Episode Data

Top Chef

update

Season 0

• _{Wednesday, June 6th, 2007}

  1: 4 Star All Stars

  Eight chefs return from the previous seasons to compete against each other for $20,000 for their team's selected charity, and Season Three's contestants are introduced.QuickFire Challenge: Cook Perfect Eggs with One Hand behind Your Back Elimination Challenge: Create a Four Course Meal Using Scallops, Lobster, Duck & Kobe Beef

• _{Monday, December 24th, 2007}

  2: Top Chef Holiday Special

  The Holiday Special brought back many of the ghosts of Top Chefs past as CJ, Marcel, Tre, Betty, Josie, Sandee, Stephen, and Tiffani came back to compete once more -- this time in Chicago. After opening some gifts and reminiscing, it was back to business. In the Quickfire the chefs were greeted by Padma and a mystery Santa, who turned out to be none other than the delicious Eric Ripert. The chefs had to create a dish from one gifted ingredient, which were chosen through a game of "Dirty Santa." For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs had to create a a three-course meal, and would be judged through every course head-to-head, meaning that two chefs would be eliminated each round.

• _{Wednesday, March 4th, 2009}

  16: Top Chef Season 5 - After the knife 1.

• _{Wednesday, March 4th, 2009}

  17: Top Chef Season 5 - After the knife 2.

• _{Wednesday, March 4th, 2009}

  18: Top Chef Season 5 - After the knife 3.

• _{Saturday, April 11th, 2009}

  3: Top Chef Reunion Dinner

  Fabio Viviani from season five has invited contestants from his season and those in the past for what is supposed to be a convivial gathering of chefs cooking, eating and talking. But this is Top Chef, after all, and if you include Marcel in any invitation pleasant can turn on a dime.

• _{Wednesday, November 9th, 2011}

  4: Last Chance Kitchen (1)

• _{Wednesday, November 16th, 2011}

  5: Last Chance Kitchen (2)

• _{Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011}

  6: Last Chance Kitchen (3)

• _{Wednesday, November 30th, 2011}

  7: Last Chance Kitchen (4)

• _{Wednesday, December 7th, 2011}

  8: Last Chance Kitchen (5)

• _{Wednesday, December 14th, 2011}

  9: Last Chance Kitchen (6)

• _{Wednesday, December 21st, 2011}

  10: Last Chance Kitchen (7)

• _{Wednesday, January 4th, 2012}

  11: Last Chance Kitchen (8)

• _{Wednesday, January 11th, 2012}

  12: Last Chance Kitchen (9)

• _{Wednesday, January 18th, 2012}

  13: Last Chance Kitchen (10)

• _{Wednesday, January 25th, 2012}

  14: Last Chance Kitchen (11)

• _{Wednesday, February 1st, 2012}

  15: Last Chance Kitchen (12)

• _{Thursday, December 12th, 2013}

  27: Top Chef Season 11 - Last Chance Kitchen E06

• _{Wednesday, January 15th, 2014}

  32: Top Chef Season 11 - Last Chance Kitchen E11

• _{Monday, January 5th, 2015}

  38: Top Chef Season 12 - Last Chance Kitchen E05

Season 1

• _{Wednesday, March 8th, 2006}

  1: Who Deserves To Be Here

  In the first episode of the series we meet the 12 contestants. For the quickfire challenge they are tested in Fleur de Lys (a San Fransisco restaurant). For the elimination challenge each chef must make their specialty.

• _{Wednesday, March 15th, 2006}

  2: Food Of Love

  For this episode the contestants have to impress Elizabeth Falkner the owner of Citizen Cake. For the elimination challenge the turn up the heat with a "Sexy Dessert" contest for a fetish party for Mistress S.

• _{Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006}

  3: Nasty Delights

  For the quickfire challenge the contestants have to cook with octopus. For the elimination round the contestants are put into two teams: Red and Blue. They have to cook monk fish specialties for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club of America.

• _{Wednesday, March 29th, 2006}

  4: Food on the Fly

  For the quickfire challenge the contestants are brought to a convenience store to buy ingredients for their dish. For the elimination round the contestants must create a delicious entree that can be reheated in a microwave for women at a local Junior League.

• _{Wednesday, April 5th, 2006}

  5: Blind Confusion

  For the quickfire challenge, the contestants are brought into an isolated room with many random exotic foods. They have to guess what they are with a blindfold on. For the elimination challenge the contestants are put into pairs and have to make fusion dishes with Latin and one other type of cuisine.

• _{Wednesday, April 12th, 2006}

  6: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

  For the quickfire challenge the contestants are put under some serious money restraints. They have to choose from ingredients that are put in front of them that are priced by the pound and can only spend up to three dollars, but all the food on the Top Chef pantry was free.

• _{Wednesday, April 19th, 2006}

  7: Restaurant Wars

  For the quickfire challenge the contestants must make a gourmet sandwich. The winner doesn't get immunity but a sandwich on chef Tom Colicchio's menu at his new sandwich restaurant. For the Elimination Challenge the contestants are put into teams and have to basically create a restaurant and menu. The restaurants would be set up in two different rooms in the same building, both visible from the entrance. The menus will be displayed in the waiting area so the customers can choose which restaurant they want to eat at, then rate their dining experience.

• _{Wednesday, April 26th, 2006}

  8: Wedding Bell Blues

  Teams compete for the chance to cater a commitment ceremony.

• _{Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006}

  9: Napa's Finest

  The four remaining contestants cook for some of Napa Valley's most respected chefs.

• _{Wednesday, May 10th, 2006}

  10: Reunion

  Contestants reminisce about the competition.

• _{Sunday, May 14th, 2006}

  11: Finale (1)

  Part 1 of two. The tension boils over when the three remaining chefs journey to Las Vegas to compete in a room-service challenge. Chef Hubert Keller serves as a guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, May 24th, 2006}

  12: Finale (2)

  The final two contestants compete in the last elimination round to see who will become Top Chef.

Season 2

• _{Wednesday, October 18th, 2006}

  1: Into the Fire

  Fifteen new contestants are introduced for Top Chef's second season in Los Angeles by new host Padma Lakshmi. Guest Judge: Harold Dieterle. QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using the Flambé Technique. Elimination Challenge: Create a Dish Using all Five Mystery Box Ingredients.

• _{Wednesday, October 25th, 2006}

  2: Eastern Promise

  An Asian culinary theme runs through this episode's challenges. First the contestants put their own twists on sushi, then they work as teams to participate in a charity event. Guest Judge: Hiroshi Shima – QuickFire Challenge. Guest Judge: Ming Tsai – Elimination Challenge QuickFire Challenge: Create a Sushi Dish in 30 Minutes. Elimination Challenge: Work as Two Teams to Create One Hot and One Cold Dish Using Flavors from Korea and Vietnam.

• _{Wednesday, November 1st, 2006}

  3: Food for the People

  The 13 remaining contestants are asked to make food for everyday people: beach goers and firemen. Guest Judge: Stephen Bulgarelli. QuickFire Challenge: Create an Original Ice Cream Flavor. T.G.I. Friday's Elimination Challenge: Create a Dish Updating a Childhood Classic.

• _{Wednesday, November 8th, 2006}

  4: Less is More

  Attention to detail will be rated during this round. The chefs are asked to create a tidbit from not so tidbit-y choices, and then must serve a meal to kids at a fitness camp. Guest Judge: Suzanne Goin QuickFire Challenge: Create an Amuse-Bouche. Elimination Challenge: Create a Meal That Does not Exceed 500 Calories.

