Project Runway may be the best skills-based reality show out there, but now that the second go-around is over, there's a certain void in the TV landscape. Luckily, the Food Network has served up a brand new season of its own homegrown reality show, The Next Food Network Star. While it's not as well-produced or glossy as Runway, it does work in its own quaint and gentile way. Basically, the show gathers aspiring Rays and Flays from across the country and tests their abilities to not only cook, but perform in front of the camera. Doesn't sound that tricky, that is until you watch a nervous wannabe futz with a food processor lid for three minutes.

For all of you looking to pick up another spare reality show or just wanting to get a sneak peak at the behind-the-scenes mayhem of the Food Channel, The Next Food Network Star is worth checking out. The season premiere aired last night, but don't worry about falling behind. We have a guide to the characters after the jump.