Next Gen Chef Contestants, Judges
The series brings together a lineup that’s both heartfelt and impressive: 21 wildly ambitious chefs under 30, plus a judging crew that knows its way around both the spice rack and a tough decision. If you’ve ever fantasized about what it’d feel like to be “the youngest sous chef in Manhattan,” these are the faces you’d want cheering (or critiquing) from the sidelines.
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Judges & Host:
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Olivia Culpo (Host): Restaurateur, TV personality, once wore a Miss Universe crown—now she’s wrangling chefs instead of pageants.
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Carlton McCoy: Master Sommelier, CEO, one of the youngest ever to nab that title. Also hosted “Nomad” on CNN, so he knows kitchens and adventure.
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Kelsey Barnard Clark: Won Top Chef, nominated for a James Beard, and blends Alabama roots with French flair. She apparently once beat 14 other chefs with a gumbo. Legend.
Guest Stars (Judges who pop in and out):
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Francis Lam
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Cat Cora (yes, the OG Iron Chef!)
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Paul Carmichael
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Susan Feniger
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Dale Talde
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Christina Tosi
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Kwame Onwuachi
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Daniel Boulud
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Thomas Keller
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Grant Achatz
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Harold Dieterle
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Emma Bengtsson
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Anne Burrell (a tribute appearance)
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Dr. Tim Ryan
Next Gen Chef Contestants
Twenty-one fresh faces—some with Michelin stars, some catering star athletes, a couple hustling pop-ups, a few mixing bold flavors in secret Brooklyn kitchens. You know the type: the one who’ll sous vide their morning eggs just for fun, the chef who can make you cry over a spoonful of broth.
Here’s the crew:
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Abby Kirn – Private Chef, brings elegance to tiny dinner parties.
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Alicia Herranz – R&D Chef, Restaurante Barro, loves experimenting.
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Andrew Sargent – Sous Chef, Per Se; basically trained in a pressure cooker.
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Courtney Evans – Private Chef, ex-3rd & Fernwood—her menus “hug” people.
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Eli Kochman – Sous Chef at Chleo, has LA kitchen cred and gumption.
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Ilke Schaaf – Line Cook at Coverhill BK; Brooklyn’s creative pulse.
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Jacob-Bao Nguyen – Private Chef & Pop-Up Owner (Than Thai). Hustler.
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Javauneeka Jacobs – Chef at Frontera Grill, makes Mexican vibrant.
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Joaquin Cariaso – Sous Chef, Charlie Palmer Steak NYC/Manhatta; New York sharpness.
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Karla Perez – Tournant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns; farm-to-table rising star.
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Keyana Jadali – Private Chef, global flavors on call.
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Khan Bataa – Sous Chef at Hamdi, Mongolian roots meet crisp technique.
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London Chase – Junior Sous Chef, Essential by Christophe; discipline meets imagination.
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Max Centauro – Exec Chef, Chica & the Don; now runs his own kitchen.
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Nikki Patterson-Nash – Private Chef, presentation and consistency queen.
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Peter McTiernan – Exec Chef, Dio Mio; bold ideas, zero chill.
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Sam Driscoll – Chef de Cuisine, Tavern on State; wrangles chaos like a boss.
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Sam Etienne – Private Chef, Rose Catering; artisan menus, big smiles.
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Sam Seideman – Private Chef & Student; the youngest, but hustle is real.
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Sidney Rubenstein – Private Chef for the New York Jets; fueling athletes for glory.
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Zachary Ethan Atkins – Traveling Chef, brings a little bit of everywhere along in his suitcase.
Honestly, reading their bios, I sort of wish I was friends with half of them. Or the person they’re cheffing for tonight.
Next Gen Chef Season 1
The first season? Eight episodes. Each about 45 minutes. No time for filler, just pure kitchen mayhem, unfiltered reaction shots, and the kind of mentoring that’s half Gordon Ramsay, half loving grandma (if your grandma measured sauces by the micron). The Culinary Institute of America is the setting, which means lots of intimidating stainless steel and people who actually know what a salamander is (it’s not a lizard, it’s a broiler).
Next Gen Chef Starting Date
Mark your calendar: September 17, 2025. You want opening night, not just because it’s fresh, but because that’s when all the weird nerves and slick editing come together for the first kitchen showdown. It’s global, so no one’s left out—just good, old-fashioned shared excitement.
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Next Gen Chef Where to Watch
Netflix. Period. No complicated log-ins, no waiting until next year. It’s all dropping at once—the binge-watchers are already gearing up. Throw in a little kitchen inspiration and a healthy dose of envy for those perfectly chopped herbs, and you’ve got the makings of your next favorite reality show.
