The Ultimate 2024 Update: Where Is The America's Test Kitchen Cast Now?

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The world of culinary media is constantly evolving, but for millions of home cooks, the familiar faces of America's Test Kitchen (ATK) remain the gold standard for reliable, science-backed recipes. As of late 2024, the core cast, from the veteran co-hosts to the meticulous test cooks and equipment experts, are not only still on the air but are expanding their influence across new shows, magazines, and digital platforms. This article provides the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at what the entire ATK family is doing now, including the latest on original host Christopher Kimball and the newest generation of culinary talent.

The long-running PBS cooking show, which first premiered in 2001, has successfully transitioned from its original host to a dynamic team of culinary professionals. The current season (Season 24) continues to feature the familiar faces you trust, proving that the rigorous process of testing recipes and equipment is a timeless formula for success. The cast members are now holding major executive roles, launching solo shows, and even judging the next generation of ATK stars.

The Main Hosts and Executive Leadership: A Comprehensive Look

The leadership team at America's Test Kitchen has taken on major roles, cementing their status not just as TV personalities but as key figures in the entire culinary media company, which includes Cook's Illustrated and Cook's Country.

Julia Collin Davison: Co-host of America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country. Davison, who began her career at ATK in 1999, remains a fixture on PBS. In addition to her hosting duties, she launched her own digital series, Julia at Home, on Pluto TV in late 2021, where she brings her signature test kitchen rigor to a more relaxed, home-cooking setting. She is a powerhouse of culinary knowledge.
Bridget Lancaster: Co-host of America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country. Like Davison, Lancaster is an ATK veteran, having started in 1998. Her current role extends far beyond the camera; she serves as an Executive Editorial Director for the company, overseeing much of the content strategy and ensuring the brand's commitment to quality remains paramount.
Dan Souza: Chief Content Officer (CCO) and Editor-in-Chief of Cook's Illustrated. Souza's career trajectory is a testament to the ATK system. After 14 years as a test cook, he stepped into the media company's top creative role of CCO, overseeing all content across television, digital, and print. He continues to appear on the show, but his primary focus is now the strategic direction of the entire brand.

Christopher Kimball: The Original Host and His Milk Street Empire

Christopher Kimball, the original, bow-tie-wearing host of America's Test Kitchen from 2001 to 2016, left the company to found his own venture, Christopher Kimball's Milk Street. This new venture is a separate culinary entity focused on global, time-saving recipes.

What is Christopher Kimball doing now?

Kimball is highly active. His Milk Street brand includes a popular PBS cooking show, a bi-monthly magazine, and a radio show. The Milk Street television show continues to air new seasons, with recent content and magazine issues updated through 2024 and into 2025. He has successfully built a new, distinct culinary media empire that focuses on new techniques and international flavors.

The Test Cooks and Culinary Experts: Expanding Their Authority

The true engine of America's Test Kitchen lies with its dedicated test cooks, editors, and experts. These are the individuals who spend countless hours perfecting recipes and testing equipment so home cooks don't have to. Many of these cast members have taken on new projects and expanded roles, making them influential figures in their own right.

Here is a list of key cast members and their current projects, demonstrating the depth of topical authority within the ATK brand:

Elle Simone Scott: A prominent on-screen test cook and food stylist. Scott is a judge on the competition series America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation, which is currently filming its second season in 2024. She is also the host of the podcast The Walk-In and the founder of SheChef, a professional mentoring network for women of color in the culinary industry.
Lan Lam: Currently serves as a Deputy Editor at Cook's Illustrated. On-screen, she is known for her scientific approach to cooking and hosts her own popular digital series, Techniquely with Lan Lam, which dives deep into the "why" behind cooking techniques.
Erin McMurrer: A veteran test cook who also holds the title of Kitchen Director. She is responsible for the logistics and smooth operation of the massive, real-life test kitchen where all the magic happens. She remains a frequent presence on the main show.
Becky Hayes: Continues her role as a dedicated test cook, frequently demonstrating recipes alongside the hosts in the latest season of the show. Her expertise is often featured in segments dedicated to classic American dishes.
Keith Dresser: Another veteran test cook and on-screen personality. Dresser is regularly featured in Season 24, specializing in deconstructing and perfecting challenging recipes, from seafood to comfort food.

The Equipment and Tasting Experts: The Gear and Gadget Gurus

No ATK episode is complete without the segments dedicated to equipment reviews and ingredient taste tests. These experts provide the unbiased recommendations that have made the show a trusted source for home cooks.

Adam Ried: The keeper of the Equipment Corner on both America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country. Ried is a Senior Editor for Cook's Illustrated and continues to be the definitive source for which kitchen gadgets are worth your money.
Lisa McManus: An Executive Editor of ATK Reviews, she is often referred to as the "Gadget Guru." McManus leads the team responsible for testing kitchen equipment and ingredients, a critical component of the ATK mission.
Jack Bishop: The Chief Creative Officer and the primary tasting expert on the show, Bishop has been with ATK since the beginning. He is the final word on which brands of ingredients taste the best.

The Next Generation of ATK and Future Outlook

The company is actively cultivating new talent and expanding its reach, ensuring the brand's longevity in the digital age. This focus on the future is the freshest update for the ATK universe.

The most significant new development is the competition series, America's Test Kitchen: The Next Generation. This show aims to find a new, permanent cast member for the long-running PBS program. The first season was a success, and the second season is actively casting and filming in 2024, demonstrating a commitment to finding diverse and talented new culinary voices.

Other notable names who continue to contribute to the ATK ecosystem and are frequently featured across the various shows, books, and magazines include:

Bryan Roof: Test Cook and Executive Editor of Cook's Country Magazine.
Ashley Moore: Test Cook and frequent contributor to Cook's Country.
Christie Morrison: Test Cook and on-screen expert.
Morgan Bolling: Editor and test cook, often seen on the digital platforms.
Matthew Fairman: Test Cook and recipe developer.
Mariana Velasquez: Test Cook specializing in international cuisine.
Molly Birnbaum: Editor and host of the Proof podcast.
Tessa Miller: Test Cook and recipe developer.
Sami Kassab: Test Cook and food scientist.
Aki Katayama: Test Cook and recipe developer.

In short, the America's Test Kitchen cast is not "where are they now?" but rather "they are still here, and they are everywhere." The core hosts, Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster, continue to anchor the flagship shows, while Dan Souza drives the overall content strategy. Christopher Kimball is successfully running his Milk Street project, and the veteran test cooks—including Elle Simone Scott, Lan Lam, Becky Hayes, Erin McMurrer, and Keith Dresser—are all actively working to maintain ATK's reputation as the most trusted source in culinary media into 2025 and beyond.

The Ultimate 2024 Update: Where Is the America's Test Kitchen Cast Now?

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