In 'Control Freaks,' the three team captains—Michelle Francis, Zain Ismael, and Katsuji Tanabe—must lead their teams to prepare a new four-course menu while demonstrating leadership skills that balance stepping in and stepping back, empowering teammates without micromanaging. The challenge tests their ability to collaborate and manage their teams under pressure.

The chefs chosen as team leaders in the premiere episode are Michelle Francis, Zain Ismael, and Katsuji Tanabe. Their leadership roles are based on their standout four-course meal submissions, which impressed judges Martha Stewart and José Andrés.

The Most Valuable Chef (MVC) title grants the winning team captain immunity from elimination and the power to challenge another chef to a head-to-head cook-off. However, if the MVC loses the challenge, the victor gains control over elimination decisions. This dynamic creates strategic tension and was central to the final battle between Michelle and Katsuji in the episode.

The 12 chefs are divided into three teams, each led by one of the team captains. The main cooking challenge requires each team to collaborate and create a new four-course menu within 90 minutes, after only 10 minutes of planning. The goal is to test their ability to work together and produce cohesive dishes under time constraints.

The premiere episode featured a cook-off elimination between the bottom teams after the main challenge. The final head-to-head battle was between Michelle, the MVC, and challenger Katsuji. The outcome of this battle determined who was sent home, though the specific eliminated chef's name is not detailed in the available summaries.