• _{Wednesday, November 15th, 2006}

  5: Social Service

  This round is all about leftovers and the chefs’ ability to be creative with difficult ingredients. They must make fine cuisine from truly disgusting fare, and then create a multi-course affair from only a restaurant’s refrigerated remains of the night before. Guest Judge: Michelle Bernstein QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish using "Offal" the Leftover Parts of Animals. Elimination Challenge: Create a Luncheon for Sixty Using the Leftovers from the Social Menu.

• _{Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006}

  6: Thanksgiving

  Taking the traditional and turning it on its ear is tonight's theme. The chefs are asked to make canned food pretty, and then a smaller group must make a "cutting edge" Thanksgiving dinner. Guest Judge: Anthony Bourdain QuickFire Challenge: Create a Tasty Dish Using at Least Three Canned Ingredients. Elimination Challenge: Create a Thanksgiving Meal with a Twist.

• _{Wednesday, December 6th, 2006}

  7: The Raw and the Cooked

  This round's theme is all about working with limitations. The contestants must create a dish that is not cooked, and then adapt when they're asked to plan a dish without knowing the kitchen equipment available to them. Guest Judge: Raphael Lunetta QuickFire Challenge: Create an Entree Using Only Raw Food Without any Cooking. Elimination Challenge: Create a Gourmet Breakfast for Mystery Athletes.

• _{Wednesday, December 13th, 2006}

  8: Holiday Spirit

  It's all a party when the contestants are asked to put their skills to work on both hors d'oeuvres and spirits. This round focuses on entertaining as the chefs are first asked to create an original drink accompanied by a small snack, then they must change gears and cater a holiday event. Guest Judge: Kristin Woodward – QuickFire Challenge Guest Judge: Lee Hefter – Elimination Challenge QuickFire Challenge: Create an Original Bailey's Holiday Cocktail. Elimination Challenge: Cater a Hollywood Holiday Party.

• _{Wednesday, January 3rd, 2007}

  9: Seven

  Tonight's theme focuses on the chefs' creativity in using food as an expression of art. They first must create a dish using one color – a hard task for the color-blind chef, then the contestants are "given" their inspiration for a theme to a star-studded dinner. Guest Judge: Ted Allen QuickFire & Elimination Guest Judge: Roberto Ivan Elimination QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using One Color. Elimination Challenge: Create a Seven Course Dinner Inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

• _{Wednesday, January 10th, 2007}

  10: Unhappy Customers

  This round's theme deals with vision and execution, challenging the chefs' to create original ideas that can also be achieved. First up is snack food limited by three condiments, then on to this season's version of "Restaurant Wars". Guest Judge: Mike Yakura Kraft QuickFire Challenge: Create a Gourmet Snack Dish. Elimination Challenge: Create a Restaurant Concept & Menu, then Execute It with Your Team.

• _{Wednesday, January 17th, 2007}

  11: Sense and Sensuality

  The sensuality of food runs through this round's challenges as the five remaining chefs are asked to determine what they want the diner to experience and then create a dish that carries this through. First up is everything chocolate, then they must prepare a meal for couples who are all celebrating anniversaries. Guest Judge: Eric Ripert Nestlé Chocolatier QuickFire Challenge: Create a Sweet or Savory Dish using Nestlé Chocolatier. Elimination Challenge: Create a Romantic Dinner with Paired Wines.

• _{Wednesday, January 24th, 2007}

  12: Finale (1)

  Location, location, location! The remaining chefs travel to Hawaii for this round, and must use food native to the island for a luau that ends with naming the final contestants. Guest Judge: Alan Wong QuickFire Challenge: There is none in this round. Elimination Challenge: Prepare a Birthday Luau, Reformulating Traditional Luau Fare into each Chef's Own Style. Round Twelve.

• _{Wednesday, January 31st, 2007}

  13: Finale (2)

  The final two contestants battle for the title of "Top Chef." Guest Judge: Hubert Keller Final Challenge: Cook the Best Five Course Meal Each Chef has Ever Prepared in his Life.

Season 3

• _{Wednesday, June 13th, 2007}

  1: First Impressions

  Getting to know each other is the theme for this first round. The new crop of fifteen chefs arrives in Miami, and then they are given two challenges – one with leftovers – to introduce themselves and their cooking to their fellow contestants and the judges. Guest Judge: Anthony Bourdain. QuickFire Challenge: Create an Amuse-Bouche in 10 Minutes Elimination Challenge: Create a Surf & Turf Dish Using Exotic Ingredients

• _{Wednesday, June 20th, 2007}

  2: Sunny Delights

  Tonight's theme is sunshine, and first the contestants must use a product of that sunshine, citrus. Then they are asked to demonstrate their catering skills at an event which requires sunshine, a gourmet BBQ party. Guest Chef: Norman Van Aken QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using Florida Citrus Kingsford Elimination Challenge: Create an Upscale BBQ Dish

• _{Wednesday, June 27th, 2007}

  3: Family Favorites

  This week the remaining chefs must first catch fresh seafood, and then put a fresh twist on American dinner staples for members of the Miami Elks Club. Guest Judge: Alfred Portale QuickFire Challenge: Catch & Cook Shellfish Elimination Challenge: Update Classic Dishes into Modern Lower Cholesterol Meals

• _{Wednesday, July 11th, 2007}

  4: Cooking by Numbers

  The contestants mix it up with Bombay Sapphire mixologist Jamie Walker, and then ply their trade at a gastronomic society. Barton G. Weiss of Miami's Barton G. the Restaurant serves as guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, July 18th, 2007}

  5: Latin Lunch

  Timing is the theme for this round as the 11 remaining chefs are asked to be creative with a time-saving pastry and then serve lunch to clients on a tight schedule. Guest Judge: Maria Frumkin QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish Using a Frozen Pie Crust. Elimination Challenge: Cater a Latin Lunch for the Cast & Crew of Telemundo's Dame Chocolate.

• _{Wednesday, July 25th, 2007}

  6: Watch What Happens

  In a special episode, Bravo's Andy Cohen sits down with past and current contestants to explore their experiences in the competition

• _{Wednesday, August 1st, 2007}

  7: Freezer Burn

  The chef's taste buds are put to the test, and then they must "cook" for a frozen challenge. Rocco DiSpirito acts as guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, August 8th, 2007}

  8: Guilty Pleasures

  This round's theme is guilty pleasures. First the chefs must work with Summer's guilty institution, ice cream, and then they move on to Miami's night life, but there's a surprise in store for them. Guest Judge: Govind Armstrong QuickFire Challenge: Coldstone Creamery Mix-in Challenge (Create Original Mix-ins for Their Sweet Cream Flavor). Elimination Challenge: Create Late Night Bar food in a Mobile Kitchen.

• _{Wednesday, August 15th, 2007}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  The chefs are told that they must create the perfect burger. Then, they must create a new restaurant concept, including a great menu. Chef Daniel Boulud is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007}

  10: Second Helping

  Chef Geoffrey Zakarian guest judges a relay race challenge. The chefs get another try at "Restaurant Wars," continued from last episode.

• _{Wednesday, September 5th, 2007}

  11: Chef Overboard

  Chef Michael Schwartz helps to judge challenges that involve a cruise ship buffet and creativity in a grocery store.

• _{Wednesday, September 12th, 2007}

  12: Snacks on a Plane

  Jimmy Canora guests on an episode that takes to the skies when the chefs take on the dreaded plane cuisine.

• _{Wednesday, September 19th, 2007}

  13: Manhattan Project

  Sirio Maccione guest judges a QuickFire where the chefs must recreate one of his dishes, then they must impress four more chefs, including Andre Soltner, in elimination.

• _{Wednesday, September 26th, 2007}

  14: Finale (1)

  The remaining chefs make the move to Aspen, Colorado for the semifinal and the decision of who the final two will be.

