Kristen Kish Takes The Reigns As Top Chef's New Host

Kristen Kish, the winner of Top Chef season 10 and a renowned culinary expert, is set to become the new host of the beloved Bravo show.

Taking over from the iconic Padma Lakshmi in season 21, Kish will bring her expertise and charisma to the forefront as the show sets up its kitchen in Wisconsin, specifically focusing on the vibrant culinary scenes of Milwaukee and Madison. Alongside Kish, familiar faces Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons will return as judges, ensuring the show maintains its high standards.

Lakshmi, who has been an integral part of Top Chef since its second season, bid farewell to the show in June. Nonetheless, she expressed her pride in being associated with its immense success.

"After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly," she shared in an Instagram post. “I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support.”

The search for a new host zeroed in on former Top Chef competitors with on-camera experience, making Kish an obvious frontrunner for the role. Reflecting on her journey from competitor to guest judge and now host, Kish stated, "Top Chef is where I started my journey… Now as host, I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand... It feels like coming home."

Lakshmi, showing her support for Kish, took to Twitter to express her pride, saying, "I'm so proud of you @KristenLKish and am over the moon that you'll be taking over for me!!! I'll be rooting for you and our whole crew next season."

With Kish as the new host, Top Chef is set to continue its legacy of culinary excellence, exploring the dynamic food scene of Wisconsin and captivating viewers with the creativity and skill of talented chefs.

While no release date has been set yet, viewers can catch up on Top Chef on Peacock.