Olivia Culpo has a new role.
It’s host.
The former Miss America, new mom, and social media star has signed on to host Netflix’s new show, Next Gen Chef.
We’re not gonna lie – we were surprised by this and we’re not sure why. She wouldn’t be the first person we thought of to host a competition show, but that’s what makes it perfect.
She posted on Instagram and said, “Food has always been more than just a meal to me… it’s love, comfort, connection, and artistry. Some of my favorite memories are watching cooking shows with my mom, and to this day they’re still how I end every night (the only way I can fall asleep… sorry Christian lol 🫣)”
And then she continued, “I could not be more excited to be part of this project. This series not only celebrates the passion and creativity of incredible young chefs, but also gives one of them a life-changing prize and platform to soar. The competition is FIERCE and I’m so proud to stand alongside such talent and be part of this journey!!”
So you’re asking yourself what is Next Gen Chef? We have some answers. He’s everything we know.
Series Premiere Date: September 17, 2025
Synopsis
Inside the world’s most prestigious culinary school, 21 of America’s hottest young chefs, under the age of 30, compete in a one-of-a-kind competition. The Culinary Institute of America has set a rigorous gauntlet of tests to find who is worthy of being crowned the leading chef of the next generation.
Hosted By: Olivia Culpo
Judges: Carlton McCoy & Kelsey Barnard Clark
Executive Producers: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Pip Wells, and Tina Nicotera Bachmann for Alfred Street Industries; Michael Simkin, Erik Osterhol,m and Carrie Kaylor of Ultra Boom Media; LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron of Fulwell Entertainment; Dr. Tim Ryan of the Culinary Institute of America
Production Companies: Alfred Street Industries, UltraBoom Media, and Fulwell Entertainment
Format: Unscripted Series, 8×45-min episodes
Meet the Host & Judges
- Olivia Culpo, Host (Restaurateur)
- Carlton McCoy, Judge (Master Sommelier)
- Kelsey Barnard Clark, Judge (Award Winning Chef, Entrepreneur & Author)
Meet the Guest Judges
- Francis Lam, Food Writer & Critic
- Chef Cat Cora, First Female Iron Chef
- Chef Paul Carmichael, Executive Chef of Momofuku
- Chef Susan Feniger, Chef & Restaurateur
- Chef Dale Talde, Executive Chef & Author, James Beard Nominee
- Christina Tosi, Milk Bar CEO
- Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Executive Chef & Owner of Tatiana
- Chef Daniel Boulud, World-Renowned French
- Chef Chef Thomas Keller, Chef & Proprietor of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group
- Chef Grant Achatz, Chef & Owner of Alinea Group
- Chef Harold Dieterle, Chef & Founder of HD Hospitality
- Chef Emma Bengtsson, Executive Chef of Aquavit
- Chef Anne Burrell (in memoriam)
- Dr. Tim Ryan, CIA President
KEY ART
What do you think? Will you watch? Do you like cooking shows? Tell us all the things!