• _{Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007}

  15: Finale (2)

  The Top Chef is chosen.

• _{Wednesday, October 10th, 2007}

  16: Reunion

  The cast and contestants get together to reminisce about the season and answer questions.

• _{Monday, December 24th, 2007}

  17: Holiday Special

  The Holiday Special brought back many of the ghosts of Top Chefs past as CJ, Marcel, Tre, Betty, Josie, Sandee, Stephen, and Tiffani came back to compete once more -- this time in Chicago. After opening some gifts and reminiscing, it was back to business. In the Quickfire the chefs were greeted by Padma and a mystery Santa, who turned out to be none other than the delicious Eric Ripert. The chefs had to create a dish from one gifted ingredient, which were chosen through a game of "Dirty Santa." For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs had to create a a three-course meal, and would be judged through every course head-to-head, meaning that two chefs would be eliminated each round.

Season 4

• _{Wednesday, March 12th, 2008}

  1: Anything You Can Cook I Can Cook Better

  The 16 new contestants face their first QuickFire and Elimination rounds using themes from Chicago's regional cuisine.

• _{Wednesday, March 19th, 2008}

  2: Zoo Food

  A farmers' market takes prominence in this week's QuickFire, and an exotic location is the setting for the Elimination round as the remaining chefs cook for guest judge Wylie Dufresne.

• _{Wednesday, March 26th, 2008}

  3: Block Party

  The contestants mix it up with Rick Bayless while creating a fiesta for a community.

• _{Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008}

  4: Film Food

  The remaining chefs demonstrate their aptitude with knives, and then help Richard Roeper throw a film-themed dinner. Daniel Boulud guest judges.

• _{Wednesday, April 9th, 2008}

  5: The Elements

  The dreaded taste test is back, and even before the chefs recover from it they must cater a charity event. Ming Tsai Guest Judges this week.

• _{Wednesday, April 16th, 2008}

  6: Tailgating

  Simple pleasures is the theme for tonight's round as the chefs must create a dish that complements beer, and then throw a tailgate extravaganza for fans of the local team. Guest Judge: Paul Kahan – Elimination Challenge Guest Judge: Koren Grieveson – QuickFire Challenge QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish that Pairs Perfectly with Beer Elimination Challenge: Cater a Tailgating Party for Chicago Bears Fans

• _{Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008}

  7: Improv

  The chefs begin with a sugary challenge, and then move to the historic Second City Theatre where their improvisational skills will be tested by masters of the art – one of the resident troupes. Johnny Iuzzini from Jean Georges restaurant guest judges.

• _{Wednesday, April 30th, 2008}

  8: Common Threads

  The microwaves are back, and this time the contestants are to make a healthy meal using a single main ingredient. Chef Art Smith, owner of Table 52 in Chicago performs guest judge duties.

• _{Wednesday, May 7th, 2008}

  9: Wedding Wars

  The remaining chefs' knife skills are challenged again, followed by a wedding reception challenge which might bring the blades out for an entirely different purpose.

• _{Wednesday, May 14th, 2008}

  10: Serve and Protect

  Salad, one of the least respected dishes by chefs, takes center stage tonight as the contestants are challenged to reformulate it, then they continue with the healthy kick by trimming calories and all things bad from a classic entrée.

• _{Wednesday, May 21st, 2008}

  11: Restaurant Wars

  It's all about service tonight as the chefs work the line during a breakfast rush at a diner, and then create their own restaurants from scratch. Washington, D.C. Chef and restaurant owner José Andrés guest judges. QuickFire Challenge: Work a Short Order Egg Station Elimination Challenge: Restaurant Wars Guest Head Judge: Anthony Bourdain

• _{Wednesday, May 28th, 2008}

  12: High Steaks

  The remaining chefs' butcher skills are tested, and then they must use the cut of meat they made. Guest judge Rick Tramonto, a Chicago chef and restaurant entrepreneur.

• _{Wednesday, June 4th, 2008}

  13: Puerto Rico

  There are four chefs and only three spots for the final round, and the contestants know it as they travel to Puerto Rico for the next two challenges. Guest Judge - Wilo Benet QuickFire Challenge: Make Two Frituras featuring Plantains Elimination Challenge: Use a Whole Pig to create Dishes for a Governor's Mansion Event

• _{Wednesday, June 11th, 2008}

  14: Finale

  The finalists cook "the most important meal of their lives" for the judges to determine which will be crowned Top Chef. Guest Judges/Sous Chefs: April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin Restaurant Special Guest Judges: Alfredo Ayala and Tim Zagat Final Challenge: Create a traditional four course tasting menu

• _{Wednesday, June 18th, 2008}

  15: Reunion

  Season four cast and judges gather to reminisce and learn the winner of the fan favorite contest.

Season 5

• _{Wednesday, November 12th, 2008}

  1: Melting Pot

  One chef is eliminated in a three-round quickfire involving apples. The remaining chefs create dishes representing the ethnic cuisines of several New York neighborhoods.

• _{Wednesday, November 19th, 2008}

  2: Show Your Craft

  After re-inventing the hot dog for the quickfire challenge, the chefs cook and serve lunch at Tom's flagship restaurant, Craft.

• _{Wednesday, November 26th, 2008}

  3: Foo Fighters Thanksgiving

  For the quickfire, the chefs recreate dishes from the Top Chef cookbook. In the elimination challenge, they cook Thanksgiving dinner for the Foo Fighters at the band's tour stop in Syracuse, N.Y.

• _{Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008}

  4: Today Show

  After creating a breakfast amuse-bouche for the quickfire, the contestants compete in a live food demonstration challenge in order to earn a booking on "Today."

• _{Wednesday, December 10th, 2008}

  5: Gail's Bridal Shower

  For the quickfire, chefs must identify ingredients in a dish. For the elimination challenge, the contestants cater a bridal shower for judge Gail Simmons.

• _{Wednesday, December 17th, 2008}

  6: 12 Days of Christmas

  Domestic guru Martha Stewart oversees the quick fire challenge in this holiday-themed edition. Then, actress Natasha Richardson is the guest judge when the cooks cater a Christmas cocktail party in which the proceeds go to the AIDS research.

• _{Wednesday, January 7th, 2009}

  7: Focus Group

  The chefs must create a sweet dish without using sugar (guest judge: chef and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Novelli). In the elimination challenge, chefs prepare a family-style meal for blind judging.

• _{Wednesday, January 14th, 2009}

  8: Down on the Farm

  Contestants shop for fresh ingredients at a farm and then create a dinner for the farm workers.

• _{Wednesday, January 21st, 2009}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  Two teams have 24 hours to design and open competing restaurants.

• _{Wednesday, January 28th, 2009}

  10: Super Bowl Chef Showdown

  A Super Bowl cook-off against seven all-stars from previous seasons.

• _{Wednesday, February 4th, 2009}

  11: Le Bernardin

  After a three-round fish filleting tournament, the contestants cook at Le Bernadin where their final product will be judged by chef Eric Ripert.

• _{Wednesday, February 11th, 2009}

  12: The Last Supper

  Wylie Dufresne judges a quickfire challenge of egg dishes. For the elimination challenge, the five remaining chefs each cook a "last supper" dish requested by a culinary superstar.

• _{Wednesday, February 18th, 2009}

  13: Finale, Part 1

  The season finale finds the chefs traveling from New York to New Orleans. While in the "Big Easy" they will be challenged to kick it up a notch when celebrity judge/chef Emeril Lagasse stops by to appraise their culinary skills.

• _{Wednesday, February 25th, 2009}

  14: Finale, Part 2

  Set in New Orleans, season 5 ends as the winning chef is revealed.

