Top Chef season 21 release date, host, judges and everything to know

Top Chef fans are still reeling from the news that Padma Lakshmi is leaving the show after 20 seasons as host. So what’s the scoop on Season 21’s new host and location?

Top Chef has been one of Bravo’s biggest hits as fans love watching these chefs compete in often daring challenges to see who can be the best. It’s been highlighted by Padma Lakshmi as the hostess has been handling duties keeping things going for 17 years. So it was surprising when Lakshmia announced she was leaving the series to pursue other endeavors.

The search for who could take her place seemed to be a long one, but Bravo has already made a choice.

Who is the new host for Top Chef?

As revealed in a press release, the new host is Season 10 winner Kristen Kish. Born in South Korea and raised by an adoptive family in Michigan, Kish spent time in Chicago and honed her skills for a decade in some of Boston’s best restaurants. She was victorious in Season 10 in 2013 and went on to co-host 36 Hours, released her own cookbook and opened up her own restaurant Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas.

Kish spoke on how it felt to take on this new responsibility of going from contestant to host.

"“Top Chef is where I started my journey – first as a competing chef, then a guest judge and now as host I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand. I’m thrilled to sit alongside Gail and Tom as we get to know new incredible chefs and see what they cook up. It feels like coming home.”"

“Kristen Kish represents everything that makes Top Chef incredibly special,” said Ryan Flynn, Senior Vice President, Current Production, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “She’s an acclaimed chef and her experience as a cheftestant, winner and judge, alongside her culinary curiosity, makes Kristen the perfect host for the next chapter of Top Chef as we take on a new region of the country we haven’t explored.”

Kish will join head judge Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons for the upcoming season of the Emmy, James Beard and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series.

Where is Top Chef Season 21 taking place?

Kish’s promotion to host wasn’t the only big news. Bravo’s release also revealed that Top Chef Season 21 will take place in Wisconsin, mostly in Milwaukee but venturing to other parts of the state. Thus, challenges will utilize the state’s dairy farms and other unique spots (perhaps even Lambeau Field for a Green Bay Packers game).

Casey Kriley and Jo Sharon, Co-CEOS of Magical Elves, stated, “Kristen is a beloved part of the Top Chef family, and we’re thrilled to have her join and bring to the competition her unique, fresh and global culinary perspective, as well as her true passion for food. We look forward to Season 21 and know our incoming chefs will be inspired by the burgeoning culinary scene in Milwaukee and Madison known for blending tradition with innovation and utilizing farm fresh ingredients.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also had a warm welcome set for the show.

"“We are honored to be able to welcome Top Chef to Wisconsin for its upcoming season. We’re proud to be known here for our rich food culture, talented chefs and exceptional local ingredients. I know our diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer.”"

When does Top Chef Season 3 premiere?

The series has yet to announce any competitors, so it’s unlikely filming has even begun yet. It’s likely it will air in early 2024, but nowhere close to any set time yet.

Between its new host and its unique setting in the American midwest, Top Chef looks to have a fresh new look in Season 21 for a fun time for viewers.

Top Chef seasons 1-20 streaming on Peacock.