Wikipedia

Next Level Chef (American TV series)

For the most recent season, see Next Level Chef (American season 3).

Next Level Chef is an American culinary reality competition television series that premiered January 2, 2022, on Fox, with judges Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais. The third season began in January 2024, with a confirmed renewal for a fourth season.

Next Level Chef
Genre
Directed by
  • Paul Starkman (2022)
  • Paul Newton (2023)
Presented byGordon Ramsay
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes42
Production
Executive producers
  • Gordon Ramsay
  • Matt Cahoon
  • Lisa Edwards
ProducerEvangeline Bristow
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseJanuary 2, 2022 (2022-01-02) –
present

Format

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Chefs compete in a series of cooking challenges, divided into three teams under the guidance and judgment of Ramsay, Arrington, and Blais. In each episode, chefs are assigned to cook in one of three kitchens stacked on top of each other. The top level is equipped with a wide range of modern tools and devices, the middle level is a standard commercial kitchen, and the bottom level contains a limited collection of lower-quality equipment.

In the first season, the chefs are divided into three groups at the start of the first episode, and each group is randomly assigned a mentor and kitchen. Based on their evaluation of the chefs' dishes, the mentors take turns choosing one chef at a time for their respective teams. The teams are randomly assigned to the kitchens in subsequent episodes. In the second season, the mentors pick their chefs prior to the first challenge, and kitchen assignments for the teams are based on the results from the challenges throughout the episodes. The third season begins with 24 chefs, divided evenly among three types (professional, home, social media). In each of the first three episodes, the eight chefs of a particular type compete through three rounds, one per kitchen, and one chef is eliminated after each round. The five surviving chefs become eligible to be chosen by the mentors for their teams.

Before each challenge, a platform stocked with ingredients is lowered through the structure from top to bottom. As it reaches each level, the chefs cooking there have 30 seconds to collect whatever items they think they will need, including no more than one protein each. They are then given 45 minutes to prepare, cook, and plate their dishes, incorporating any surprise ingredient(s) that may be delivered to them on the platform without warning during that time.

During the team competition episodes, the chef whose dish is judged the best overall wins immunity from elimination for his/her entire team. The mentors of the other two teams each choose one of their own members for a 30-minute head-to-head challenge on the top level. The ingredient platform remains available throughout this time, and the mentor of the winning team supervises the two chefs' cooking while their teammates observe and offer advice. Based on their opinions of the dishes, the other two mentors select one chef to be eliminated from the competition; if they disagree, the winning team's mentor casts the tiebreaking vote.

Changes introduced in later episodes/seasons include:

  • Denial of immunity to any team at the end of a challenge.
  • Elimination challenges involving three or more chefs, in which only the one with the best dish is safe.
  • Disbandment of the teams, forcing the chefs to compete directly against one another.
  • Reduction in cooking time from 45 minutes to 40 in the main challenge.
  • Kitchen assignments for each episode based on the chefs' performance in the previous one(s); all chefs assigned to the bottom level after a main challenge must compete to avoid elimination.
  • A total of 90 minutes to cook three dishes in the finale, one per level.
  • (Season 2 and later) During the first episode, each mentor gives an "immunity pin" to the chef who cooked the best dish on their team. A chef may turn in this pin if they are chosen for a head-to-head challenge later in the season, forcing their mentor to nominate another chef in their place.

The winner will receive $250,000 and a one-year mentorship under all three mentors.

Production

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On May 17, 2021, it was announced that Fox had ordered the series, with Gordon Ramsay as a mentor, who also serves as an executive producer.[1][2] Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais also serve as mentors for the series, the latter replacing Gino D'Acampo.[3] On October 19, 2021, it was announced that the series would premiere on January 2, 2022.[4][5]

On March 2, 2022, it was announced that Fox renewed the series for a second season, prior to the airing of the first season's finale on the same day.[6] On May 16, 2022, it was announced that the second season would premiere on February 12, 2023 as the Super Bowl LVII lead-out program.[7][8] On May 11, 2023, it was announced that the show was given a two-season order for a third and fourth season.[9] On November 21, 2023, it was announced that the third season would premiere on January 28, 2024, following the NFC Championship football game.[10] The shows currently air on Thursday nights, with a Sunday rebroadcast that can be burned off in case of a Fox Sports overrun.

