Olivia Culpo
Self - Host
Overview
Twenty-one rising chefs vie to be crowned a generational talent and win $500,000 in this cutthroat competition set at the Culinary Institute of America.
Cast
Reviews
6 min read AI-generated editorial review
The Culinary Institute as Colosseum
I’ve watched enough cooking competitions to know the rhythm by heart: the dramatic music sting, the slow-motion shot of a knife hitting the cutting board, the inevitable moment when a contestant’s hands start shaking under the weight of a ticking clock. Next Gen Chef follows that rhythm, but it does something rarer—it makes the stakes feel real. Maybe it’s the setting: the Culinary Institute of America, with its red-brick halls and the Hudson River glinting in the background, a place that doesn’t just host a competition but certifies chefs. Or maybe it’s the prize itself, a staggering a reported budget which turns every challenge into something closer to a high-stakes exam than a TV spectacle. Either way, this isn’t just another cooking show. It’s a pressure cooker, and the lid is about to blow.
The first episode, “The Entrance Exam,” drops us into the deep end. Twenty-one chefs, all under 30, are split into three teams and tasked with cooking a seven-course menu inspired by CIA legends—Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, Paul Bocuse. The scale is overwhelming, the kind of challenge that would make even seasoned chefs sweat. And then, just as you’re starting to get a sense of who these people are, the judges cut nine of them. Nine. It’s a brutal introduction, and it sets the tone for the entire season: this is a competition that doesn’t have time for warm-ups. As Common Sense Media puts it, “Next Gen Chef simplifies the format—chefs compete in one challenge each episode, and the focus stays on the chefs’ process, background, and food.” That simplicity is deceptive, though. The show isn’t just about cooking; it’s about proving you belong in a room full of people who’ve already spent years doing exactly that.
The judges—Carlton McCoy, a Master Sommelier and CIA alum, and Kelsey Barnard Clark, a Top Chef winner—bring a mix of technical rigor and generational perspective. McCoy, in particular, frames the competition as a search for “who the leaders in our industry will be,” a line that lands with the weight of a mission statement. Clark, meanwhile, zeroes in on the fundamentals: soufflés, omelets, classical French technique. Their critiques aren’t just about taste; they’re about whether these chefs have the discipline to execute under pressure. It’s a refreshing change from the performative drama of some cooking shows, where the judges’ feedback can feel like an afterthought. Here, the feedback is the drama.
I’ve watched enough cooking competitions to know the rhythm by heart: the dramatic music sting, the slow-motion shot of a knife hitting the cutting board, the inevitable moment when a contestant’s hands start shaking under the weight of a ticking clock. Next Gen Chef follows that rhythm, but it does something rarer—it makes the stakes feel real. Maybe it’s the setting: the Culinary Institute of America, with its red-brick halls and the Hudson River glinting in the background, a place that doesn’t just host a competition but certifies chefs. Or maybe it’s the prize itself, a staggering a reported budget which turns every challenge into something closer to a high-stakes exam than a TV spectacle. Either way, this isn’t just another cooking show. It’s a pressure cooker, and the lid is about to blow.
The first episode, “The Entrance Exam,” drops us into the deep end. Twenty-one chefs, all under 30, are split into three teams and tasked with cooking a seven-course menu inspired by CIA legends—Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, Paul Bocuse. The scale is overwhelming, the kind of challenge that would make even seasoned chefs sweat. And then, just as you’re starting to get a sense of who these people are, the judges cut nine of them. Nine. It’s a brutal introduction, and it sets the tone for the entire season: this is a competition that doesn’t have time for warm-ups. As Common Sense Media puts it, “Next Gen Chef simplifies the format—chefs compete in one challenge each episode, and the focus stays on the chefs’ process, background, and food.” That simplicity is deceptive, though. The show isn’t just about cooking; it’s about proving you belong in a room full of people who’ve already spent years doing exactly that.
The judges—Carlton McCoy, a Master Sommelier and CIA alum, and Kelsey Barnard Clark, a Top Chef winner—bring a mix of technical rigor and generational perspective. McCoy, in particular, frames the competition as a search for “who the leaders in our industry will be,” a line that lands with the weight of a mission statement. Clark, meanwhile, zeroes in on the fundamentals: soufflés, omelets, classical French technique. Their critiques aren’t just about taste; they’re about whether these chefs have the discipline to execute under pressure. It’s a refreshing change from the performative drama of some cooking shows, where the judges’ feedback can feel like an afterthought. Here, the feedback is the drama.
