Top Chef returns to Hayu with host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons as they venture south to the Carolinas.
Season 23 will be centred on the emerging and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, with several episodes set in Greenville, South Carolina.
Produced by Magical Elves, the highly acclaimed cooking competition series highlights 15 rising -star chefs as they put their skills to the ultimate test, competing for the coveted title of Top Chef.
Throughout the season, chefs must demonstrate their culinary expertise, originality and endurance while tackling high-pressure challenges inspired by the regional history, diverse cultural influences and rich agricultural bounty of the Carolinas.
For the first time in the show’s history, the contestants include life partners who co-own and operate a restaurant, as well as a pair of highly competitive identical twin brothers vying for the title.
The season launches at full throttle with the first Quickfire Challenge at Charlotte Motor Speedway, featuring NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch.
Challenges throughout the season include:
- Creating dishes featuring North Carolina’s state vegetable, sweet potatoes
- Designing progressively spicier menus using some of the world’s hottest peppers
- Competing in a traditional whole hog BBQ cookout
- Developing innovative dishes using dehydrated ingredients
Charlotte-raised comedian Fortune Feimster brings comic relief, while Southern Charm stars Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover challenge chefs to reinterpret Southern comfort classics.
Actress Melissa Benoist joins a royal -themed celebration honouring Queen Charlotte’s birthday and the show’s 20th anniversary. Liza Koshy challenges contestants to elevate presentation and creativity in visually driven culinary tasks.
In Greenville, actress Danielle Brooks appears during the inaugural Top Chef Fishing Derby, followed by a fan-designed Quickfire Challenge on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, judged by Try Guys’ Keith Habersberger and Rachel Ann Cole.
The chefs also visit Asheville, where they witness community resilience and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene, before returning to Charlotte for a fundraiser highlighting Appalachian ingredients.
Season 23 of Top Chef premieres exclusively on Hayu on Tuesday, the 10th of March, streaming the same day as the United States.
