Netflix Drops Trailer for ‘Next Gen Chef,’ a Global Cooking Competition Premiering This Month
Netflix has released the first trailer for Next Gen Chef, a new cooking competition that premieres worldwide on September 17, 2025. The series is being called the streaming giant’s most ambitious reality cooking show yet, and it promises both high-level culinary skills and fierce competition.
The eight-episode season takes viewers inside the Culinary Institute of America, one of the most respected cooking schools in the world.
Over the course of the show, 21 chefs under the age of 30 will compete in a series of challenges meant to test their creativity, discipline, and leadership in the kitchen. According to Netflix, the show is designed to discover “the next great leader of the culinary world.”
Inside the world's most prestigious culinary school, America's hottest chefs under 30 compete in rigorous tests to be crowned the leading chef of the next generation.
— Netflix (@netflix) September 2, 2025
Next Gen Chef premieres September 17. pic.twitter.com/kkQHGDmfDg
The series comes from Alfred Street Industries, UltraBoom Media, and Fulwell Entertainment, with LeBron James and Maverick Carter among the executive producers. The Culinary Institute of America itself is also involved in the production, adding prestige and authenticity to the show.
Hosting duties go to restaurateur and television personality Olivia Culpo, who brings her own food industry experience and media presence.
She’s joined by Carlton McCoy, a Master Sommelier and CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates, and Kelsey Barnard Clark, winner of Top Chef and a James Beard nominee. Together, they will guide and judge the contestants as they compete for the title.
Along the way, some of the biggest names in food will make guest appearances. Culinary stars like Francis Lam, Cat Cora, Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Christina Tosi, and Kwame Onwuachi are among those who will step into the kitchen.
The late Anne Burrell will also appear in the series in a special segment. Dr. Tim Ryan, Chancellor of the CIA, will also feature during the season.
The competitors bring a wide range of backgrounds and cooking styles, from Michelin-starred restaurant chefs to private chefs for athletes and celebrities. Some are already leading their own restaurants, while others are just starting to make their mark. Together, they represent the next generation of talent pushing the culinary world forward.
The new trailer shows intense challenges, emotional moments, and plenty of kitchen drama. With its mix of young talent and seasoned mentors, Next Gen Chef looks set to be Netflix’s boldest step yet into the cooking competition space.
Personally, I think this show has the potential to be Netflix’s answer to Top Chef or MasterChef. The talent lineup is impressive, and with such big culinary names involved, the stakes feel higher than usual. What do you think of the trailer? Are you excited to see these rising chefs compete? Share your thoughts in the comments.
