Bravo hit show ‘Top Chef’ to film season in the Carolinas this summer

LOS ANGELES (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — “Top Chef” is coming to the Queen City.

Bravo announced Wednesday that its Emmy, James Beard and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series will head to the Carolinas for Season 23. Host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons will be town for a season centered in Charlotte, which the network dubbed an “emerging and diverse culinary hub.” 

There also will be several episodes in Greenville, South Carolina.

This season will showcase the area’s Southern hospitality, history, agriculture and outdoors. Competing chefs will have to cook their best as they battle through Quickfire and Elimination Challenges designed to put their skills, creativity and knowledge to the test.      

Production is slated to begin this summer and will premiere in 2026; the exact locations were not disclosed. The announcement was made in partnership with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and VisitGreenvilleSC.  

Produced by Magical Elves, the series was recently nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Reality or Reality Competition Series, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, and Outstanding Directing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program.  

“We’re excited to return to the south for ‘Top Chef’ Carolinas,” said Ryan Flynn, Senior Vice President, Current Production, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Charlotte and Greenville are perfect chefs’ playgrounds fueled by exceptional local ingredients, bold flavors, a strong agricultural foundation, stunning natural landscapes, and the warm, genuine hospitality the South is known for.”

“Charlotte looks forward to serving as the host city for Season 23 of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef,’” said Steve Bagwell, CRVA’s chief executive officer. “Our city’s rapidly evolving culinary landscape blends global influences, Southern heritage and rich agricultural legacy to craft something truly worth experiencing. Hosting ‘Top Chef’ presents an inspiring stage to spotlight the talent, authenticity and creativity that has made the Queen City one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations.”