The first two seasons of the show were produced on a set constructed in Las Vegas. The set, built within an industrial tent, consists of three kitchens that are stacked on top of each other. Many aspects of the set, including the burners, ranges, and generators, are all run on gas.[11] Starting with the third season, the show was produced at Ashford Studios in County Wicklow, Ireland.[12]

Episodes

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Series overview

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SeasonContestantsEpisodesOriginally airedWinnerRunner(s)-up
First airedLast aired
11511January 2, 2022 (2022-01-02)March 2, 2022 (2022-03-02)Stephanie "Pyet" DespainMariah Scott & Reuel Vincent
21815February 12, 2023 (2023-02-12)May 11, 2023 (2023-05-11)Tucker RicchioPilar Omega & Christopher Spinosa
31516January 28, 2024 (2024-01-28)May 9, 2024 (2024-05-09)Gabi ChappelZach Laidlaw & Christina Miros

Season 1 (2022)

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Main article: Next Level Chef (American season 1)
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [13][14]Original air date [13][14]Prod.
code [13]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Welcome to the Next Level"January 2, 2022 (2022-01-02)NLC-1015.08[15]
22"High Steaks"January 5, 2022 (2022-01-05)NLC-1021.84[16]
33"Infinite Pastabilities"January 12, 2022 (2022-01-12)NLC-1031.91[17]
44"Fowl Play"January 19, 2022 (2022-01-19)NLC-1041.85[18]
55"The Next Level Burger"January 26, 2022 (2022-01-26)NLC-1052.07[19]
66"Drop In for Brunch"January 30, 2022 (2022-01-30)NLC-1068.11[20]
77"A Seafood Tower"February 2, 2022 (2022-02-02)NLC-1072.11[21]
88"When Pigs Fly"February 9, 2022 (2022-02-09)NLC-1081.75[22]
99"Fusion Confusion"February 16, 2022 (2022-02-16)NLC-1091.88[23]
1010"Show Stopping Semi-Finals"February 23, 2022 (2022-02-23)NLC-1101.89[24]
1111"The Final Level"March 2, 2022 (2022-03-02)NLC-1111.85[25]

Season 2 (2023)

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Main article: Next Level Chef (American season 2)
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [13][26]Original air date [13][26]Prod.
code [13]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
121"A Next Level Welcome"February 12, 2023 (2023-02-12)NLC-20115.66[27]
132"Party Like a Guac Star"February 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)NLC-2021.93[28]
143"No Pain, No Grain"February 23, 2023 (2023-02-23)NLC-2032.08[29]
154"Rice Guys Finish Last"March 2, 2023 (2023-03-02)NLC-2042.02[30]
165"Game Time"March 9, 2023 (2023-03-09)NLC-2051.80[31]
176"Sugar and Tea and Rum"March 16, 2023 (2023-03-16)NLC-2061.97[32]
187"Here Fishy, Fishy"March 23, 2023 (2023-03-23)NLC-2072.00[33]
198"Going Global"March 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)NLC-2081.80[34]
209"Happy Hour"April 6, 2023 (2023-04-06)NLC-2091.98[35]
2110"That's What Cheese Said"April 13, 2023 (2023-04-13)NLC-2101.75[36]
2211"Fry Me a River"April 20, 2023 (2023-04-20)NLC-2111.90[37]
2312"Bake It 'til You Make It"April 27, 2023 (2023-04-27)NLC-2121.76[38]
2413"Surf and Turf"May 4, 2023 (2023-05-04)NLC-2131.81[39]
2514"Made in America"May 11, 2023 (2023-05-11)NLC-2141.85[40]
2615"Next Level Finale"May 11, 2023 (2023-05-11)NLC-2151.65[40]

Season 3 (2024)

