On This Day : “Taste the Islands”, Becomes First Caribbean Cooking Show on PBS

On March 28, 2015, Caribbean cuisine took a major step onto the global stage when “Taste the Islands with Chef Irie” premiered across the United States on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Carried on more than 130 public television stations, the series made history as the first Caribbean cooking show—and the first Jamaican-produced programme—to air nationally on PBS.

Hosted by Jamaican chef Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, the series introduced audiences to the rich flavours of the Caribbean, blending traditional recipes with contemporary twists. From jerk seasoning made from scratch to inventive dishes like mussels chorizo in mango coconut sauce, the show offered both authenticity and accessibility. Executive Producer Calibe Thompson and the team at Blondie Ras Productions positioned the series as a cultural bridge—bringing Caribbean food, stories, and identity into American homes.

Expanding the Caribbean Story

Following its successful debut, Taste the Islands returned for a second national run in 2017, with an expanded cast including Haitian chef Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna and cultural presenter Lisa Lee Arneaud. The series evolved beyond cooking, incorporating travel and storytelling elements that explored life across the region, including Barbados, Jamaica, and Haiti.

The show also featured appearances from notable Caribbean figures, including soca icon Alison Hinds, further reinforcing its cultural reach. With each episode, the programme deepened its mission: to showcase the Caribbean not just as a destination, but as a vibrant, interconnected cultural space.

Where to Watch “Taste the Islands” Today

More than a decade after its debut, Taste the Islands remains accessible to audiences worldwide. Viewers can still enjoy episodes and clips across multiple platforms:

• Amazon Prime Video – Full episodes of season 2 have been available since 2019

• PBS platforms – Including the PBS App and regional PBS websites

• YouTube – Recipes, clips, and behind-the-scenes content on the official channel

• One Caribbean Television – Licensed for broadcast across Caribbean-focused networks

A Lasting Legacy

Eleven years on, Taste the Islands with Chef Irie stands as a landmark moment in Caribbean media. It not only opened doors for Caribbean storytelling on international television but also helped to elevate Jamaican and regional cuisine within the global culinary conversation.

What began as a seven-part series has grown into a lasting cultural footprint—one that continues to celebrate the flavours, people, and stories of the Caribbean.

Photo Source: Taste the Islands