Audience Opinions
AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 6.5/10 AI
"A fresh take on cooking competitions with charismatic judges but uneven contestant casting."
The series stands out for its high-energy judges and polished production, offering a modern twist on culinary challenges. However, some viewers feel the contestants lack the depth or originality needed to fully engage, making early episodes feel repetitive despite the judges' efforts.
What viewers praise
- Charismatic judges Olivia Culpo, Carlton McCoy, and Kelsey Barnard Clark bring energy and expertise, elevating the competition.
- Polished production The visuals and pacing are sleek, giving the series a premium feel compared to traditional cooking shows.
- Fresh challenges The competition format introduces creative twists that keep the format from feeling stale.
Common complaints
- Uneven contestants Some participants lack compelling backstories or culinary uniqueness, making early rounds less engaging.
- Repetitive early episodes The initial challenges follow a predictable pattern, delaying the show’s momentum.
- Limited depth While entertaining, the series doesn’t always explore the personal stakes of the competition as deeply as similar shows.
Recommended for
Cooking competition fans Reality TV enthusiasts Olivia Culpo followers Foodie audiences High-energy show lovers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports AI-researched entertainment notes
Netflix’s "Next Gen Chef" Serves Up High Stakes and Star Power in 2025
Netflix is betting big on its latest culinary competition, Next Gen Chef, a high-stakes cooking show that premiered in September 2025 with a $500,000 grand prize and a roster of heavyweight judges. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York, the series pits 21 up-and-coming chefs against each other in a battle for kitchen supremacy—and a life-changing payday 
.
The Host and Judges: A Dream Team of Culinary Stars
At the helm is Olivia Culpo, the former Miss Universe turned restaurateur and entrepreneur, who steps into the hosting role with a mix of charm and credibility. Culpo, a Rhode Island native, isn’t just a pretty face—she’s been vocal about her passion for food, and her return to television after becoming a new mother adds a personal touch to the show .
Joining her on the judging panel are two culinary powerhouses: Carlton McCoy, a Master Sommelier and industry veteran, and Kelsey Barnard Clark, a Top Chef Season 16 winner and acclaimed chef-author. Their combined expertise brings a level of prestige to the competition, with Clark’s Top Chef pedigree and McCoy’s sommelier background ensuring that contestants are held to the highest standards .
But the star power doesn’t stop there. The show also features guest appearances from culinary legends like Christina Tosi, Daniel Boulud, and Thomas Keller, as well as Top Chef alums Kwame Onwuachi and Dale Talde . This lineup isn’t just for show—it’s a clear signal that Next Gen Chef is positioning itself as Netflix’s answer to the most elite cooking competitions on TV.
The Competition: High Pressure, High Rewards
Filmed at the CIA, one of the world’s most respected culinary schools, Next Gen Chef promises to be as intense as it is glamorous. The 21 contestants—all rising stars in their own right—face a series of challenges designed to test their creativity, technique, and ability to perform under pressure [5][7]. With a $500,000 prize on the line, the stakes are higher than in most cooking shows, and the competition is fierce.
The show’s format spans eight 45-minute episodes, with the first seven dropping on September 17, 2025, and the finale airing a week later on September 24 [3][7]. While the exact elimination structure hasn’t been detailed in the snippets, the presence of guest judges like Boulud and Keller suggests that each episode will bring new challenges—and new opportunities for contestants to impress or flop.
Behind the Scenes: A Production with Heavyweight Backing
Next Gen Chef isn’t just a passion project—it’s a major investment for Netflix, with production values and industry clout to match. The show’s backing includes some of the biggest names in food media, though specifics about the production team remain scarce [1]. What is clear, however, is that Netflix is treating this as its most ambitious culinary series to date, with a level of polish and prestige that sets it apart from typical reality TV fare.
The choice of the CIA as the filming location is no accident. The institute is synonymous with culinary excellence, and its inclusion adds an air of legitimacy to the competition. For the contestants, the chance to cook in its kitchens—and be judged by its alumni—is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity [5][7].
The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Foodies and Reality TV Fans
With its star-studded cast, high-stakes challenges, and elite setting, Next Gen Chef has all the ingredients for a hit. The combination of Culpo’s hosting, the judges’ expertise, and the sheer talent of the contestants makes it a standout in Netflix’s reality TV lineup. Whether it can outshine long-running favorites like Top Chef or The Bear remains to be seen, but early buzz suggests it’s off to a strong start.
For now, the first seven episodes are available to stream, with the finale set to drop on September 24. If the snippets are any indication, viewers can expect drama, innovation, and some seriously impressive cooking.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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