Next Gen Chef Trailer Unveils High-Stakes Netflix Competition
Netflix drops the trailer for “Next Gen Chef,” a culinary showdown featuring 21 young talents, a $500,000 prize, and some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
Netflix has released the official trailer for Next Gen Chef, an eight-episode culinary competition series set to premiere worldwide on September 17, 2025. Produced in collaboration with Fulwell Entertainment, Alfred Street Industries, and UltraBoom Media, the show promises to spotlight emerging chefs while raising the stakes in food television.
The competition takes place at the iconic Culinary Institute of America, marking the first time a major cooking series has partnered directly with the institution. CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan not only opens the doors of its renowned kitchens but also serves as an executive producer, ensuring authenticity and prestige.
The trailer teases 21 chefs under 30 tackling high-pressure challenges designed to push their creativity and technical skills. Contestants will navigate grueling tasks, heated critiques, and moments of triumph, all with one goal in mind: winning the $500,000 grand prize and the title of “Next Gen Chef.”
Hosting the series is restaurateur and former Miss America Olivia Culpo, who brings charisma and sharp insight to the competition. She is joined by resident judges Carlton McCoy, a Master Sommelier, and Kelsey Barnard Clark, winner of Top Chef Season 16. Their expertise grounds the show with a blend of culinary rigor and approachable mentorship.
Adding even more star power, the judging panel will rotate with celebrated culinary figures including Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Grant Achatz, Christina Tosi, Kwame Onwuachi, and Cat Cora. Their presence ensures a mix of global perspectives and diverse approaches to the craft.
Executive producers LeBron James and Maverick Carter further elevate the project, expanding their entertainment portfolio from sports documentaries to unscripted food television. Their involvement signals the show’s ambition to merge mainstream entertainment with the culinary arts in a way that resonates globally.
With its mix of fresh faces, seasoned mentors, and a record-setting prize, Next Gen Chef positions itself as one of Netflix’s boldest unscripted ventures. The combination of institutional pedigree, celebrity producers, and culinary legends may redefine what audiences expect from food competition shows.
