Why is Padma Lakshmi leaving Top Chef?

Top Chef fans are in for a huge shock. After 20 seasons on the hit Bravo show, Padma Lakshmi is leaving the series. Why is she going, and how will this affect the show?

Since Top Chef premiered in 2006, it’s been through a lot of changes, but there’s always been one constant: Padma Lakshmi. The former model turned author and chef joined Top Chef shortly after it began. Season 2 had her stepping up as hostess and often the judge too. She aided the show becoming a hit that spawned a franchise.

Lakshmi has been doing well as Top Chef just wrapped up its 20th season in London. Thus, her sudden departure is a major surprise.

Why is Padma Lakshmi leaving Top Chef?

Announcing it on Twitter, Lakshmi only offered that she felt it was finally time to depart the series.

"After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef. Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food. After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me, and I will miss working alongside them dearly. I feel it’s time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books, and other creative pursuits. I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support."

An NBCUniversal spokesperson issued a statement thanking Lakshmi for her work over the years.

"Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo’s Top Chef. Her impact on the Emmy, James Beard, and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series is undeniable. We are grateful to Padma for being a consummate host, judge, and executive producer and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional palate to each episode where she ate every bite of food on the series for over 17 years and 19 seasons. She will always be part of the Top Chef and the NBCUniversal family and has a seat at the judges’ table anytime."

So how does this affect the show, and what’s next for Lakshmi?

What does Top Chef do now?

The loss of Lakshmi is a blow, to be sure. However, Top Chef has had a variety of guests, hosts, and judges over the years, as it’s always the competition that keeps viewers turning in. Other reality competition shows have overcome the loss of a host to endure, so Top Chef is likely going to do the same.

Lakshmi herself is still busy with her Hulu series Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi, which just wrapped its second season. It seems she may want to focus on that and simply allow Top Chef to move on with a new host.

The series will have time before filming on season 21 begins and thus time to find a new host. It sounds like Lakshmi is leaving on good terms, so fans can hope she may make a return appearance to spark the cooking series up again.

Top Chef seasons 1-20 are streaming on Peacock.

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