Everything You Need to Know About 'Top Chef' Season 21
Season 20 of Top Chef truly felt like the end of an era, with an all-star installment honoring the global franchise, and the departure of one of the series' main faces. So where do we go from here? Evidently, back stateside, as season 21 will take fans to the Midwest for a new season, and a new host to boot.
Read on to find everything we know so far about season 21, including when it premieres, where it filmed, and the new host.
When does Top Chef season 21 start in 2024?
Top Chef: Wisconsin premieres on March 20, 2024.
Where is Top Chef season 21 filming?
After spending a season abroad, Top Chef will head back to the United States to film in the state of Wisconsin. It marks the first time the show has filmed in the midwest since all the way back in season 4. Bravo announced that the cheftestants will compete across both Milwaukee and Madison. "With a backdrop of picturesque landscapes, acres of farmland, miles of shoreline and vibrant urban communities, the cheftestants will explore the fresh flavors and local bounty of this rising culinary destination," they say in a statement.
Related: Read our interview with Top Chef: World All-Stars winner Buddha Lo
How many contestants are on Top Chef 21?
Top Chef season 21's cast sports 15 "cheftestants."
Who are the contestants (cast) on Top Chef 21?
The Top Chef: Wisconsin cheftestants were revealed on February 7, 2024.
Manny Barella
Kaleena Bliss
Kévin D'Andrea
Alisha Elenz
Danny Garcia
Valentine Howell Jr.
Dan Jacobs
Savannah Miller
David Murphy
Kenny Nguyen
Laura Ozyilmaz
Charly Pierre
Amanda Turner
Rasika Venkatesa
Michelle Wallace
Who replaced Padma Lakshmi as host for Top Chef season 21?
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 will be stepping 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 21 Top Chef judges?
Kristen Kish will join Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, who are resuming their roles at the judges table following season 20. 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 alumni are involved in Top Chef season 21?
Due to COVID restrictions in seasons 18 and 19, many Top Chef alumni appeared as guest judges. Though the concept took a season off due to the "world all-stars" format, it is possible that a return to a more regular season could mean the return of the well-received alumni panel.
What famous chefs made appearances in Top Chef season 21?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef season 21 to find out the guest judges.
What types of challenges will happen in Top Chef season 21?
Check back closer to the premiere of Top Chef season 21 to find out the challenges.
Are there any rule changes in Top Chef season 21?
For the first time in Top Chef history, no immunity will be awarded to the winner of the Quickfire challenge. That means that anyone can get eliminated at any time, even if you had netted a win earlier in the episode.
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
How did Top Chef handle filming during the coronavirus?
During seasons 18 and 19, Top Chef used protocols while filming during the pandemic. Everyone, including the judges, quarantined themselves in a "bubble" for the duration of filming. Additionally, the production crew's various departments were broken up into separate zones that worked at different times. The judges were not allowed to share plates of food; tasting spoons had to be discarded after every taste; and contestants were each given their own individual spice containers, instead of sharing them.
Given the fact that season 20 had the chefs back to shopping at Whole Foods (albeit while masked) and dining out at various establishments, it's safe to assume all of the COVID restrictions will be lifted for season 21.
Is Last Chance Kitchen back for Top Chef season 21?
Though not officially announced, it's heavily assumed Last Chance Kitchen will be back for its thirteenth 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.
Watch a trailer for Top Chef season 21
Where can I watch Top Chef online?
Top Chef airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes will then be available the next day on Peacock. Watch Top Chef episodes here.
What day does Top Chef come on?
Top Chef airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
What time is Top Chef on?
Top Chef comes on at 9 p.m. ET Thursdays on Bravo.
Who won Top Chef season 20 World All-Stars?
It was back-to-back for Buddha Lo! The Top Chef Houston champ won his second season in a row, winning an incredible eight challenges along the way. In the finale, he bested Gabri Rodriguez and Sara Bradley.
Related: Read our interview with Top Chef: World All-Stars winner Buddha Lo
Where can I find news about Top Chef?
We'll be bringing you news about Top Chef throughout season 21.
Next, here's everything to know about the previous season of Top Chef: World All-Stars.
