What is “Next Level Chef”? An Inside Look at Gordon Ramsay’s Groundbreaking Culinary Competition

What is "Next Level Chef"? An Inside Look at Gordon Ramsay's Groundbreaking Culinary Competition

“Next Level Chef” is not your typical cooking show—it’s a pulse-pounding culinary battle unlike anything seen on TV. Created and hosted by the legendary Gordon Ramsay, known for his fiery critiques and high standards, “Next Level Chef” pushes culinary boundaries in a competitive environment that tests every facet of a chef’s skill set. Since its debut, the show has captured audiences worldwide, blending thrilling entertainment with inspiring stories of grit, passion, and talent in the kitchen.

“Next Level Chef” is not your typical cooking show—it’s a pulse-pounding culinary battle unlike anything seen on TV. Created and hosted by the legendary Gordon Ramsay, known for his fiery critiques and high standards, “Next Level Chef” pushes culinary boundaries in a competitive environment that tests every facet of a chef’s skill set. Since its debut, the show has captured audiences worldwide, blending thrilling entertainment with inspiring stories of grit, passion, and talent in the kitchen.

A Game-Changing Competition Format

At the core of “Next Level Chef” is its three-story kitchen concept, a vertical stage that brings unique challenges to each episode. Every floor represents a different level of access to ingredients and tools, from gourmet to humble basics. The top kitchen is fully stocked with state-of-the-art appliances and high-end ingredients, providing contestants with a luxury kitchen experience. The middle floor offers standard, everyday ingredients and equipment, while the bottom floor presents limited, bare-bones resources, challenging contestants to maximize creativity with what little they have.

This design encourages chefs to step out of their comfort zones and adapt to unfamiliar conditions, testing not only their cooking skills but also their creativity and resilience. They may start an episode cooking with premium ingredients and professional-grade equipment, only to find themselves the next round on a more limited floor, forced to think on their feet and deliver impressive dishes from basic provisions. Contestants’ abilities to innovate and stay calm under pressure often determine their progression through the show.

The show’s unique setup doesn’t just present a cooking challenge but symbolizes the grit and determination required to succeed in the culinary world. Each episode adds a twist, with time limits, surprise ingredients, or shifting rules designed to up the stakes, ensuring viewers are on the edge of their seats as contestants scramble to deliver their best dishes under tough constraints.

Mentorship from Culinary Legends

Gordon Ramsay is joined by two other renowned chefs, each bringing their own expertise, mentorship, and coaching style to the competition. Each mentor assembles a team of chefs they believe has the potential to excel under pressure. These culinary legends don’t just oversee the cooking; they guide, inspire, and train their teams, sharing insider knowledge, tips, and critiques to help them grow. In this way, “Next Level Chef” is as much about learning and personal growth as it is about competition, with contestants getting hands-on coaching from some of the best chefs in the industry.

From their first taste of victory to their hardest losses, the mentors are there to encourage and support each team member. These relationships are part of what makes “Next Level Chef” unique, as viewers get to see the transformation of each chef through mentorship, all while navigating one of the most competitive environments in reality TV. As the competition intensifies, viewers also experience the emotional highs and lows alongside the contestants, forming a unique connection with their journeys.

City Media Entertainment: Powering the Cast of “Next Level Chef”

City Media Entertainment, the official casting company for “Next Level Chef,” plays a pivotal role in bringing fresh talent to the show. Casting a show like this requires a keen eye for individuals who bring a blend of culinary prowess, ambition, and personality. City Media Entertainment meticulously screens and selects individuals who not only have technical skills but also the passion, resilience, and charisma needed to engage viewers and thrive in a high-stakes environment.

With a mission to represent diverse backgrounds, City Media Entertainment ensures that each season showcases chefs from all walks of life—home cooks, seasoned professionals, and even newcomers daring to chase their culinary dreams. This diversity makes “Next Level Chef” more than just a cooking show; it becomes a celebration of culinary passion, resilience, and cultural fusion, providing audiences with exciting new flavors and ideas.

For anyone selected to compete, “Next Level Chef” is a life-changing platform, offering chefs a chance to build their reputation, gain invaluable experience, and even unlock new career opportunities. City Media Entertainment’s skillful approach to casting has helped “Next Level Chef” maintain its position as a top-rated reality show, with a cast that represents not only the best of culinary talent but also the rich stories and dreams of those chasing their culinary aspirations.

Why “Next Level Chef” is a Must-Watch

“Next Level Chef” is more than a cooking competition—it’s a journey of transformation, showcasing the heart and soul of those passionate about food. With its innovative format, Gordon Ramsay’s leadership, and the stellar support of City Media Entertainment in casting the right mix of contestants, “Next Level Chef” offers viewers a gripping experience, filled with unexpected twists and memorable culinary moments.

For the contestants, the show is an unparalleled opportunity to grow under the guidance of legendary mentors and to rise to challenges that push them to their personal limits. For viewers, it’s an inspiring, edge-of-your-seat ride through the world of competitive cooking, where every floor presents a new challenge, and every dish could make or break a chef’s journey.

