We have a new season of “Top Chef” 2026 premiering soon on Bravo. Host Kristen Kish, alongside judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, is back for “Top Chef” season 23, but who will be competing this season? Check out the “Top Chef” season 23 contestants below in our “Top Chef” spoilers.
When Does ‘Top Chef’ Season 23 Premiere?
“Top Chef” officially returns to Bravo on Monday, March 9. However, fans can check out the premiere episode early. Starting March 3, the “Top Chef” season 23 premiere was available to watch on Peacock, Bravo’s YouTube channel, and on demand.
The March 9 premiere will take place at 9/8c on Bravo. Starting March 16, the show moves to its regular timeslot at 9:30/8:30c, with new episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock. All episodes for this season will run for 75 minutes.
What Is the Theme for Season 23?
For season 23, it will take place in the Carolinas. The official description states, “The chefs must showcase their culinary expertise, originality, and endurance as they face off in pressure-filled challenges showcasing the regional history, diverse cultural flavors, and rich agricultural bounty across the Carolinas.”
This season will also feature cheftestants who are life partners, as well as identical twin brothers.
The premiere will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. Other guest stars for “Top Chef” 2026 include “Southern Charm” stars Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover, comedian Fortune Feimster, actresses Melissa Benoist, Liza Koshy, and Danielle Brooks.
Guest judges and featured diners include Brent Bookwalter, Adam Cooke, Eric Ferguson, Amirah Kassem, Emeril Lagasse, Michael Mina, Carl Sobocinski, Jon Yao, and many more.
Other Season 23 Details
The “Top Chef” season 23 winner will receive $250,000 from Graza Olive Oil. They will also earn a feature in Food & Wine Magazine, an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic Festival in Aspen, and headline a dinner at the James Beard House in New York. The winner will also get a chance to present at the James Beard Awards.
Throughout the season, the cheftestants will be able to compete for an additional $150,000 in prizes.
For season 23, “Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen” will return, hosted by Colicchio. This is the digital companion series, which starts with the third eliminated chef competing for a chance to return to the main competition.
‘Top Chef’ Season 23 Contestants
So, who are the contestants competing for the chance to be named the winner of “Top Chef” season 23? Check out the cheftestants below!
Bravo- Justin Tootla from Suttons Bay, Michigan/Detroit, Michigan
- Rhoda Magbitang from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
- Anthony Jones from Alexandria, Virginia
- Oscar Diaz from Durham, North Carolina
- Jennifer Lee Jackson from Suttons Bay, Michigan/Detroit, Michigan
- Laurence Louie from Quincy, Massachusetts
- Duyen Ha from Los Angeles, California
- Sherry Cardoso from Brooklyn, New York
- Sieger Bayer from Chicago, Illinois
- Brandon Dearden from Hamilton, Montana
- Nana Araba Wilmot from Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Brittany Cochran from Charlotte, North Carolina
Bravo- Jonathan Dearden from Alexandria, Virginia
- Day Anaїs Joseph from Atlanta, Georgia
- Jassi Bindra from Houston, Texas
“Top Chef” season 23 premieres on Monday, March 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. The remaining episodes air on Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET on Bravo. All new episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock. Will you be watching?
Watch the Season 23 premiere with us during our LIVE RECAP here!