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Main article: Next Level Chef (American season 3)
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [13][41]Original air date [13][41]Prod.
code [13]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
271"Auditions - Social Media"January 28, 2024 (2024-01-28)NLC-3027.24[42]
282"Auditions - Home Cooks"February 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)NLC-3032.03[43]
293"Auditions - Pros"February 8, 2024 (2024-02-08)NLC-3012.11[44]
304"The Draft/Smash Bash"February 15, 2024 (2024-02-15)NLC-3042.09[45]
315"Curry in a Hurry"February 22, 2024 (2024-02-22)NLC-3051.93[46]
326"80 Degrees and Palm Trees"February 29, 2024 (2024-02-29)NLC-3062.02[47]
337"On the Go"March 7, 2024 (2024-03-07)NLC-3071.86[48]
348"Don't Have a Cow, Man"March 14, 2024 (2024-03-14)NLC-3081.76[49]
359"You Wanna Pizza Me?"March 21, 2024 (2024-03-21)NLC-3091.82[50]
3610"It's All Greek to Me"March 28, 2024 (2024-03-28)NLC-3101.72[51]
3711"Squad Goals"April 4, 2024 (2024-04-04)NLC-3111.93[52]
3812"Bingo, Bango, Bento!"April 11, 2024 (2024-04-11)NLC-3121.82[53]
3913"Picture Perfect"April 18, 2024 (2024-04-18)NLC-3131.98[54]
4014"Kombucha Kulture"April 25, 2024 (2024-04-25)NLC-3141.79[55]
4115"Taste of Success"May 2, 2024 (2024-05-02)NLC-3151.72[56]
4216"The Final Level"May 9, 2024 (2024-05-09)NLC-3161.76[57]

International versions

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A British version of the show was commissioned by ITV in June 2022.[58][59] It later premiered on January 11, 2023. Gordon Ramsay and Nyesha Arrington from the American version served as mentors, along with Paul Ainsworth.[60][61] The show was won by social media chef Jade Greenhalgh.[62] On March 28, 2023, the show was reportedly canceled after one season.[63]

A French version of the show was commissioned by Kitchen Factory Productions in October 2022.[64]

