In the ultimate test of their taste buds, talented chefs, restaurant critics, cookbook authors and amateur home cooks are vying to win $50,000 in the new high-stakes show Money Hungry, premiering Sunday, August 8 at 10|9c before moving to its regular timeslot on Tuesday, August 10 at 10|9c. In the five-episode series hosted by Kal Penn, competitors showcase their impressive palates in a series of increasingly complex tasting challenges that push their senses and culinary knowledge to the limits. With each dish dramatically revealed under a cloche, the action begins with 60 seconds of rapid-fire tastings where the competitors must identify specific ingredients, then proceed to the main-course round where the challenges become more difficult with every reveal. Each episode has two guest panelists, who are available to provide "flavor favors" — limited lifelines to competitors. In the end, only those that survive through the final tasting are awarded $50,000.

“I am obsessed with the ways in which food tells stories, so hosting Money Hungry is a lot of fun," said Penn. "The culinary knowledge and amazing palates of the competitors was so impressive — I learned a lot and am excited for viewers to see all the action."

Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, sometimes-college instructor and emerging foodie. He is known for starring roles including the Harold and Kumar franchise, House, Designated Survivor, and Sunnyside, a comedy he co-created for NBC. Penn has appeared in a number of independent films, most notably Mira Nair’s adaptation of Pulitzer-winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel The Namesake, about which The New York Times called his lead role a "crackling, star-making performance." Penn has also taught courses on film and media at the University of Pennsylvania, and in sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Originally from New Jersey, he received his BA in Sociology with a specialization in Theater, Film, and Television at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a graduate certificate in International Security from Stanford University.

Follow #MoneyHungry on social media for an insider's look on set with Kal and watch the panelists take on the culinary challenges.