Description
Original Airdate03/07/2006
A hit reality competition series that celebrates the culinary arts with a window into the competitive, pressurized environment of world-class cookery.
Moods
- Tense
- Emotional
- Creative
- Confident
- Cool
Top Chef
Where to watch Top Chef
- Free On Demand on Bravo
Cast & Crew
Tom ColicchioJudge Tom ColicchioJudge Gail SimmonsJudge Gail SimmonsJudge Graham ElliotJudge Graham ElliotJudge Nilou MotamedJudge Nilou MotamedJudge Richard BlaisJudge Richard BlaisJudge Emeril LagasseJudge Emeril LagasseJudge Hugh AchesonJudge Hugh AchesonJudge
14. The Final Toast
Air Date 06/08/2026
The final three chefs are asked to create the best progressive four-course meal of their lives; the finalists must impress an esteemed table of diners, including Hunter Lewis, Editor-In-Chief of Food & Wine magazine; chefs Eric Ferguson, Camari Mick and Nok Suntaranon, and Top Chef alums Sara Bradley, Joe Flamm and Stephanie Izard. At the judges' table, Kristen, Tom and Gail are joined by chefs Brandon Jew and Val Cantu to determine who will be named the next Top Chef.
13. Plate Expectations
Air Date 06/01/2026
For their final Quickfire Challenge, the chefs use a game of 20 questions to identify and recreate a dish made by Tom. The chefs are tasked with crafting dishes plated in unexpected ways, using unconventional vessels. Joining the judges are actress Liza Koshy, Michelin-starred chef Jon Yao and Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis.
12. Appalachian Celebration
Air Date 05/25/2026
Before heading back to Charlotte, the chefs make a stop in Asheville, N.C.; there is no Quickfire Challenge as the chefs explore the city with local host and former "Top Chef" alum Ashleigh Shanti, learning about the community's relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while discovering the cuisine of this Appalachian region; for the Elimination Challenge, the chefs host a one-night-only event for 200 community members in recognition of their resilience.
11. Down the Rabbit Hole
Air Date 05/18/2026
The chefs gather at Greenville's Unity Park where they're welcomed by Kristen and special guest judges Keith Habersberger and Rachel Cole of the "Try Guys"; for the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs must create a dish with elements voted on by "Top Chef" superfans; joined by chefs Niki Nakayama and Adam Cooke and retired Olympic cyclist Brent Bookwalter, the judges task the chefs with creating elevated fine dining dishes featuring rabbit in this week's Elimination Challenge.
10. Hook, Line & Dinner
Air Date 05/11/2026
Lines are cast as chefs fish, cook and face elimination by the water's edge.
9. The Ultimate Dinner Party
Air Date 05/04/2026
A Quickfire leads straight into an epic eight-course dinner for elite judges.
8. Restaurant Wars
Air Date 04/27/2026
It's Restaurant Wars and this season the perennial favorite returns with a twist.
7. Desserts Fit for a Queen
Air Date 04/20/2026
"Southern Charm" stars Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover join Kristen Kish in the kitchen for a Quickfire inspired by Cracker Barrel's all-day menu; the chefs must split into teams of three and prepare three meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, each inspired by southern classics; actress and guest judge Melissa Benoist joins a regal celebration in honor of Queen Charlotte's birthday and the 20th anniversary, tasking the chefs with creating a dessert.
6. Going Whole Hog
Air Date 04/13/2026
There's no Quickfire Challenge this week as the chefs take on a Carolina classic, whole-hog barbecue; splitting into teams of two, they gear up for a head-to-head battle showcasing five key cuts of the hog; before their Elimination Challenge begins, they venture to Charlotte and Lexington to experience Carolina BBQ at its source; it's an all-night cook where the heat is on as they'll not only need to impress the judges, but also "Top Chef" alum and pitmaster Michelle Wallace.
5. Cut and Dry
Air Date 04/06/2026
Improvised cooking meets dehydration drama with Fortune Feimster in the kitchen.
4. Pick a Side
Air Date 03/30/2026
The chefs must team up to create a trio of dishes that take off alongside a curated wine flight.
3. True Colors
Air Date 03/23/2026
Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Kristen in the kitchen for the quickfire challenge where the chefs are tasked with giving livermush a makeover; for the elimination challenge, the chefs must honor North Carolina's rich textile history by incorporating natural food-dyed elements into their dishes; flour shop founder Amirah Kassem joins Emeril, Kristen, Tom and Gail at the judges' table.
2. Puckerbutt
Air Date 03/16/2026
For this week's Quickfire Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating a savory dish inspired by a sweet treat.
1. Carolina Roots
Air Date 03/09/2026
Heading to the Carolinas with 15 new chefs; for their first Quickfire Challenge, the chefs head to Charlotte Motor Speedway where they are greeted by Kristen, Tom and Gail and the first guest judges of the season, NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson and two-time NASCAR cup series champion Kyle Busch.