• _{Wednesday, March 4th, 2009}

  15: Watch What Happens Reunion

  Andy Cohen hosts a candid gathering of season five's chefs and judges.

Season 6

• _{Wednesday, August 19th, 2009}

  1: Sin City Vice

  17 fresh chefs infiltrate sin city to take on culinary challenges in the season six premier.

• _{Wednesday, August 26th, 2009}

  2: Bachelor/ette Party

  The male chefs and the female chefs compete in a battle of the sexes in catering a poolside bachelor and bachelorette party.

• _{Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009}

  3: Thunderbirds

  The chefs will be creating meals for the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the most renowned aircraft demonstration squadron.

• _{Wednesday, September 9th, 2009}

  4: Vivre Las Vegas

  The contestants pair up to create the perfect French dish for acclaimed chefs Joël Robuchon, Daniel Boulud, Hubert Keller, Laurent Tourondel and Jean Joho.

• _{Wednesday, September 16th, 2009}

  5: Camping

  The contestants cook with cactus, sleep under the stars, and prepare a menu for Las Vegas cowboys; chef Tim Love serves as a guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009}

  6: Penn & Teller

  The contestants deconstruct a classic dish for magicians Penn & Teller. Chef Michelle Bernstein serves as a guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, October 7th, 2009}

  7: Dinner Party

  A slot machine determines the guidelines for the quick-fire challenge; the contestants prepare a special dinner for members of the Macy's Culinary Council.

• _{Wednesday, October 14th, 2009}

  8: Pigs and Pinot

  The chefs head to guest judge Charlie Palmer's Aureole restaurant to host a ``Pig and Pinot'' event.

• _{Wednesday, October 21st, 2009}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  Chef Rick Moonen's restaurant is taken over by the contestants and then he serves as their guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, October 28th, 2009}

  10: Meat Natalie

  The chefs head to Las Vegas to visit "Craft Steak" and cook for actress Natalie Portman and friends.

• _{Wednesday, November 4th, 2009}

  11: All Stars Dinner

  Past chefs recount their favorite moments from the series.

• _{Wednesday, November 11th, 2009}

  12: Strip Around the World

  The chefs must make the perfect breakfast in bed dish. Nigella Lawson serves as guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, November 18th, 2009}

  13: Culinary Olympics

  A challenge based on the Bocuse d'Or. Guest judges include Jerome Bocuse and Thomas Keller.

• _{Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009}

  14: Finale (1)

  The final four chefs compete in Napa Valley to determine who will be the final three.

• _{Wednesday, December 9th, 2009}

  15: Finale (2)

  The final three chefs attempt to earn the title of 'Top Chef.'

• _{Wednesday, December 16th, 2009}

  16: Watch What Happens Reunion

  Chefs and judges reminisce about the season and answer viewer questions.

Season 7

• _{Wednesday, June 16th, 2010}

  1: House of Chef-presentatives

  The season will include 17 contestants, as in prior seasons. Eric Ripert will replace Toby Young on Top Chef's judging panel. The new chefs introduce themselves by cooking a dish that best represents their home districts while layering in their own signatures.

• _{Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010}

  2: Outside the Lunch Box

  The chefs are asked to do their part to help end childhood obesity and support First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" national initiative by serving a healthy lunch at a local middle school. Guest Judge: White House chef Sam Kass

• _{Wednesday, June 30th, 2010}

  3: Capitol Grill

  The dreaded desserts take up the Quickfire where the chefs must make a pie from scratch, and then it's off to Capitol Hill where they are tasked with creating a perfect grilled picnic for the interns there

• _{Wednesday, July 7th, 2010}

  4: Room Service

  Padma's baby is hungry, so tonight's Quickfire requires the contestants to create food to tempt Krishna's budding palate. Next, they are paired together for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the in-room dining kitchen.

• _{Wednesday, July 14th, 2010}

  5: Farm Policy

  Fresh is best tonight as the chefs gather crabs for the Quickfire, and then travel to a Virginia farm where its bounty will supply the ingredients for dinner.

• _{Wednesday, July 21st, 2010}

  6: Cold War

  The chefs are divided into teams to concoct entrées in a form best served cold.

• _{Wednesday, July 28th, 2010}

  7: Power Lunch

  The contestants prepare lunch for the movers and shakers at one of the city's most famous restaurants.

• _{Wednesday, August 4th, 2010}

  8: Foreign Affairs

  The chefs test their version of Ethiopian cuisine with Top Chef Masters' Marcus Samuelsson, and then must create a dish inspired by one of the foreign embassies there in the district.

• _{Wednesday, August 11th, 2010}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  The most anticipated and, arguably, the hardest challenge of the competition returns as the remaining chefs divide into two teams to conceive and debut their restaurants.

• _{Wednesday, August 18th, 2010}

  10: Covert Cuisine

  The chefs are asked to take common recipes and create their own completely original redesigned dish.

• _{Wednesday, August 25th, 2010}

  11: Making Concessions

  The contestants take on America's favorite pastime when they take over the concession stands at the Washington Nationals' home, Nationals Park.

• _{Wednesday, September 1st, 2010}

  12: Gastro-nauts

  The chefs are tasked with adding flavor to the food American astronauts eat. The final taste test will take place off-planet.

• _{Wednesday, September 8th, 2010}

  13: Finale, Part 1

  The competition moves to Singapore as the chefs are winnowed down to the final three.

• _{Wednesday, September 15th, 2010}

  14: Finale, Part 2

  The remaining three chefs attempt to cook the best meal of each of their lives hoping to be named Top Chef.

• _{Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010}

  15: Reunion Special

  The cast and chefs gather together with, you guessed it, Andy Cohen to review the season and maybe dish a little nonsense with the host.

Season 8

• _{Wednesday, December 1st, 2010}

  1: History Never Repeats

  Bravo's Top Chef congregates a dream team of 18 past cheftestants who nearly won the title to return to see if they have what it takes. The 2010 Primetime Emmy Award-winning Top Chef returns to New York City for Season 8 with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this season, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain.

• _{Wednesday, December 8th, 2010}

  2: Night At the Museum

  Pop singer Joe Jonas enlists the gourmets to prepare a snack for children taking in a sleepover at New York's American Museum of Natural History. Later, prehistoric sustenance inspires breakfast items for the children, with Season 1 host Katie Lee Joel returning to guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, December 15th, 2010}

  3: New York's Finest

  The chefs square off in a relay race that tests their culinary skills, speed and accuracy with a knife. Later, they serve up food fare in four top-notch New York restaurants.

• _{Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010}

  4: Advantage Chef

  The chefs prepare a holiday stuffing dish without the benefit of any kitchen tools or knives. Later, they hold court by catering a bash for the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

• _{Wednesday, January 5th, 2011}

  5: Dim Sum Lose Sum

  In a series first, head judge Tom Colicchio enters the competition, challenging the chefs to beat his time in creating a dish. Then, the meal masters head to Chinatown to serve up dim sum for locals.

• _{Wednesday, January 12th, 2011}

  6: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

  The remaining culinary all-stars hook and cook a fish dish for a summer's end beach party.

• _{Wednesday, January 19th, 2011}

  7: Restaurant Wars: One Night Only

  The chefs get hooked into a fish-fillet contest at an elite seafood restaurant. In a unique Restaurant Wars test that follows, they must establish "one night only" eateries under the stars in New York City.

• _{Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011}

  8: An Offer They Can't Refuse

  The contestants' presentation and plating techniques are evaluated. Later, they must create a traditional three-course Italian meal. Designer Isaac Mizrahi and actress Lorraine Bracco are the guest judges.

