Everything to know about Netflix’s new series Next Gen Chef — Cast, episode schedule, and more

This fall, Netflix's newest culinary competition, Next Gen Chef, is becoming more intense. Taking place at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, it showcases 21 up-and-coming chefs vying for a $500,000 grand prize. Carlton McCoy and Kelsey Barnard Clark, the judges, oversee challenges that blend technique, endurance, and inventiveness. Olivia Culpo hosts the show.

On September 17, 2025, Next Gen Chef premieres episodes 1 through 7, with the finale following a week later on September 24. In the first season, there are eight episodes, each lasting roughly forty-five minutes.

From R&D cooks to private chefs, contestants have a variety of experiences and everyone contributes a unique flavor and approach. The names of the guest judges, which include renowned chefs like Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Christina Tosi, and Cat Cora, are enough to make food competition enthusiasts take notice.

Additionally, there is a twist in the first episode: around half of the candidates will be sent home before they even move into the CIA dorms after passing an admission exam that consists of a demanding three-team, seven-course menu test. But that's only the start.

---

What Next Gen Chef offers — Key details to watch

Next Gen Chef may be for you if you enjoy learning-intensive and pressure-filled shows. You'll witness a variety of culinary experiments that extend beyond plating, such as ambitious menu designs, sustainability challenges, and even assignments that require the cooks to recycle food leftovers. Expectations are extremely high because the judges and guest chefs are well-regarded. Let's examine the cast, difficulties, and timetable.

---

Cast members — Who’s in the kitchen

Here are the 21 rising chefs under 30 competing on Next Gen Chef, each bringing unique culinary backgrounds:

1. Abby Kirn, 30 — Private Chef

2. Alicia Herranz, 22 — R&D Chef at Restaurante Barro

3. Andrew Sargent, 29 — Sous Chef at Per Se

4. Courtney Evans, 25 — Private Chef (formerly 3rd & Fernwood)

5. Eli Kochman, 24 — Chef de Partie at Chleo

6. Ilke Schaaf, 23 — Line Cook at Coverhill BK

7. Jacob-Bao Nguyen, 30 — Private Chef & Pop-Up Owner (Than Thai)

8. Javauneeka Jacobs, 27 — Chef at Frontera Grill

9. Joaquin Cariaso, 23 — Sous Chef at Charlie Palmer Steak (NYC)

10. Karla Perez, 21 — Tournant at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

11. Keyana Jadali, 30 — Private Chef

12. Khan Bataa, 27 — Sous Chef at Hamdi

13. London Chase, 29 — Jr. Sous Chef at Essential by Christophe

14. Max Centauro, 28 — Sous Chef at Carriage House NYC

15. Nikki Patterson-Nash, 29 — Private Chef

16. Peter McTiernan, 25 — Executive Chef at Dio Mio

17. Sam Driscoll, 26 — Chef de Cuisine at Tavern on State

18. Sam Etienne, 28 — Private Chef at Rose Catering

19. Sam Seideman, 20 — Private Chef & Student

20. Sidney Rubenstein, 21 — Private Chef for the New York Jets

21. Zachary Ethan Atkins, 26 — Traveling Chef with global experience

---

Episodes, formats, & major challenges to expect

On September 17, 2025, Next Gen Chef debuts its first seven episodes. The eighth and final episode will air on September 24.

The competition's approach is intense: following the entry exam on seven-course meals, participants will be required to create fine-dining tasting menus, scale fast-casual concepts, prepare family-style dishes, and even repurpose food scraps that are usually thrown away in kitchens.

Time, technique, and flavor are all important because of the CIA's academic rigor and demands, which are similar to those of professional cooks.

---

The first 7 episodes of Next Gen Chef are available on Netflix for the fans to binge.