Top Chef - Season 23

First aired: 3/9/2026 3 episodes

Top Chef is back, serving bold flavors and Carolina charm! 15 rising star chefs have come to the Carolinas to compete in the ultimate culinary showdown.

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Episodes

1. Carolina Roots

Aired: 3/9/2026

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.

2. Puckerbutt

Aired: 3/16/2026

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.

3. Episode 3

Aired: 3/23/2026