City Media Entertainment’s involvement ensures the show remains fresh, vibrant, and true to the spirit of culinary excellence. With this team behind the scenes, “Next Level Chef” continues to be a compelling showcase of culinary talent, passion, and the sheer thrill of competition. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or just love high-stakes reality TV, “Next Level Chef” offers a feast for the senses and an adventure in every episode.

Apply for the Next season of "Next Level Chef":

City Media Entertainment is the official casting company for Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, a highly competitive cooking show that seeks out talented chefs from all walks of life. Known for its innovative approach to culinary competition, the show challenges contestants to cook on three unique kitchen levels, each offering varying degrees of equipment and ingredients. As the casting company, City Media Entertainment is responsible for finding passionate, skilled chefs ready to showcase their creativity and resilience under pressure. Applicants interested in participating can apply through City Media Entertainment by submitting an online application, which includes details about their culinary background, experience, and why they are the perfect fit for this thrilling, high-stakes competition.

‘Next Level Chef’ winner Gabi Chappel: ‘It was the most out-of-body experience I’ve ever had’

‘Next Level Chef’ winner Gabi Chappel: ‘It was the most out-of-body experience I’ve ever had’

Gabi Chappel, the 29-year-old social media chef from Brooklyn, New York was named the winner of “Next Level Chef” season three.

Gabi Chappel, the 29-year-old social media chef from Brooklyn, New York was named the winner of “Next Level Chef” season three

She took home the title, a check for $250,000 and a one-year mentorship from judges Gordon RamsayNyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. The Team Ramsay finalist defeated Team Arrington’s Christina Miros and Team Blais’ Zachary Laidlaw in the three-course finale. Watch her exclusive video interview with Gold Derby above. 

“It was the most out-of-body experience that I’ve ever had,” she says. “It felt like the whole thing was just a dream. I’m also one of those people who really love to think moments through. Of course, I played this scenario over in my head of him announcing my name, but when it really happened it was just one of those moments I’ll never forget, but simultaneously, it was such a rush that I can hardly remember any of it.”

Under the continued mentorship of Gordon, Gabi will be featured in her own BITE original called “Gabi’s Next Course.” It follows what happens next for the young chef as she dives headfirst into her culinary adventure and dishes up some new recipes. You can see the first episode by clicking here.

In the premiere episode, Gabi heads to the Urban Hawker in Midtown Manhattan to explore a diverse array of Southeast Asian street food, speak with the vendors of Jakarta Munch and Hainan Jones, and see what she can learn about Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Armed with her newfound inspiration, Gabi heads to the test kitchen to cook a Crispy Tofu Rice Bowl w/ Pickled Veggies & Spicy Peanut Sauce.

article content & credit: Yahoo

Apply for the Next season of "Next Level Chef":

City Media Entertainment is the official casting company for Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, a highly competitive cooking show that seeks out talented chefs from all walks of life. Known for its innovative approach to culinary competition, the show challenges contestants to cook on three unique kitchen levels, each offering varying degrees of equipment and ingredients. As the casting company, City Media Entertainment is responsible for finding passionate, skilled chefs ready to showcase their creativity and resilience under pressure. Applicants interested in participating can apply through City Media Entertainment by submitting an online application, which includes details about their culinary background, experience, and why they are the perfect fit for this thrilling, high-stakes competition.

Next Level Chef Gets Season 3 & 4 Pickups from FOX

Next Level Chef Gets Season 3 & 4 Pickups from FOX

FOX ORDERS TWO MORE SEASONS OF TELEVISION’S #1 BROADCAST ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, NEXT LEVEL CHEF RENEWING THE ONE-OF-A-KIND COOKING COMPETITION

FOX ORDERS TWO MORE SEASONS OF TELEVISION’S #1 BROADCAST ENTERTAINMENT SERIES, NEXT LEVEL CHEF RENEWING THE ONE-OF-A-KIND COOKING COMPETITION

Studio Ramsay Global’s cooking competition program Next Level Chef, this season’s #1 broadcast entertainment series, has been renewed for Seasons Three and Four, it was announced today by Allison Wallach, President, Unscripted Programming, FOX Entertainment.

“Serving up two more orders of Next Level Chef was an easy decision on the heels of an incredible sophomore season, propelled by its historic post-Super Bowl debut,” said Wallach. “Gordon has orchestrated a series that brilliantly demands skill and creativity in a tri-level pressure cooker, delivering high stakes, high drama and some of the most innovative cooking I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m so thrilled that we’ll be bringing two more seasons ofNext Level Chef to FOX,” said Ramsay. It’s the culinary gauntlet of cooking competition shows and we’re excited to continue to raise the bar!”

On tonight’s two-hour season finale episode (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), Next Level Chef’s remaining five chefs will select two different boxes, each representing a state and its local ingredients. They will then have to conceive a dish that infuses both into one unforgettable dish. Then, in the second half of the finale, the final three chefs must create one dish on each level of the kitchen in just 90 minutes! It is up to the chefs to determine how much time they use on the bottom and middle levels, which will determine how much time they have to make their final dish on the top level. Eighteen chefs began the journey, three will cook in the finale, and only one will win the one-year mentorship, $250,000 and the title of Next Level Chef. The winner will be crowned tonight, Thursday, May 11 (8:00 PM-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Seasons 3 and 4 will be produced by Bigger Stage and Studio Ramsay on behalf of Studio Ramsay Global, Next Level Chef is the next evolution in cooking competitions, as Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage like you’ve never seen. Over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!