• _{Wednesday, February 9th, 2011}

  9: Feeding Fallon

  The chefs prepare fondue. Later, they cater late-night talker Jimmy Fallon's birthday party. Fallon serves as guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, February 16th, 2011}

  10: Lock Down

  The culinarians concoct cookies in a bid to impress "Sesame Street" denizens Cookie Monster, Telly and Elmo. Later, the chefs commandeer a store and whip up dishes from items found in the aisles.

• _{Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011}

  11: For the Gulf

  The remaining meal mavens employ a deep fryer in an attempt to please culinary star Paula Deen's precise palate. Later, the chefs serve up seafood at an event that benefits fishermen of the Gulf region. Deen and chef John Besh are guest judges.

• _{Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011}

  12: Give Me Your Huddled Masses

  The chefs create food fare on the open water. Later, they journey to Ellis Island to whip up dishes based on their family tree.

• _{Wednesday, March 9th, 2011}

  13: Fit for a King

  The chefs set sail for the Bahamas, and each participates in a culinary duel against the person who was crowned the winner during their first stint on the show. Later, they create meals for Bahamian royalty, but it's a royal pain with limited cooking equipment.

• _{Wednesday, March 16th, 2011}

  14: Island Fever

  In the Bahamas, the meal maestros cater a high-end lunch party for a yacht club's 80th anniversary and serve up Bahamian delicacies---including conch, which they themselves must catch in the ocean. Lorena Garcia is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011}

  15: Last Supper

  The still-standing chefs fashion a challenge for their fellow contestants in Season 8's final Quickfire. Then, they dish up a "last supper" for celebrity chefs Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck and Michelle Bernstein.

• _{Wednesday, March 30th, 2011}

  16: Finale

  The remaining two chefs have no time to digest what just happened as their final challenge is immediately announced. The 2 finalists choose their sous-chefs... blindfolded!

• _{Wednesday, April 6th, 2011}

  17: Reunion Special

  Host Andy Cohen serves up a reunion edition featuring the regrouped all-star food fighters, who dish on the raw antics and well-done dramas of Season 8. Appearing: series host Padma Lakshmi and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.

Season 9

• _{Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011}

  1: Everything's Bigger in Texas

  29 chefs gather at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, to compete for 16 slots in the 9th season of Top Chef. Tonight they are divided into three groups and must master their challenge to move forward. Some will know their fate immediately and receive a chef coat or be sent home. Others will be on the "bubble" and must compete and be judged again before they know their fates. Yes, it's bigger in Texas, but it's also hotter and harder, too. Group 1 Qualifying Challenge: Prepare a Dish Using One Cut of a Pig Group 2 Qualifying Challenge: Prepare a Dish Using the Same Ingredient

• _{Wednesday, November 9th, 2011}

  2: The Heat Is On

  Night two of heats for the coveted contestant spots starts with 10 competitors, 10 ingredients, and only five chef coats left. Once again, those who excel in the challenge get a coat immediately, and those who bomb are sent home. The remaining hopefuls on the "bubble" participate in a cook-off for the last coats against last week's four still waiting for their second chance. Also, tonight the first chefs are awarded an opportunity to get back into the race when they are sent to the sister series Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen.

• _{Wednesday, November 16th, 2011}

  3: Quinceanera

  In a Quickfire with bite, the chef-testants must whip up a savory meal using rattlesnakes in the recipe. Later, they create a feast for a coming-of-age celebration. Johnny Hernandez is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011}

  4: Red Hot Chili Cook Off

  The heat is on when the chef-testants use hot peppers to create a spicy dish. Later, they visit a rodeo and participate in a chili cook-off. Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are the guest judges.

• _{Wednesday, November 30th, 2011}

  5: Don't Be Tardy for the Dinner Party

  The culinarians cook a meal using ingredients found inside a basic survival kit. Then, they visit an affluent Dallas neighborhood to serve up a sophisticated spread at a high-society dinner party. Guest judge: restaurateur and chef John Besh.

• _{Wednesday, December 7th, 2011}

  6: Higher Steaks

  The chefs get saucy when creating a dish using a distinct sauce. Later, they sizzle and try not to fizzle when preparing steak and a four-course beef menu at an annual cattle-theme ball. Guest judge: chef Dean Fearing.

• _{Wednesday, December 14th, 2011}

  7: Game On

  The chefs cook up a dish that can nicely accompany tequila. Then, in a hunting-based test, they team up with famous culinarians and work with game. Guest judge: Tim Love.

• _{Wednesday, December 21st, 2011}

  8: Tribute Dinner

  The chefs must adapt quickly when their cooking mashes up with social networking and they begin receiving dish notes via Twitter. Later, they will each be able to pay homage to an influential teacher when they are asked to create dishes in the teachers' honor.

• _{Wednesday, January 4th, 2012}

  9: BBQ Pit Wars

  The chefs are charged with creating innovative fare that will impress precise palates. Later, the heat is on when they square off in an old-fashioned Texas-barbecue showdown. Technology maven and culinary author Nathan Myhrvold is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, January 11th, 2012}

  10: Restaurant Wars

  The still-standing chefs sharpen their knives for the time-honored fan-favorite "Restaurant Wars" test. The all-encompassing culinary challenge tasks them to create an eatery, from its signage and logos to its menus and meals.

• _{Wednesday, January 18th, 2012}

  11: Fit For an Evil Queen

  The chefs try not to go off the rails when they use various ingredients delivered to them by a train. Later, they create a gothic dish fit for a queen, yet the plate must embody the very essence of evil. Guest judge: Charlize Theron.

• _{Wednesday, January 25th, 2012}

  12: Block Party

  The chefs race against time to finish prep work for a meal. Later, they serve up cuisine at a food-drive block party. Guest judge: Cat Cora.

• _{Wednesday, February 1st, 2012}

  13: Bike, Borrow & Steal

  The chefs are charged with creating imaginative pancakes for Pee-wee Herman. Later, they hit the streets of San Antonio with a bike to gather ingredients for Pee-wee's big dinner party.

• _{Wednesday, February 8th, 2012}

  14: Mentors

  The blindfolded chefs must use senses other than sight to gather ingredients for a dish. In a twist, an eliminated cook then reenters the competition and does culinary battle with the remaining four chefs. Here, their cuisine must impress their mentors.

• _{Wednesday, February 15th, 2012}

  15: Culinary Games

  The remaining four chefs arrive in British Columbia and wage culinary battle in Olympic-theme games. Cooking on a speeding gondola and grabbing ingredients in a biathlon are included.

• _{Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012}

  16: Fire and Ice

  A tag-team battle includes culinary support from Asian masters. Later, a fire-and-ice theme inspires the chefs when they concoct a dish and a cocktail.

• _{Wednesday, February 29th, 2012}

  17: Finale

  Season 9 comes to a close with the final chefs commandeering a Vancouver restaurant, where they must cook up a four-course meal for the judges and some surprise guests.

• _{Wednesday, March 7th, 2012}

  18: Reunion

  A reunion edition featuring the Season 9 chefs.

Season 10

• _{Wednesday, November 7th, 2012}

  1: The Ultimate Chef Test

  Season 10 opens with 21 chefs battling for culinary honors in Seattle.

• _{Wednesday, November 14th, 2012}

  2: A Shock at the Space Needle

  The Seattle-based contest heats up with a game-changing surprise twist. Guest judge: Tom Douglas.

• _{Wednesday, November 21st, 2012}

  3: Tom vs. Emeril: Turkeypocalypse

  The foodies serve up assorted dumplings featuring various global tastes. Then, it's a battle between Emeril Lagasse and Tom Colicchio when the two celebrity chefs lead teams in a grand-scale Thanksgiving-theme challenge. Guest judge: Dana Cowin.

