You wouldn’t get that on the BBC.
As fried zucchini blossoms and ravioli with brown butter and sage are served, the conversation turns to Anderson’s latest film and book. The pair discuss food’s saucy role in the former, while Scherer rather immodestly reads an excerpt from the latter about how sexy chefs are. “Hot damn,” indeed.
A comforting tuna casserole seems to relax things, prompting childhood memories like Anderson’s father’s mad choice of sandwich filling. The show is light on recipe detail – though in the case of a violently bright “green glass jello” that’s probably for the best.
Like the guest? You’ll surely like the show. Any fans of Scherer, meanwhile, might also want to check out his Mythical Kitchen series – which sees him take on budget challenges, recreate restaurant meals and “bust myths”. Netflix has 50 episodes of that, too.
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