Everything You Need to Know About 'Top Chef' Season 22
Season 21 of Top Chef introduced a whole lot of new into the franchise. Previous winner Kristen Kish stepped in as the host, taking over Padma Lakshmi's duties. And brand-new rules changed up the Quickfire Challenges more than ever before. And the innovations keep coming for Season 22, as Top Chef heads north of the border for a rare international season of the show.
Read on to find everything we know so far about Top Chef Season 22, including when it premieres, where it's filming, and the "cheftestants."
When does Top Chef Season 22 start in 2025?
It's unknown when Top Chef Season 22 will premiere, as it has yet to film. However, given the track record of previous seasons, we should expect it to start somewhere in the spring of 2025.
Where is Top Chef Season 22 filming?
Top Chef: Canada is a go for Season 22! As announced in a social media post on June 25, 2024, the next season will be filming primarily in Canada, home of judge Gail Simmons.
"When the opportunity to feature Canada for 'Top Chef' Season 22 arose, it was clear that exploring our northern neighbor was a natural choice," says Ryan Flynn, Senior Vice President, Current Production, NBCUniversal Entertainment in a statement. "Canada's diverse array of culinary traditions, multicultural influences, and distinctive regional specialties will serve as a perfect backdrop for our next batch of chefs competing for the coveted title."
How many contestants are on Top Chef 22?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef: Canada to find out more information about this season's "cheftestants."
Who are the contestants (cast) on Top Chef 22?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef: Canada to find out more information about this season's "cheftestants."
Who is the host of Top Chef Season 22?
In June 2023, Padma Lakshmi shocked the culinary world when she announced she would be stepping away from Top Chef following season 20. While saddened by her departure, this also started waves of speculation as to who would take her place. Luckily for Top Chef, they didn't have to go far.
Top Chef season 10 winner Kristen Kish then stepped into the role of host and judge for Season 21. She has plenty of experience with the show, having been through the process and even served as a guest judge. She has also cut her teeth on hosting since winning, presenting shows such as Travel Channel's 36 Hours and Netflix's Iron Chef reboot.
Who are the Season 22 Top Chef judges?
Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons continue to resume their roles at the judges table. It's unknown if any other main judges will be announced, as none have been used since season 16.
Related: Top Chef Judge Gail Simmons on What Really Happens at Judges’ Table, What’s Always in Her Fridge and Healthy Eating on the Road
What famous chefs made appearances in Top Chef Season 22?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef Season 22 to find out the guest judges.
What types of challenges will happen in Top Chef Season 22?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef Season 22 to find out the challenges.
Are there any rule changes in Top Chef Season 22?
Last season of Top Chef saw a major change to the Quickfire Challenge. For the first time in the show's history, no immunity will be awarded to the winner of the Quickfire. Instead, the winner of the episode's Elimination Challenge would get immunity from the next Elimination Challenge. The Quickfire instead gave a cash reward. Additionally, halfway through the season, Tom and Gail joined Kristen for the Quickfire, and incorporated it into their decisions for who to eliminate. It's unknown if any of these changes will be around for Top Chef Season 22.
What does the Top Chef winner get?
The winner of Top Chef season 20 will receive $250,000 furnished by the Saratoga Brand, a feature in Food and Wine magazine, and an appearance at the annual "Food and Wine Classic" in Aspen. The prize money was increased starting with season 17.
Related: Top Chef Season 3 Miami Contestant Howie Kleinberg Dead at 45
Is Last Chance Kitchen back for Top Chef Season 22?
Yes, Last Chance Kitchen will be back for its fourteenth season! Hosted by Tom Colicchio, the online program has eliminated chefs continuing to cook head-to-head for a chance to stay alive and make their way back into the competition. Last season also featured a twist, as a sixteenth competitor Soo Ahn started in Last Chance Kitchen, in the hopes of cooking his way onto the main show.
Who won Top Chef Season 21?
New York chef Danny Garcia spent his time in Wisconsin piecing together a consistent, creative, and carrot-forward performance. After winning the most Elimination Challenges this season, he added one final victory at the end, beating fellow finalists Dan Jacobs, and Savannah Miller. Danny has also taken home the most prize earnings in Top Chef history, winning over $300,000 over the season.
Related: Read our interview with Top Chef: Wisconsin finalists Danny Garcia, Dan Jacobs, and Savannah Miller
Where can I find news about Top Chef?
We'll be bringing you news about Top Chef throughout season 22.
Next, here's everything to know about the previous season of Top Chef: Wisconsin.
