The BEST episodes of Next Gen Chef

Every episode of Next Gen Chef ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Next Gen Chef!

Follows a new culinary show featuring 21 chefs under 30, competing at The Culinary Institute of America. Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo will host, with Carlton McCoy and Kelsey Barnard Clark serving as judges.

Last Updated: 3/27/2026Network: NetflixStatus: Continuing

7.31

13 votes

#1 - Graduation Day

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/24/2025

For their last exam, the chefs must make a themed four-course meal for 70 VIP diners, including legendary chef Thomas Keller and CIA president Tim Ryan.

6.91

11 votes

#2 - Global Food Test

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/17/2025

To demonstrate their mastery of global cuisine, the chefs must craft family-style dishes specific to Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.75

12 votes

#3 - Core Creativity

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/17/2025

They can dole out flavors, but can they take feedback? The chefs devise savory dishes using apples, and the judges introduce a game-changing twist.

6.75

12 votes

#4 - Souffle Showdown

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/17/2025

In the semifinals, the chefs must make a fine dining entrée and flex or fake their soufflé skills for guest judges Daniel Boulud and Kwame Onwuachi.

6.69

13 votes

#5 - Grading The Brigade

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/17/2025

The chefs navigate curveball after curveball during the dinner service of nightmares as they run an elevated gastropub as a brigade for the first time.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.69

13 votes

#6 - Fast Casual Exam

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/17/2025

In a two-part challenge, the chefs create fast casual dining menus — but only two winning concepts will launch and go head-to-head in the CIA cafeteria.

6.57

14 votes

#7 - Baking the Grade

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/17/2025

The heat is on as the chefs race to bake 36 portions of a treat using a culinary byproduct in just five hours. Christina Tosi joins as a guest judge.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.38

13 votes

#8 - The Entrance Exam

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/17/2025

Upon arriving at the CIA, the chefs are split into teams and must create a menu inspired by culinary icons Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child and Paul Bocuse.

Watch Now:Amazon