References

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  1. ^ "Gordon Ramsay's All-New Epic Cooking Competition Series Next Level Chef, to Premiere in the 2021-2022 Season on FOX" (Press release). Fox. May 17, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  2. ^ "FOX Announces New Primetime Schedule for 2021-2022 Season" (Press release). Fox. May 17, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  3. ^ Peter White (August 31, 2021). "Next Level Chef: Richard Blais Replaces Gino D'Acampo In Gordon Ramsay's Fox Cooking Competition Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  4. ^ "FOX Kicks Off Midseason with Special Premieres of Next Level Chef, Call Me Kat and Pivoting, Following NFL on FOX Doubleheaders" (Press release). Fox. October 19, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  5. ^ "Video: Look at Gordon Ramsay's All-New Cooking Competition, Next Level Chef, Premiering Sunday, January 2, on FOX" (Press release). Fox. October 31, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  6. ^ Rick Porter (March 2, 2022). "Fox Serves Up Next Level Chef Renewal for Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  7. ^ "FOX Entertainment Bolsters 2022-23 Program Slate Across Network and Streaming with New Comedies, Dramas, Unscripted Series and Made-for-Platform Movies" (Press release). Fox. May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via The Futon Critic.
  8. ^ Lynette Rice (May 16, 2022). "Fox Orders New Gordon Ramsay Competition Show Food Stars; Season 2 Of Next Level Chef Premiering After Super Bowl LVII". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  9. ^ Peter White (May 11, 2023). "Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef Handed Two-Season Renewal At Fox". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  10. ^ "FOX Announces Premiere Dates for New and Returning Series to Launch Winter and Spring 2024" (Press release). Fox. November 21, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023 – via The Futon Critic.
  11. ^ Jennifer Maas (December 14, 2021). "How Fox's Next Level Chef Contestants Withstood the (Literal) Heat in 3 Stacked Kitchens". TheWrap. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  12. ^ Gleeson, Colin (July 3, 2023). "US show Next Level Chef to build new global hub in Co Wicklow". The Irish Times. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Next Level Chef Episode Listings". The Futon Critic.
  14. ^ a b "Next Level Chef Season 1 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
  15. ^ Mitch Salem (January 5, 2022). "Sunday 1.2.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  16. ^ Mitch Salem (January 6, 2022). "Wednesday 1.5.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  17. ^ Mitch Metcalf (January 13, 2022). "Wednesday 1.12.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  18. ^ Mitch Salem (January 22, 2022). "Wednesday 1.19.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  19. ^ Mitch Metcalf (January 27, 2022). "Wednesday 1.26.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  20. ^ Mitch Metcalf (February 1, 2022). "Sunday 1.30.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  21. ^ Mitch Metcalf (February 3, 2022). "Wednesday 2.2.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  22. ^ Mitch Salem (February 10, 2022). "Wednesday 2.9.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  23. ^ Mitch Metcalf (February 17, 2022). "Wednesday 2.16.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  24. ^ Mitch Salem (February 24, 2022). "Wednesday 2.23.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  25. ^ Mitch Metcalf (March 4, 2022). "Wednesday 3.2.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  26. ^ a b "Next Level Chef Season 2 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
  27. ^ Mitch Metcalf (February 14, 2023). "Sunday 2.12.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  28. ^ Mitch Metcalf (February 17, 2023). "Thursday 2.16.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  29. ^ Mitch Salem (February 24, 2023). "Thursday 2.23.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  30. ^ Mitch Metcalf (March 3, 2023). "Thursday 3.2.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  31. ^ Mitch Salem (March 10, 2023). "Thursday 3.9.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  32. ^ Mitch Metcalf (March 17, 2023). "Thursday 3.16.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  33. ^ Mitch Salem (March 24, 2023). "Thursday 3.23.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  34. ^ Mitch Metcalf (March 31, 2023). "Thursday 3.30.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  35. ^ Mitch Metcalf (April 7, 2023). "Thursday 4.6.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  36. ^ Mitch Salem (April 14, 2023). "Thursday 4.13.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  37. ^ Mitch Metcalf (April 21, 2023). "Thursday 4.20.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  38. ^ Mitch Salem (April 28, 2023). "Thursday 4.27.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  39. ^ Mitch Metcalf (May 5, 2023). "Thursday 5.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  40. ^ a b Mitch Salem (May 12, 2023). "Thursday 5.11.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  41. ^ a b "Next Level Chef Season 2 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
  42. ^ Douglas Pucci (January 30, 2024). "Sunday Ratings: NFL Conference Championships Dominate for Fox and CBS". Programming Insider. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
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  44. ^ Douglas Pucci (February 9, 2024). "Thursday Ratings: NFL Honors Simulcast on CBS and NFL Network". Programming Insider. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
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  58. ^ Josh Darvill (June 22, 2022). "Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef to arrive on ITV and ITVX in 2023". TellyMix. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  59. ^ Jesse Whittock (June 22, 2022). "ITV Adapting Fox's Gordon Ramsay Cooking Format Next Level Chef". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  60. ^ "Next Level Chef UK Premieres January 11th on ITV & ITVX". Studio Ramsay Global. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  61. ^ Megan Nisbet (January 11, 2023). "ITV1 Next Level Chef: Who are mentors Paul Ainsworth and Nyesha Arrington?". WalesOnline. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  62. ^ Sophie Goodall (March 3, 2023). "Next Level Chef's Jade Greenhalgh says Gordon Ramsay mentorship is 'ultimate goal'". Mirror. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  63. ^ Jess Bacon (March 28, 2023). "Gordon Ramsay's Next Level Chef has future confirmed by ITV". Digital Spy. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  64. ^ K.J. Yossman (October 19, 2022). "Studio Ramsay's Next Level Chef Cooks Up French Adaptation With Kitchen Factory Productions". Variety. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
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