Top Chef M6: Schedule Changes and Season Updates

The American reality competition series Top Chef has entered its twenty-third season, titled Top Chef: Carolinas, which premiered on March 9, 2026. The current season marks a significant shift in both location and scheduling for the long-running Bravo franchise.

Season 23 is centered in Charlotte, North Carolina, which the network describes as an emerging and eclectic culinary hub. Production for the season also includes several episodes filmed in Greenville, South Carolina.

Schedule and Broadcasting Changes

Bravo has implemented a major schedule change for the current season. For two decades, Top Chef typically aired on Thursday nights; however, the series now broadcasts on Mondays at 9/8c.

This move away from its traditional Thursday slot has been noted by viewers and media reports, with some discussions suggesting the change follows the 2023 departure of former host Padma Lakshmi.

Cast and Judging Panel

The series continues to be led by host Kristen Kish, who took over the role beginning with season 21 after previously winning the competition in season 10. She is joined by head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons.

The judging structure remains a core element of the show, utilizing a panel of professional chefs and other food and wine industry notables to evaluate contestants in various culinary challenges.

Series History and Evolution

Since its premiere on March 8, 2006, Top Chef has evolved into a global franchise. The original American series has produced 22 full seasons prior to the current iteration, totaling 330 episodes.

The show’s hosting history reflects several eras of the production: Katie Lee Joel hosted the first season, followed by Padma Lakshmi from seasons 2 through 20 and finally Kristen Kish from season 21 onward.

The success of the primary competition has led to the creation of multiple spin-offs, including:

• Top Chef Masters
• Top Chef: Just Desserts
• Top Chef Junior
• Top Chef Amateurs
• Top Chef Family Style
• Spanish-language versions such as Top Chef Estrellas and Top Chef VIP

Produced by Magical Elves Productions—the same company responsible for Project Runway—the series continues to expand its reach through international adaptations and themed seasons like the current Carolinas edition.