“Top Chef” is spicing things up with a Bravo crossover for its upcoming season.
The Emmy-winning culinary competition announced that “Southern Charm” stars Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover will serve as guest judges in Season 23, which is being filmed in the Carolinas.
‘Top Chef’ Season 23 to Feature Bravo Crossover
The reveal came on Sept. 5 in an Instagram post showing the pair on set with host Kristen Kish. “Cooking down South!” the caption read. “Craig and Madison from [Southern Charm] join as guest judges for Season 23 of [Top Chef].”
The post quickly drew attention, racking up thousands of likes and comments. Kish joined in on the fun, writing, “Charmed by these two.” Fans also flooded the comments with excitement about the Bravo mashup, with one person writing, “SHUT UP this is a dream come true!!!!!” and another adding, “Best crossover ever! My 2 favorite Bravo shows!”
LeCroy and Conover each bring their own ties to the South’s food scene. LeCroy frequently shares at-home cooking videos with fans on social media, while Conover has ventured into the restaurant business.
In 2024, he partnered with fellow “Southern Charm” castmate Austen Kroll to open By the Way, a Charleston tavern offering elevated comfort food and cocktails.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight about the venture, the reality star said, “Charleston has grown so much in the last few years and brought in a lot of travelers, so we wanted to create a space where locals and travelers could hang out together and enjoy the neighborhood.”
‘Top Chef’ Season 23 Heads to the Carolinas
Season 23 will take viewers into the culinary heart of the Carolinas, highlighting Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Kish will return as host, joined by longtime judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.
“This season will showcase the finest in southern hospitality, embracing the rich history, agriculture, and outdoors, as a new batch of accomplished and renowned chefs vie for the ultimate Top Chef title,” NBC said in an official statement.
“With the region’s freshest ingredients at their fingertips and high stakes on the line, the chefs will have to cook their best as they battle through Quickfire and Elimination Challenges designed to put their skills, creativity, and knowledge to the test.”
Season 23 will bring that same spirit of Southern hospitality to Bravo, with challenges designed to push chefs’ skills to the limit.
“Top Chef” Season 23 is set to premiere in 2026.
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