Roku Originals Dishes Out "Best Bite Wins" Hosted and Executive Produced by Josh Peck

Six-episode series produced by Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures

SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 29, 2024 - Today, Roku, America's #1 TV streaming platform*, announced the greenlight of "Best Bite Wins," a Roku Original food competition series hosted by Josh Peck. In celebration of entertaining, passing apps, and eating together, "Best Bite Wins" gamifies cocktail party culture, with professional chefs competing to present the best party food to hungry judges and clientele at real events from birthday parties to retirement celebrations and everything in between. In addition to Peck, special events chef Monti Carlo will serve as the series' culinary expert.

"We thrilled to partner with Josh Peck, Velvet Hammer Media, and Michael Bloom to bring a fresh and fun new competition series for our audience to devour," said Olivia LaRoche, Head of Alternative Originals, Roku Media. "Food content deeply resonates with our streamers, and we're pleased to give them more of what they love and further bolster our Roku Originals slate with 'Best Bite Wins.'"

"The Roku Channel has a menu of original content that is unmatched. I couldn't be happier to be joining the slate, along with Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures, to bring Best Bite Wins to hungry viewers everywhere," said Josh Peck.

Said VHM Co-Founders and EPs Jennifer O'Connell and Rebecca Quinn, "Authenticity is the key ingredient in our competition shows, and Best Bite Wins is rooted in the real world where clients are the true culinary judges, and the ones chefs ultimately must please. It's great to have the wonderful Josh Peck bring his signature warmth and humor to the table, and to continue working with Roku, as well as our friend Michael Bloom at Bongo Pictures."

"Josh, Monti and Velvet Hammer really created an incredibly fun and competitive atmosphere around everyone's love and infatuation with appetizers," said Michael Bloom, executive producer for "Best Bite Wins." "The main course doesn't matter on this series! Really love how the team at Roku leaned right in from their first bite of this concept."

The six-episode series is produced by Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures. Jennifer O'Connell and Rebecca Quinn executive produce for Velvet Hammer Media. Michael Bloom, Josh Peck and Matthew Hobin also serve as executive producers. The series is overseen by Olivia LaRoche, Head of Alternative Originals, on behalf of Roku Originals.

Josh Peck is an actor, writer and podcast host. He can recently be seen in Christopher Nolan's Academy Award winning "Best Picture" feature, OPPENHEIMER, alongside Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr. OPPENHEIMER released in theaters July 21, 2023.

Josh will next be seen in the comedy feature, SUMMER CAMP, which he will star in alongside Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, and Eugene Levy. SUMMER CAMP will be released in theaters via Roadside Attractions on May 31st.

He can recently be seen in the second season of Hulu's, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, alongside Hilary Duff as well as the third season of iCARLY alongside Miranda Cosgrove for Paramount+. Josh can also be seen in the Netflix feature film, 13: THE MUSICAL, as "Rabbi Shapiro" for director Tamra Davis, alongside Debra Messing. He starred in the Disney+ reboot of TURNER & HOOCH, playing the son of the beloved role that Tom Hanks originated. In March 2022, Josh authored and published his memoir: HAPPY PEOPLE ARE ANNOYING, with Harper Collins. The New York Times called it a "witty and smart self help book." Later that year, Josh launched his podcast, GOOD GUYS via Toast News Network. He co-hosts the series with Ben Soffer (@boywithnojob).

Chef Monti Carlo is synonymous with vibrant Puerto Rican flavors and captivating food media. Beyond crafting unforgettable dishes for exclusive events, Chef Carlo reigns as editor-in-chief of Food World News. A respected authority, she also serves as a committee member and judge for the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Her latest cookbook, Spanglish, will be released in Spring 2025.

Roku's growing slate of Roku Originals offers bold, fresh entertainment from the biggest names in Hollywood. In addition to "The Great American Baking Show" and "Honest Renovations," viewers get free access to "The Spiderwick Chronicles," "Morimoto's Sushi Master," the "Die Hart" franchise, "WWE: Next Gen," "WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story," and more.

*By hours streamed (Hypothesis Group: Q4 2023)

About Velvet Hammer Media

Founded in 2023 by award-winning executives and producers Jennifer O'Connell and Rebecca Quinn, VHM (Velvet Hammer Media) creates premium original non-fiction content with a focus on bold formats, special-event programs and documentaries. Among VHM's series are The Big Bakeover for The CW and Empty Nest Refresh and the upcoming Best Bite Wins for Roku, along with multiple series in production and development across a range of top platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Fox, NBC network and NBCU lifestyle, and others. Co-CEOs O'Connell and Quinn serve as executive producers on all projects, and VHM provides production services. With access and inclusivity at its core, VHM's unique "Inside Access Program" ensures a line item in every production budget to hire exceptional BIPOC talent behind the camera and help them grow; the program is at the heart of the company's culture and applies to 100% of its productions. For more information visit velvethm.com.