Plot Synopsis

For this cooking competition, Gordon Ramsay designed a culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage that's over three stories high --with each floor containing 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 a great chef is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst. The best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars, food truck owners and everything in between compete against one another with the goal of becoming the food world's newest superstar. Joined by chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, Ramsay and his co-mentors each recruit a group of talented chefs and take them under their wings. Only one competitor can walk away with a life-changing $250,000 grand prize. The 15 chefs competing for the quarter-million dollar prize include: Amber Rebold (age: 33; hometown: San Antonio, TX); Zachary Adams (27; Manila, Philippines); Tricia Wang (27; Houston, TX); Reuel Vincent (34; Trinidad and Tobago); Sergio Steele (26; Trinidad and Tobago); Roice Bethel (29; Brazil); Stephanie 'Pyet' Despain (30; Kansas City, KS); Kenny Everett (34; St. Louis, MO); Mariah Scott (37; Santa Clara, CA); Jonathan Harrison (29; Columbiana, AL); Gary Marandola (33; Johnston, RI); Courtney Brown (48; Cincinnati, OH); Devonnie Black (30; Bronx, NY); Ae Southammavong (31; Laos); and Angie Ragan (47; Lubbock, TX).

The sophomore season of NEXT LEVEL CHEF premiered on Sunday, February 12, 2023 immediately after the postgame show for SUPER BOWL LVII, airing live in all times zones beginning approximately at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT. 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 Gordon 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! Joined by two elite names in the food world, chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, Ramsay and his co-mentors leave no stone unturned, as they've scoured the country and hand-picked the best home cooks, social media chefs and professional chefs who will be on each of their teams. With a one-year mentorship and $250,000 on the line, the steaks are high as the cooks look to make their first impressions in their respective teams. Who will make the most impressive next level dish and who will not make the cut? After its special season debut, NEXT LEVEL CHEF moves to its regular timeslot -- Thursdays at 8pm -- four days later on February 16. Contestants for Season 2's Team Ramsay include: Cassie Yeung (Age: 28; occupation: Social Media Chef; Current City: South Brunswick, NJ); Mark McMillian (52; Home Cook; Henderson, NV); Michelle Calcagni (30; Home Cook; Washington Township, NJ); Preston Nguyen (19; Professional Chef; Arlington, TX); Tucker Ricchio (31; Professional Chef; San Francisco, CA); and Vincent "Vinny" Alia (42; Home Cook; Westminster, MA). Team Arrington includes: Alex Morizio (48; Home Cook; Miami, FL); April Clayton (39; Home Cook; Muscle Shoals, AL); Nuri Muhammad (22; Professional Chef; Upper Marlboro, MD); Omallys "Omi" Hopper (39; Social Media Chef; Providence, RI); Pilar Omega (38; Professional Chef; Los Angeles, CA); and Shay Spence (32; Social Media Chef; Key West, FL). Team Blais includes: Christopher Spinosa (29; Professional Chef; West Palm Beach, FL); Darryl Taylor (52; Professional Chef; Atlanta, GA); Kamahlai Stewart (41; Home Cook; Pittsburgh, PA); Matt Groark (44; Social Media Chef; Medford Lakes, NJ); Mehreen Karim (27; Home Cook; Brooklyn, NY); and Tineke Younger (20; Social Media Chef; Evans, GA).

Season 3 of NEXT LEVEL CHEF premiered on a special day and time on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 10-11:30pm ET/7-8:30pm PT on FOX, immediately following post-game coverage of the NFC Championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers. The series makes its timeslot debut Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT on FOX. Joined by chefs Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais, Gordon Ramsay and his co-mentors leave no stone unturned, as they each recruit a group of the talented chefs and take them under their wings. New this season, NEXT LEVEL CHEF features three audition rounds, challenging three groups of eight chefs with experience that ranges from professional chef to home cook to social media culinary superstar. In the premiere episode, the eight social media stars battle it out on the three kitchen levels. Only five chefs will advance to join the teams of the mentors and compete for the grand prize of a 1-year mentorship and $250,000. Contestants for Season 3 include TikTok sensation Brittany Khamille, with other competitors unveiled during the auditions.

On Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT, FOX premiered the fourth season of NEXT LEVEL CHEF. In Season 4, 24 culinary masterminds from across America have been selected to put their cooking skills to the ultimate test in hopes of taking home the grand prize of $250,000. Amongst the competitors are groups of eight chefs of different categories: Pro, Social Media, and Home. The competition kicks off with eight savvy social media chefs who use their trendiness and creativity to craft restaurant quality dishes in hopes of surviving the audition round. Then, in the second episode, the auditions continue with the next group to show off their culinary skills: the Home Cooks. Eight home cooks use their innovative skills to turn pantry staples and lingering leftovers into delicious dishes that will take them through to the draft. In the final round of auditions, eight professional chefs must rely on their expertise in a race against time. With just 20 minutes on the clock on each level, the professional chefs must impress the judges in order to advance to the next stage. Gordon Ramsay, Richard Blais, and Nyesha Arrington all return for Season 4.
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On Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT, FOX premiered "Final Level," the Season 4 finale of NEXT LEVEL CHEF. The final three chefs -- Megan Keno, Austin Beckett, and Beatrice Heirigs -- have made it to the final round of the competition and have proven that they have what it takes to claim the title of Next Level Chef champion. But first, they must create an outstanding three-course meal in just 90 minutes. With the guidance of a mentor at every level of the Next Level Chef kitchen, the chefs must deliver nothing less of excellence in their final test.

NEXT LEVEL CHEF has been renewed for Seasons 5 & 6.