Egos and tensions reach a boiling point in Next Level Chef Season 3. With half the contestants chopped and global cuisines testing skills, who will sink and who will swim?
Halfway into its third intensely competitive season, Next Level Chef continues wowing fans and critics alike. With higher stakes, hungry egos, global cuisine twists, and unpredictable weekly eliminations, the cooking show packs more spectacle into its one-of-a-kind three-story kitchen arena. Let’s review the journey and what eager viewers can expect next.
When did Next Level Chef Season 3 get renewed?
With two smash-hit seasons in 2022, Next Level Chef quickly earned a Season 3 renewal from Fox. The unique tri-level stadium concept invented by Gordon Ramsay has sparked a new generation of innovative cooking competition shows. As cable’s #1 new unscripted series, Next Level Chef continues showcasing top-tier chef talent, all vying for $250,000.
When did the first episode get aired?
Next Level Chef Season 3 premiered on January 11, 2024 on Fox. The newest season contains 13 nail-biting episodes, airing weekly on Wednesday nights at 9 PM ET. The first 5 episodes have aired so far:
- Episode 1 – January 28, 2024
- Episode 2 – February 1, 2024
- Episode 3 – February 8, 2024
- Episode 4 – February 15, 2024
- Episode 5 – February 22, 2024
- Episode 6 – February 29, 2024
- Episode 7 – March 7, 2024
- Episode 8 – March 14, 2024
- Episode 9 – March 21, 2024
- Episode 10 – March 28, 2024
- Episode 11 – April 4, 2024
- Episode 12 – April 11, 2024
The upcoming Episode 6 airs on February 29, 2024. Viewers await an intense second half of the season, culminating in a finale on April 17, 2024.
How has the game been till now?
True to its intense format, Season 3 began by pitting 12 talented chefs against each other across Gordon Ramsay’s striking three-story kitchen set. Contestants ranged from green home cooks to executive chefs at Michelin-star eateries.
The chefs are mentored by hosts Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais, who lead teams on each floor and are equipped with varying cooking technology. Every week focuses on a unique cuisine or food category with two rounds of cooking challenges. The first 5 episodes have covered global cuisines like Cantonese dim sum, Jewish delicatessen classics, and American barbecue fusion
Creative limitations have challenged the chefs’ versatility, nerves, and collaborative skills. After critiques from the hosts and guest judges each week, two bottom competitors were eliminated, narrowing the field to 10 remaining chefs hungering to win it all.
Who are the main cast members of Next Level Chef Season 3?
Fan favorites have already emerged among the skilled dozen, such as private caterer Cesar Guiden from LA, who is stunning judges with Oaxacan moles. Self-trained home cook Leia Veracruz makes waves with French fusion and Spanish tapas dishes, while 22-year-old Ethiopian chef Megdele Woldetensae brings her heritage to inventive recipes. Veteran Wylie Dufresne has been a bold innovator so far as well.
What more awaits further?
In this week’s Episode 6, viewers can expect challenges showcasing Southeast Asian street food styles. Unique proteins, aromatic spices, and tropical produce will test the contestant’s improvisation. Plus, tempers always flare, creating tense showdowns in the kitchen stadium.
Coming episodes will feature more complex team challenges and elevated global cuisine themes before the last three chefs face off in the grand finale. One talented contender will win in a last nerves-of-steel cooking battle set to dazzle fans.
What are the Trailer and reviews following the show?
The first trailer premiered in November 2023, showcasing the impressive new contestants alongside shots of flaming pans, perfectly plated dishes, and the usual intensity expected with Gordon Ramsay. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave Season 3 a 92% “Certified Fresh” critics rating, while Decider dubbed it “compulsively watchable.” Fans eagerly await each weekly episode of white-knuckle cooking demonstrations in this reinvented arena.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Will there be a Season 4?
Season 4 is not officially renewed; strong ratings and buzz make a Season 4 greenlight likely by Fox.
What is the cast of the show?
12 Chefs, including home cooks, professional executive chefs, and social media foodies, started competing. Fan favorites so far include Cesar, Leia, Megdele, and Wylie.
How many episodes will there be?
Season 3 contains 13 hour-long weekly episodes, with the finale on April 17, 2024.
What are the rules of the competition?
Contestants cook in 3 kitchen levels with increasing equipment quality. Challenges span global cuisines and require versatility and collaboration. Dishes get judged on taste, presentation, and execution. The two lowest scorers each week get eliminated until the finale with the top 3 chefs.
Who are the judges on Next Level Chef Season 3?
This season’s main judges are Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais, along with rotating guest judges like Iron Chef’s Nilou Motamed and Chicago’s Jenner Tomaska. Their expertise spans global cuisines.
How are contestants divided in the kitchen?
Contestants are split into teams led by Ramsay, Arrington, and Blais on the kitchen’s three floors, which have varying cooking equipment. This divides pros working with home cooks.
What are the main challenges?
Each week focuses on a different cuisine or food category. Chefs must create dishes that show skill, creativity, and versatility, often collaborating with their teams. Challenges test their technical abilities and nerves.
How do the eliminations work?
After judging dishes each week, two bottom performers from across the teams are eliminated. This continues for 10 weeks until the finale, with only the top three chefs competing for the $250,000 grand prize.
How can I live-stream new episodes?
Viewers can live-stream new episodes every Wednesday on Fox Now, Hulu With Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. For international fans, check local listings.
