James May: Oh Cook! is a cooking programme hosted by James May and released via Amazon Prime Video in 2020. The programme features May attempting to cook a variety of different dishes, with each episode focusing on a particular cuisine or meal. The show's title is a play on James's catchphrase from previous programmes.[1]
From 2019, May was involved in producing food-oriented videos for DriveTribe spin-off FoodTribe.[2] In June 2020, it became apparent that May was working on a cookery show with Amazon.[1] Amazon confirmed the show in July 2020, announcing that it would be released alongside a book, titled Oh Cook!: 60 Easy Recipes That Any Idiot Can Make.[3][4]
In press interviews released alongside the first series, May stated that he would like to film a second series of the programme abroad, saying he would be interested in learning how to cook a "proper American breakfast".[5]
Episodes
During the episodes May is assisted at times by home economist Nikki Morgan, who is kept in a cupboard until her assistance is required.[6]
Series 1 (2020)
No. in series
Title
Original release date
Length
1
"Asian Fusion"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:32
James puts a British spin on food from across the Asian continent.
2
"Pub Classics"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:32
James attempts to fry the perfect steak for Nikki, cooks his first pie, and creates a fish pie.
3
"Pasta"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:28
James ventures into the world of pasta, creating a lasagne, experimenting whether cream should be used in carbonara, and trying to put a twist on alphabet pasta
4
"Curry"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:28
James cooks an Indian-inspired feast featuring lamb keema, dal, chapatis, and a raita.
5
"Pudding"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:30
James turns his attention to pudding, creating cakes, custards and crumbles.
6
"Breakfast"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:28
James focuses on the first meal of the day, looking at dishes from around the world.
7
"Roast"
13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
0:27
James, having promised the crew lunch, attempts to cook a Sunday roast.
Michael Hogan for The Telegraph gave the series three out of five stars, saying the show has "unlikely charm" and there was "finally a cookery show for blokes".[9]Lucy Mangan for The Guardian gave the series three out of five stars, saying it was "occasionally charming – and mostly slightly dismal".[10]