Hot Mess Express - Showrunner

First Media | 2019

Original Series Development | Creative Direction | YouTube & Broadcast Programming

Hot Mess Express is a chaotic cooking competition and a high-stakes game of telephone—where one professional chef guides a complete novice through cooking a dish… using only their voice. Meanwhile, a delivery driver races the clock to deliver the same dish from a local restaurant. At the end, a panel of chefs taste both versions—and decide which “team” wins.

As showrunner and creative lead, I developed the concept, designed the gameplay format, and directed a lean production team through eight episodes shot over four days. Our debut launched on a brand-new YouTube channel with strong performance—and led to the show being renewed for Season 2 and picked up for broadcast.

My Role

• Created and developed the original series format and competitive structure

• Directed a full season of production on a tight timeline with a small, high-performing crew

• Oversaw game design, creative direction, casting, set design, and visual storytelling

• Collaborated cross-functionally with internal teams to align on tone, talent, and audience engagement strategy

Impact

• 📺 Renewed for Season 2, now airing as regular programming on So Yummy TV, featured in 40M homes

• ⚡ Executed full production of 8 episodes in just 4 days—proving the scalability of the format

• 🍽️ Created a wildly entertaining hybrid of food TV, comedy, and challenge content that remains a fan-favorite in the First Media library