With a level playing field, Ramsay is joined by fellow mentor chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, who once again will open the competition and scour the country for the very best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars and everything in between, so they all can compete against one another with the goal of finding the food world’s newest superstar!

Although he now sits unrivaled at the top of the culinary world, Ramsay started at the bottom, washing dishes in a local takeout restaurant. He firmly believes that as long as a chef has the drive, talent and perseverance, he or she can make that climb to the top. Creativity, consistency and cunning are the recipe for success to make it to the NEXT LEVEL, as the competitors will adapt to the challenges waiting for them. Only one can walk away with a life-changing $250,000 grand prize and become a Next Level Chef!

Next Level Chef is this season’s #1T broadcast entertainment series, averaging a 1.1 Live + 7 Day rating among Adults 18-49 and 6.4 million multi-platform viewers. Its post-Super Bowl LVII Season Two premiere delivered 16.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched cooking series telecast in television history and the #1 entertainment series telecast in two years.

Gordon Ramsay and Matt Cahoon serve as executive producers on Next Level Chef.

Next Level Chef is now casting! If you’re a future NEXT LEVEL CHEF, apply online now at NextLevelChefCasting.com.

Viewers can watch Season Two of Next Level Chef with On Demand, FOX NOW, Hulu and FOX Entertainment’s streaming platform, Tubi.

On Demand episodes are available for customers of Cox Contour TV, DIRECTV, DISH, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Optimum, Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, XFINITY, YouTube TV and many more.

Season One of Next Level Chef is available on Hulu and Tubi.

article content credit: Studio Ramsay Global

Apply for the Next season of "Next Level Chef":

City Media Entertainment is the official casting company for Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, a highly competitive cooking show that seeks out talented chefs from all walks of life. Known for its innovative approach to culinary competition, the show challenges contestants to cook on three unique kitchen levels, each offering varying degrees of equipment and ingredients. As the casting company, City Media Entertainment is responsible for finding passionate, skilled chefs ready to showcase their creativity and resilience under pressure. Applicants interested in participating can apply through City Media Entertainment by submitting an online application, which includes details about their culinary background, experience, and why they are the perfect fit for this thrilling, high-stakes competition.

Next Level Chef Becomes The Most Watched Cooking Show in TV History

Studio Ramsay Global's Next Level Chef Becomes The Most Watched Cooking Show in TV History

The post-Super Bowl LVII Season Two premiere of Studio Ramsay Global’s cooking competition series Next Level Chef delivered 15.5 million Total Viewers, becoming the most-watched cooking series telecast in television history.

The post-Super Bowl LVII Season Two premiere of Studio Ramsay Global’s cooking competition series Next Level Chef delivered 15.5 million Total Viewers, becoming the most-watched cooking series telecast in television history.

Produced by Studio Ramsay Global and FOX Alternative Entertainment, Next Level Chef averaged a 4.9 Live + Same Day rating among Adults 18-49, marking television’s highest-rated and most-watched unscripted Season Two premiere in 11 years and highest-rated entertainment telecast in two years.

Next Level Chef’s Season Two premiere highlights include:

  • The most-watched cooking series telecast in television history (across broadcast and cable).
  • The highest-rated entertainment telecast in two years (since CBS’ post-Super Bowl premiere of The Equalizer, 2/7/21).
  • The highest-rated and most-watched unscripted Season Two premiere in 11 years (since NBC’s The Voice, 2/5/12, post-Super Bowl).
  • Next Level Chef’s return posted series highs, up from its Season One premiere (1/2/22) by:
    • +206%, Adults 18-49 (vs. 1.6)
    • +204%, Total Viewers (vs. 5.1 million)
  • The night’s #1 most social unscripted series across television.
  • FOX has the three highest-rated entertainment series telecasts this season (Adults 18-49 L+SD):
    • #1 Next Level Chef (4.9 on 2/12/23)
    • #2 The Masked Singer (2.2 on 11/24/22)
    • #3 Accused (2.1 on 1/22/23)

Produced by Studio Ramsay Global and FOX Alternative Entertainment, Next Level Chef is the next evolution in cooking competitions, as Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage like you’ve never seen. Over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!

article content/credit: Studio Ramsay Global

Apply for the Next season of "Next Level Chef":

Applying to Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef through the premiere casting company, City Media Entertainment, offers aspiring chefs the opportunity of a lifetime. With the show’s reputation for pushing culinary talents to their limits under the mentorship of world-renowned chefs, applicants can showcase their passion, creativity, and unique skills in the kitchen. City Media Entertainment, known for connecting talent with premier television opportunities, ensures a seamless application process for those eager to compete on a global stage. This is a chance for ambitious chefs to elevate their craft and gain invaluable exposure, while standing a chance to learn from one of the greatest culinary masters, Gordon Ramsay.