The Naked Chef


The Naked Chef was a BBC Two television cooking programme starring Jamie Oliver. It originally ran for three series plus three Christmas specials, and was produced by Optomen Television for the BBC. The show was Oliver's television debut, and was noted for its use of jumpy, close-up camera work, and the presenter's relaxed style—for example, Oliver would tear up herbs rather than chopping.
The programme was credited with inspiring men to cook due to Oliver's "blokey" approach.
Each episode took its theme from a social situation or event in Oliver's life, such as a hen night or babysitting. In series 1 and 2, Jamie was filmed cooking at his home. In series 3, the kitchen locations shifted to other venues.

Episodes

† Aired as a special

Series 1 (1999)

  1. Chefs' Night Off: Jamie cooks for his boss
  2. Hen Night: Jamie's cooks for his sister's hen night
  3. Babysitting: Jamie babysits his cousins
  4. The Band: Jamie gets the band back together
  5. Birthday Party: Jamie cooks for his own birthday party
  6. Girlfriend: Jamie cooks for Jools
  7. Christmas Come Early†: Jamie finally gets two Christmases

    Series 2 (2000)

  8. Reunion: Jamie's German friend Tim returns to London
  9. Girls, Girls, Girls: Jamie is invited for a night out with Jools and her friends, and cooks for them in return
  10. A Perfect Day: Jamie goes gokarting
  11. Going to the Dogs: Jamie cooks takeaway and takes his friends to the dog races
  12. Picnic on the Pier: Jamie cooks a picnic and takes his nieces to the Southend Pier
  13. A Bun in the Oven: Jamie cooks comfort food for his pregnant sister
  14. Birthday Barbeque: Jamie does a birthday barbeque for his friend Ben
  15. Wedding Bells: The in-laws are coming over
  16. Christmas in New York†: Jamie crosses the pond to work in a New York Restaurant, it is the only hour-long episode

    Series 3 (2001)

  17. Moving House: Jamie and Jools move to a new flat and gets out the campstove to avoid going a day without cooking
  18. Rock 'n' Roast: Jamie cooks for his favourite Band Jamiroquai at the lead singer Jay Kay's country home
  19. Godfather: Jamie becomes a godfather and cooks on a house boat
  20. Highland Fling: Jamie goes north to Scotland to cook for scallop divers
  21. Curryfest: Jamie cooks for his mates after a night of pool
  22. Back to School: Jamie teaches students to cook for an awards dinner and gives a speech at his former school
  23. Italian Job: Jamie and his old boss Gennaro go fly fishing, and they eat duck
  24. At the Beach: Jamie takes his Australian chefs to Cornwall on the condition they teach him to surf
  25. Christmas Party†: Jamie throws a Christmas Party