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The Heat Is Back: Next Level Chef Returns for Season 5 — Premiering January 29 on FOX
Get your aprons ready and your knives sharpened — Next Level Chef, the hit culinary competition series hosted and mentored by Gordon Ramsay, is returning for Season 5 on Thursday, January 29, 2026 on FOX. The show — beloved for its dramatic challenges, inventive format, and jaw-dropping dishes — will once again test a new group of culinary talent as they race for glory and a $250,000 grand prize.
What Makes Next Level Chef So Addictive
Since its debut in 2022, Next Level Chef has stood out among cooking competitions with its three-tiered kitchen format. Contestants must create high-end dishes using tools and ingredients that range from state-of-the-art to scrappy and stripped-down — all while exploring their creativity under intense pressure. Gordon Ramsay leads the charge, supported by mentors Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, who bring expert guidance and tough critical feedback to every service. Wikipedia
Every season delivers unpredictable twists, and Season 5 promises just as much drama, innovation, and culinary genius as chefs battle it out for the title of Next Level Chef champion. Wikipedia
Contestants Bring Big Dreams — and Big Flavors
One of the most talked-about competitors this season is Elise Jesse, a former NFL reporter turned food influencer. Jesse — known for her popular cooking videos and social content — took to social media to share her excitement about joining the Season 5 cast.
“I am humbled to finally share this next chapter with you,” Jesse wrote on X. “I had the honor & opportunity of a lifetime to compete on Season 5 of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef. I am endlessly grateful for every person who has supported me along this wild path.” People.com
Her journey from sports broadcasting to a major television cooking competition exemplifies the show’s appeal: anyone with talent, passion, and determination can rise to the challenge. Wikipedia
Other contestants — many of whom have started teasing their own participation online — echo similar sentiments of gratitude and fierce ambition. On Instagram, one hopeful shared:
“It would mean everything to me to win. I want to change the world and this is going to get me there. I’m doing this for me and my family.” Instagram
These personal reveals set the tone for a season filled with relatable stories and unforgettable dishes.
Mentors in the Kitchen: Ramsay, Arrington & Blais Return
Viewers can count on the trademark chemistry and mentorship style that has made Next Level Chef a standout. Ramsay’s passion for excellence and candor, combined with Arrington’s refined technique and Blais’s inventive strategy, creates a dynamic environment where chefs are continually challenged — and sharpened. Rotten Tomatoes
Each mentor will guide their team through a series of escalating cooking challenges — from precision technique tests to high-pressure service rounds — with eliminations keeping the competition fierce and unpredictable. Rotten Tomatoes
Premiere Details & What to Expect
📅 Premiere Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM ET/PT (check local listings)
📺 Network: FOX (with streaming availability on FOX’s platforms the following day)
💰 Prize: $250,000 for the winner Toramp
Season 5 kicks off with the same high-energy format that viewers love — young talents and seasoned chefs alike stepping into the Next Level arena, ready to prove their skills under pressure. Expect bold flavors, dramatic critiques, and the emotional rollercoaster that makes Next Level Chef one of TV’s most thrilling culinary competitions.