Advanced Television

WBD Access launches culinary Production Incubator

March 31, 2026

Warner Bros Discovery Access (WBD Access), the development programme connecting new and emerging talent to WBD, has launched a new Production Incubator pipeline programme in collaboration with Food Network and discovery+.

The programme gives emerging and mid-level production companies1 access to WBD executives and commissioners from across the streaming and linear portfolio, to help develop a new concept that shines a spotlight on the UK’s culinary landscape.

Production companies will be asked to submit an idea for a 1×22 pilot for already-established Food Network and discovery+ format Secrets of the…, which has previously seen Tom Kerridge open the doors to his pub The Coach in Secrets of the Pub Kitchen, and most recently Asma Khan took viewers behind the scenes of her restaurant the Darjeeling Express in Secrets of the Curry Kitchen.

Pitching production companies will be asked to respond to the prompt: “Looking to tell real food stories about the depth of cultures in the UK through the food you actually eat. We love food with heart – the kind that comes with a personal story of friends, family and life.”

Up to seven production companies will be selected to take part in a structured development week, where they will shape their concepts further with the support of WBD commissioners and producers. Production companies will also meet with the range of teams that support the production and promotion processes when commissioning and working with WBD. Applicants will then be invited back for a Pitch Day where ideas will be presented to network and streaming executives and discovery+ commissioners. Three concepts will be selected for a one-episode formal commission for Food Network and discovery+. Teams across WBD will support the chosen episodes through the production process.


Charlotte Reid, VP Commissioning at WBD, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the WBD Access team to launch this project, bringing an exciting opportunity to the wealth of talent in emerging production companies across the UK who haven’t yet worked with WBD. The “Secrets of the…” format has had great success on Food Network and discovery+, and I can’t wait to see what foodie stories our applicants bring to the table.”

Jennifer Sobol, Director, Inclusion Pipeline Programmes at WBD, added: “We are so excited to launch the Production Incubator alongside Food Network and discovery+, which represents a fantastic opportunity to champion a vast range of voices and stories from across the UK’s vibrant culinary landscape. By supporting emerging production companies and helping them bring their concepts to life, we aim to foster greater inclusion within the industry and showcase the breadth of talent and creativity that exists in our communities in the UK.”

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