• _{Wednesday, November 28th, 2012}

  4: '50s Food Flashback

  The chefs must work with two slabs of beef. Later, they reinvent a 1950s menu and serve up classic fare.

• _{Wednesday, December 5th, 2012}

  5: Pike Place Pickle

  The chefs' culinary skills are tested at Seattle's Pike Place Market. Included: They must please palates with rare ingredients.

• _{Wednesday, December 12th, 2012}

  6: Even the Famous Come Home

  The chefs' ability to share is put to the test when their genealogy inspires dishes. Later, they must cater a homecoming party for celebrity couple Anna Faris and Chris Pratt. Rick Moonen is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, December 19th, 2012}

  7: Foiled Again

  An entire pantry wrapped in aluminum foil tests the chefs. Also: head-to-head battles. Former contestant Stephanie Izard is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, December 26th, 2012}

  8: Jalapeño Business

  The foodies harvest oysters and then prepare them for judge Emeril Lagasse. Later, they serve up fare for a Seattle sports team—and host Padma Lakshmi makes an appearance on roller skates.

• _{Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013}

  9: Past Suppers

  The contestants' knife skills are put to the test. Later, memorable moments in "Top Chef" history are recalled and celebrated. Judges include Wolfgang Puck, Wylie Dufresne, Jonathan Waxman and Chris Cosentino.

• _{Wednesday, January 9th, 2013}

  10: Battle Before the War

  The foodies set out to impress celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Then, the sweeping and traditional "Restaurant Wars" challenge kicks off, as the group offers new culinary concepts at a Seattle food event.

• _{Wednesday, January 16th, 2013}

  11: Restaurant Wars

  The men square off against the women in the all-encompassing "Restaurant Wars" challenge. Here, eateries are built from the ground up and the chefs try to please the palate of restaurateur Danny Meyer.

• _{Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013}

  12: Wolfgang Clucks

  Sushi dishes test the chefs. Later, they prepare a fried-chicken dinner for a table of culinary judges that includes David Chang, Michelle Bernstein, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

• _{Wednesday, January 30th, 2013}

  13: Chefs at Sea

  The chefs set sail for Alaska on a cruise ship, where they must transform iceberg lettuce into a tasty bite-size appetizer. Later, they reinvent the classic surf-and-turf dish. Curtis Stone is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, February 6th, 2013}

  14: Kings of Alaska

  The foodies dock in Juneau, Alaska, and must prove their culinary worth with a local delicacy, king crab. Then, they're tasked with giving their own spin to salmon-and-sourdough dishes. Sean Brock is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, February 13th, 2013}

  15: Glacial Gourmand

  Adventure awaits the chefs in a glacial-theme test. Later, a meal prepared by Emeril Lagasse and guest judge Roy Choi sets the stage for an elimination challenge.

• _{Wednesday, February 20th, 2013}

  16: Finale (1)

  Part 1 of the two-part Season 10 finale features the remaining chefs showcasing their culinary skills at an eatery in Los Angeles owned by Tom Colicchio, who serves as kitchen facilitator. Guest judges: John Besh and Martin Yan.

• _{Wednesday, February 27th, 2013}

  17: Finale (2)

  The "Top Chef" winner is crowned in the conclusion of the two-part Season 10 finale.

Season 11

• _{Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013}

  1: Soiree In The Swamp

  Season 11 opens with chefs battling for culinary honors in New Orleans. Here, the foodies must cook with either alligator, frog or turtle.

• _{Wednesday, October 9th, 2013}

  2: Rebuilding New Orleans

  The chefs prepare gumbo and try to please the palate of New Orleans chef Leah Chase. Later, they create and operate food trucks to serve Habitat for Humanity volunteers working in New Orleans.

• _{Wednesday, October 16th, 2013}

  3: Commander's Palace

  The chefs reinvent items on a worst food-trends list. Later, they must replicate dishes from a notable New Orleans restaurant. Guest judges: Paul Prudhomme and Tory McPhail.

• _{Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013}

  4: Captain Vietnam

  The chefs learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture and customs, then serve up a multicourse Vietnamese meal. Guest judge: Eddie Huang.

• _{Wednesday, October 30th, 2013}

  5: Lea Michele's Halloween Bash

  There are culinary tricks and treats when the chefs must cater a Halloween party for actress Lea Michele.

• _{Wednesday, November 6th, 2013}

  6: Campfires, Cream Cheese, and Countryside

  The foodies create dishes from the creole tomato. They must then impress cooks at chef John Besh's restaurants in a farm-to-table challenge.

• _{Wednesday, November 13th, 2013}

  7: Jazz Hands

  The chefs participate in a culinary version of musical chairs. Later, they prepare dishes for musicians at a potluck event hosted by New Orleans jazz performer Kermit Ruffins.

• _{Wednesday, November 20th, 2013}

  8: Piggin' Out

  The chefs must whip up hot sauce for musician Dr. John. The focus is then pork when they cook up a 300-pound hog.

• _{Wednesday, December 4th, 2013}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  The "Restaurant Wars" challenge tasks the chefs to create pop-up eateries. The judges' panel includes David Chang.

• _{Wednesday, December 11th, 2013}

  10: Like Mama Made

  The foodies create dishes that remind them of home. Appearing: actor Anthony Mackie and chef Leah Chase.

• _{Wednesday, December 18th, 2013}

  11: Giving It the College Try

  Musician Questlove samples various poultry drumsticks. Later, the chefs serve up food fare to incoming students at Louisiana State University.

• _{Wednesday, January 1st, 2014}

  12: Mississippi Mud Bugs

  The chefs serve up étouffée, then honor local cuisine by preparing two types of seafood. Chef John Besh is the guest judge.

• _{Wednesday, January 8th, 2014}

  13: Oui Si a Challenge

  Culinary figure Jacques Pepin arrives to test the chefs' techniques based on one of his favorite dishes. Later, the chefs create meals that represent both France and Spain.

• _{Wednesday, January 15th, 2014}

  14: Po Boy Smackdown

  The chefs create po' boys, then are tasked to prepare their personal culinary visions on a plate. Appearing: Jon Favreau and Roy Choi.

• _{Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014}

  15: Leaving New Orleans

  The chefs battle for a new car in tests presented by Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. Later, the foodies demonstrate how New Orleans has inspired their dishes. Appearing: Douglas Keane, Grant Achatz and Andrew Carmellini.

• _{Wednesday, January 29th, 2014}

  16: Maui Wowie

  The remaining chefs land in Hawaii, where they prepare food fare featuring Spam. Also: a double elimination.

• _{Wednesday, February 5th, 2014}

  17: Finale

  In the Season 11 finale, the remaining two chefs open pop-up restaurants, after which the winner is crowned.

Season 12

• _{Wednesday, October 15th, 2014}

  1: Sudden Death

  Season 12 opens with 16 chefs beginning their battles in Boston. Here, the chefs must cook revamped versions of the first dish they created. Richard Blais serves as a judge. Appearing: Ming Tsai; Lydia Shire; Todd English; and Tiffani Faison.

• _{Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014}

  2: Boston's Bravest and Finest

  The chefs serve up surf-and-turf dishes. Later, they use surprise ingredients to create meals for Boston's police and fire personnel. Appearing: foodies Todd English and Dante de Magistris.

• _{Wednesday, October 29th, 2014}

  3: The Curse of the Bambino

  The chefs must use tea to accent dishes. Then, Boston's Fenway Park is the setting when the contestants transform ballpark fare into a fine dining dish. Appearing: Ming Tsai; former MLB player Dennis Eckersley; and sport reporter Dan Shaughnessy.

• _{Wednesday, November 5th, 2014}

  4: 12 Chefs Walk Into a Bar...

