Season 23

Carolina Roots

March 9, 2026

Host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons venture south to the Carolinas! Season 23 is centered in the emerging and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, N.C., with several episodes in Greenville, S.C.

Puckerbutt

March 16, 2026

For this week’s Quickfire Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating a savory dish inspired by a sweet treat. Then the chefs head to PuckerButt Farms for a pepper tasting with Ed Currie, the inventor of the world’s hottest pepper. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are split into two teams and must create a progressively hotter menu. “Top Chef” season 12 winner Mei Lin joins Kristen, Tom and Gail at the judges’ table.

True Colors

March 23, 2026

Legendary Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Kristen in the kitchen for this week’s 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.

Pick a Side

March 30, 2026

In a Quickfire Challenge honoring the Wright Brothers’ first flight in North Carolina, the chefs must team up to create a trio of dishes that take off alongside a curated wine flight. Then, in the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must turn classic Southern sides into standout main course dishes. The judges are joined by last season’s winner Tristen Epps-Long and acclaimed James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier.

Cut and Dry

April 6, 2026

This week the chefs are visited by North Carolina’s own Fortune Feimster as she challenges them to improv their Quickfire dishes and serve them to kids in honor of Comic Relief. Then the chefs are tasked with creating dishes featuring dehydration. They’ll serve their dishes to Kristen, Tom and Gail along with guest judges Joe & Katy Kindred as well as “Top Chef” alum Savannah Miller at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Going Whole Hog

April 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. Then 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 and a group of local pitmasters from across the state.

Desserts Fit for a Queen

April 20, 2026

“Southern Charm” stars Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover join Kristen Kish in the Top Chef 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. Later, actress and guest judge Melissa Benoist joins a regal celebration in honor of Queen Charlotte’s birthday and the 20th anniversary of “Top Chef,” tasking the chefs with creating a dessert for the judges along with 60 superfans.

Restaurant Wars

April 27, 2026

It’s Restaurant Wars and this season the perennial favorite returns with a twist! The chefs split into two teams of four and are tasked with developing restaurant concepts. Each team must present a three-course progressive menu, offering two options for every course. To add to the pressure, they must serve 100 guests while also fielding to-go orders in the middle of it all. Kristen, Tom and Gail are joined at the judges’ table by restaurateur Michael Mina and Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. Before it all begins, the cheftestants receive news that reshapes their dynamics.

Episode 9

May 4, 2026

Episode 10

May 11, 2026

Episode 11

May 18, 2026

Episode 12

May 25, 2026

Episode 13

June 1, 2026

Episode 14

June 8, 2026