An International Showdown! Here's Everything You Need to Know About Top Chef Season 20
The landmark season 20 of the Emmy-winning reality show will bring together contestants from other editions of the franchise.
Since 2006, Top Chef has revolutionized the culinary community and the way we see cooking as a global population. And the 20th season of the Emmy-winning reality series showcases just that. A cast of faces from various editions of the show from around the world will face off in the franchise's first ever "World All-Stars."
Read on to find everything we know so far about season 20, including when it premieres, where it filmed, and what countries are being represented.
When does Top Chef season 20 start in 2023?
Though we know Top Chef season 20 is happening, a release date has not been confirmed. However, given the airdates of the past three seasons, it should be expected to air some time in spring of 2023.
Where is Top Chef season 20 filming?
Top Chef is going across the pond to London for season 20! This marks the first time the season is primarily set in a country outside of the United States. There have been several times in previous seasons where chefs went overseas for the final few rounds.
"I’m pleased that Top Chef has chosen London for its first ever season outside of the US," Victoria Prentis, Food Minister of the U.K. Government says. "We’re rightly proud of our exceptional food and drink produced here in the UK. From Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb to Northern Irish beef and English sparkling wine, our food and drink is recognized at home and abroad for its great taste and high quality. As the U.K.’s largest manufacturing sector, the passion, traditions and expertise of our food and drink industry make the UK a fantastic choice for the culinary competition series.”
How many contestants are on Top Chef 20?
According to Bravo, this season will feature 16 "cheftestants."
Who are the contestants (cast) on Top Chef 20?
The cast for Top Chef World All-Stars has yet to be announced. However, they will share one thing in common. Everyone who competes on this season will have had to have previously been on a version of Top Chef. Currently the franchise spans 29 countries and has crowned over 100 winners.
Who are the season 20 Top Chef judges?
Padma Lakshmi will return as host and judge. She will be joined by head judge Tom Colicchio, as well as Gail Simmons. This season will also have appearances by "distinguished judges from the international versions, as well as esteemed global culinary experts."
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 20?
One of the big question marks coming into Top Chef World All-Stars is what will happen to the concept of the alumni panel. In the previous couple of seasons, due to circumstances from the pandemic, the show instituted a panel of previous Top Chef contestants who served as rotating guest judges for the season.
Given the nature of season 20, it's unlikely the alumni will appear in that large of a capacity, if at all. However, we could see some familiar faces from the American edition take up the apron once more to compete and represent their country.
What famous chefs made appearances in Top Chef season 20?
The guest judge list for season 20 has yet to be announced. We'll update this space once we get word.
What types of challenges will happen in Top Chef season 20?
It had yet to be announced what challenges will be in Top Chef World All-Stars. However, we can expect challenges around British cuisine and traditions, as well as some occasional dips into famous challenges from other series in the franchise.
What does the Top Chef winner get?
The winner of Top Chef season 20 will receive $250,000 furnished by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, 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?
For the past two seasons, 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. It's unknown as to whether those changes were kept in place for season 20.
Is Last Chance Kitchen back for Top Chef season 20?
Though not formally announced, it's assumed that Last Chance Kitchen will return for its twelfth season with World All-Stars. Eliminated chefs will be given a challenge from head judge Tom Colicchio and face off for the chance to return to the competition.
Watch a trailer for Top Chef season 20
Click here to watch a sneak peek for Top Chef World All-Stars.
Where can I watch Top Chef online?
Top Chef airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes will then be available the next day on the Bravo website. Watch Top Chef episodes here.
What day does Top Chef come on?
Top Chef airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
What time is Top Chef on?
Top Chef comes on at 8 p.m. ET Thursdays on Bravo.
Who won Top Chef season 19 Houston?
Kah-wai "Buddha" Lo became season 19's Top Chef, impressing the judges all season long with his creative concepts and effortless execution. He won in the finale over Evelyn Garcia and Sarah Welch, the latter of whom impressively made her way back from Last Chance Kitchen after being originally eliminated in Episode 4.
Related: Read our interview with the Top Chef Houston finalists
Where can I find news about Top Chef?
We'll be bringing you news about Top Chef throughout season 20.
Next, here's everything to know about the previous season of Top Chef: Houston.