  The chefs create a bar snack for actor George Wendt at the bar from TV's "Cheers." Later, they must produce a three-course Italian menu, but a twist comes via gluten-free demands. Appearing: Emmy Rossum and culinarian Michael Schlow.

• _{Wednesday, November 12th, 2014}

  5: It's War

  The chefs create dishes on a lean budget in a challenge that features a Revolutionary War theme. Guest judge: Jamie Bissonnette.

• _{Wednesday, November 19th, 2014}

  6: The First Thanksgiving

  The chefs create dishes using the cranberry in a task that takes them to a countryside cranberry bog. Later, they must prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast using tools, methods and ingredients found in the 1600s. Appearing: Tiffani Faison and Ken Oringer.

• _{Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014}

  7: Restaurant Wars

  The fan-favorite "Restaurant Wars" challenge unfolds. Here, the culinarians must open their own pop-up eateries. In the all-encompassing test, they must create menus and restaurant decor and train the staff. Appearing: Barbara Lynch; Kristen Kish; and Stephanie Cmar.

• _{Wednesday, December 10th, 2014}

  8: Clean Up in Aisle 2!

  The chefs must cook chowder. Later, an ultimate tasting party with fans of the series tests the contestants. Also: The face of the competition potentially changes when eliminated chefs return. Chef Jasper White makes an appearance.

• _{Wednesday, December 17th, 2014}

  9: Big Sausage

  The chefs prepare sausage. Later, they create dishes inspired by the literary work of notable New England authors, including Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson. Appearing: NFL player Rob Gronkowski; chef Tony Maws; and editor Francis Lam.

• _{Wednesday, January 7th, 2015}

  10: For Julia & Jacques

  The chefs make ramen dishes using ingredients found in college dorm rooms. Later, food luminary Jacques Pepin tasks the contestants to prepare French dishes inspired by the techniques of Julia Child. Appearing: Andy Cohen; Dana Cowin; Alex Prud'homme; Barbara Lynch; Mary Dumont; and Joanne Chang.

• _{Wednesday, January 14th, 2015}

  11: Sous Your Daddy!

  The chefs' family members pay surprise visits. In a twist, the family members must serve as sous chefs in a challenge that features the creation of one appetizer and one entrée.

• _{Wednesday, January 21st, 2015}

  12: The Final Battle of Bean Town

  Innovative bean dishes are created. Later, the culinary contestants serve up inventive fare that exemplifies the future of cooking, with the winner earning a guaranteed slot in the finals in Mexico. Appearing: Wylie Dufresne.

• _{Wednesday, January 28th, 2015}

  13: Getting Prickly in Mexico

  The three finalists journey to Mexico, and one eliminated contestant rejoins the competition. Then, the chefs must prepare a dish that showcases a unique type of prickly pear. Also: Local artwork inspires dishes. Appearing: chef Enrique Olvera.

• _{Wednesday, February 4th, 2015}

  14: Holy Escamoly!

  The chefs take a surprise trip to an organic farm, after which they create dishes featuring sweet and savory chocolate. Later, they must serve up a six-course progressive menu accented by different Mexican ingredients. Appearing: Richard Blais and Eduardo Palazuelos.

• _{Wednesday, February 11th, 2015}

  15: Mano a Mano

  The final chefs take an early-morning hot-air balloon ride in the Season 12 finale. They then face off by creating a four-course menu, after which the winner is revealed.

Season 13

• _{Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015}

  1: Stop the Presses

  Top chefs arrive in Los Angeles in the opener of Season 13, which will feature the foodies competing in six cities across California. Here, they try to wow food critics and reporters under the Hollywood sign.

• _{Thursday, December 3rd, 2015}

  2: Pop Up Pandemonium

  The foodies must open distinct pop-up restaurants in various Los Angeles neighborhoods. Appearing: chef and pop-up impresario Ludo Lefebvre.

• _{Thursday, December 10th, 2015}

  3: Spines and Vines

  The chefs visit Santa Barbara, where they pick up fresh sea urchin for use in a challenge. Later, a surf-and-turf war erupts.

• _{Thursday, December 17th, 2015}

  4: It's a Dry Heat

  Palm Springs, Cal., is the destination for culinary competition. Here, the chefs use solar-powered stoves in the desert, then prepare dishes on a famed golf course. Appearing: John Besh and Mary Sue Milliken.

• _{Thursday, January 7th, 2016}

  5: Big Gay Wedding

  Top dishes for dates are served up by the chefs in Palm Springs, Cal. Later, they cater a wedding for 25 gay couples. Appearing: model Chrissy Teigen and foodie Art Smith.

• _{Thursday, January 14th, 2016}

  6: Banannaise

  The chefs head to San Diego and cook up high-end fish tacos. Then, they prepare dishes to complement handcrafted microbrews. Appearing: chef Javier Plascenia.

• _{Thursday, January 21st, 2016}

  7: Back in the Day

  The chefs return to Los Angeles to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary. A restrictive challenge limits them to 10 ingredients, then they walk down memory lane by creating a dish that represents who they were 10 years ago. Appearing: Michael Voltaggio; Antonia Lofaso; Mei Lin Hua; and Nancy Silverton.

• _{Thursday, January 28th, 2016}

  8: Where's the Beef?

  The chefs participate in a plating challenge by preparing visually appealing dishes using only snack food. Then, they cook for diners at a black-tie, finger-food event called Beefsteak. Appearing: Colin Hanks; Max Silvestri; Matt Selman; Jacques La Merde; and Neal Fraser.

• _{Thursday, February 4th, 2016}

  9: Restaurant Wars, Part 1

  Part 1 of 2. The iconic "Restaurant Wars" challenge ensues, with the chefs opening eateries for both lunch and dinner services.

• _{Thursday, February 11th, 2016}

  10: Restaurant Wars, Part 2

  Conclusion. The "Restaurant Wars" challenge progresses with the chefs serving up dinner, during which everything from concept and food to service and consistency will be appraised.

• _{Thursday, February 18th, 2016}

  11: Hammer Time

  The chefs land in the Bay Area and prepare fresh dishes for rapper MC Hammer. Later, they cook from important and influential international food eras. Foodie Jonathan Waxman makes an appearance.

• _{Thursday, February 25th, 2016}

  12: Wok This Way

  A showdown includes woks when the chefs visit San Francisco's Chinatown. Later, they must create a fast-casual restaurant concept. Foodies Martin Yan and Adam Fleischman make appearances.

• _{Thursday, March 3rd, 2016}

  13: Back Where It All Started

  San Francisco is the setting when the competing foodies cook for chef Traci Des Jardins. Later, they try to wow master chef Hubert Keller, the judges and San Francisco culinary elite with cuisine inspired by the restaurant Fleur de Lys.

• _{Thursday, March 10th, 2016}

  14: Magic Hour

  The chefs land in Las Vegas and participate in a high-stakes challenge of cards and cuisine. Later, they must conjure culinary magic for illusionist David Copperfield.

• _{Thursday, March 17th, 2016}

  15: Finale

  The top chef is crowned in the Season 13 finale. Before that, the final two culinarians must prepare the meal of their lives for their mentors and fallen colleagues. Appearing: Emeril Lagasse; Dominique Crenn; Jonathan Benno; Hubert Keller; Charlie Palmer; and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Season 14

• _{Thursday, December 1st, 2016}

  1: Something Old, Something New

  Eight new chefs and eight returning chefs battle in Charleston, S.C., in the Season 14 premiere. The rookie chefs serve up as many dishes as possible using a whole chicken, and the veterans revamp a classic shrimp-and-grits meal.

• _{Thursday, December 8th, 2016}

  2: Southern Hospitality

  A traditional shrimp boil is sampled by the remaining 15 chefs, who are divided into teams to put a culinary spin on a traditional South Carolina lowcountry family feast.

• _{Thursday, December 15th, 2016}

  3: Choke Holds and Clammy Hands

  The chefs divide into teams to compete in a "mise en place" race. The foodies must also create a seven-course progressive meal featuring the humble radish in front of "Top Chef" superfans. The guest judges are Chris Cosentino and Richard Blais.

• _{Thursday, December 22nd, 2016}

  4: The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes

  The chefs must create dishes using an odd mix of ingredients and tools found inside gift boxes. Later, they prepare a traditional Italian-American seafood-filled dinner, but they're forced to use a notoriously undesirable fish species. Appearing: editor Nilou Motamed and foodie Mike Lata.

• _{Thursday, December 29th, 2016}

  5: Smoke 'em If You Got 'em

  The chefs are baffled to enter a dark, empty kitchen, with all signs pointing to a biscuit challenge. Later, they must work through the night to prepare a whole hog and three side dishes for 150 barbecue fans, including music star Darius Rucker. Appearing: foodie John Currence and barbecue master Rodney Scott.

• _{Thursday, January 5th, 2017}

  6: A Southern Legend

  U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy enlists the chefs to create vegetarian versions of traditional comfort foods. Then, the chefs must prepare dishes that pay tribute to Edna Lewis, the matriarch of Southern cuisine. Appearing: Alexander Smalls; Art Smith; Hugh Acheson; Nathalie Dupree; and Mashama Bailey.

• _{Thursday, January 12th, 2017}

  7: Booty

  Ingredients and the element of the chefs' zodiac sign must correspond. Later, the food fighters divide into teams to throw a pirate-themed bash, during which they must race through Charleston in a treasure hunt to collect their ingredients. Appearing: Michael Cimarusti and Graham Elliot.

• _{Thursday, January 19th, 2017}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  The iconic Restaurant Wars challenge features the chefs dividing into teams to design a restaurant and create a cohesive menu, but the heat is on when egos collide and tempers flare. Appearing: chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara.

• _{Thursday, January 26th, 2017}

  9: For the Kids

  A blindfolded taste experiment tests the chefs. Later, the chefs draw inspiration from their own childhood memories to create meals for a charity gala for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. Appearing: Michael Voltaggio and Graham Elliot.

• _{Thursday, February 2nd, 2017}

  10: Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies

  The chefs are asked to prepare a decadent brunch for the famed Charleston Hat Ladies. However, it won't be a traditional southern brunch as they must create whimsical breakfast and lunch hybrid dishes inventive enough to impress the judges.

• _{Thursday, February 9th, 2017}

  11: Adios Charleston, Hello James Beard

  The final four chefs cook impromptu dishes while simultaneously instructing mystery partners on how to create the same dish; when the judges compare dishes, the chefs are shocked to discover their secret partners are their visiting family members.

• _{Thursday, February 16th, 2017}

  12: Cooking Away in Margaritaville

  In Guadalajara, Mexico, the three remaining chefs face off against the winner of "Last Chance Kitchen'. The chefs must create a dish using goat, then they are tasked to pair their own cocktail with a dish that incorporates the notes of a margarita.

• _{Thursday, February 23rd, 2017}

  13: Trial By Fire

  The Yucatan Peninsula is the setting for a challenge to cook a dish showcasing the local habanero. Later, the chefs learn about traditional Maya cooking, then they create a dish using only ancient Maya ingredients and tools. Appearing: Jeremiah Tower; Roberto Munoz Zurita; Roberto Solis; and Guillermo Beristain.

• _{Thursday, March 2nd, 2017}

  14: Comida Final

Season 15

• _{Thursday, December 7th, 2017}

  1: It'll Take More Than Pot Luck

  A diverse group of chefs must make a potluck dish to introduce themselves to the judges; the chefs also prepare their take on a meat-and-potatoes dish for a block party with 200 diners and Denver's biggest culinary names.

• _{Thursday, December 14th, 2017}

  2: Smile and Say Mise

  The chefs battle each other in a fierce Mise En Place relay; chef Alex Seidel invites the group to his farm to learn about his take on farm-to-table cuisine; the chefs are tasked with creating a meal incorporating a mystery ingredient from the farm.

• _{Thursday, December 21st, 2017}

  3: Keep on Truckin'

  In a Sudden Death Quickfire based on the iconic Denver omelet, the intensity in the kitchen is egg-ceptional as one chef completely cracks under the pressure in one of the most gut wrenching eliminations in Top Chef history as judged by Padma, Tom and Chef Lachlan Patterson. Then, the cheftestants tap into their college palates as they make dishes in food trucks for students in Boulder. Internet sensation, Logan Paul helps wrangle the diners and Chef Hosea Rosenberg joins the judges for indulgent, hangover inspired food.

• _{Thursday, December 28th, 2017}

  4: Little Tools, Big Challenge

  The chefs channel their inner child to make upscale versions of kid menu classics for Curtis Stone, Padma, and kids of local culinarians. But there’s a catch, they can only use child-sized cookware, utensils and mixers creating more than pint-sized problems. Then, after a visit to a food incubator assisting immigrant women, the chefs must dig deep into their roots to present dishes based on their own heritage for Immigrant food influencers, including Alon Shaya, Nilou Motamed and Mourad Lahlou.

• _{Thursday, January 4th, 2018}

  5: This Is Not Glamping

  Tom surprises the chefs with a twist that changes the game; the chefs are sent camping where they must make a 5-star meal outdoors and are met with an unexpected storm; chef Naomi Pomeroy joins the judges in the Colorado mountains.

• _{Thursday, January 11th, 2018}

  6: Now That's a Lot of Schnitzel

  Padma and Richard Blais challenge the chefs to transform the most laborious dishes from their own menus into dishes for home cooks; chef Keegan Gerhard tasks the chefs with creating German-inspired dishes.

• _{Thursday, January 18th, 2018}

  7: Olympic Dreams

  On the eve of the Quickfire, one of the chefs has a very special delivery. Padma and Season 14 Winner Brooke Williamson surprise the chefs at their house with breakfast ingredients and task them to create a delicious breakfast dish featuring Nutella. Then, Olympians Meryl Davis, Gus Kenworthy and John Daly inspire the chefs to focus on precision, speed and creativity in the first-ever Top Chef Olympics where the chefs will face off in three head-to-head heats. Who will win the gold and which bronze medalist will be sent packing?

• _{Thursday, January 25th, 2018}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  In the most anticipated challenge of the season, the chefs face-off in Restaurant Wars, creating and executing two new restaurant concepts from design to dishes in a matter of days. Culinary icons Bruce and Eric Bromberg of Blue Ribbon join the judges to experience and evaluate each restaurant's successes and failures. Nothing is ever as heated as a kitchen under this kind of pressure. Which chef will crumble under the weight of the challenge?

• _{Thursday, February 1st, 2018}

  9: Bronco Brouhaha

  Cooking for Michelin-starred Chef David Kinch adds pressure to an already stressful Sudden Death Quickfire based on edible flowers and the chefs are crushed as one of their own is sent packing. Then, the chefs are challenged to put an elevated slant on pre-game food as they host the ultimate tailgate party at Sports Authority Field at Mile High for the Denver Broncos, the judges, Mayor Michael Hancock and BBQ Pitmaster Adam Perry Lang. Who will throw a game winning touchdown and which chef will make a fourth-quarter fumble?

• _{Thursday, February 8th, 2018}

  10: Red Rum and Then Some

  The chefs put their scariest nightmares on a plate in dessert form during a Quickfire set at the iconic Stanley Hotel, the site that inspired Stephen King's "The Shining"; the chefs offer a dish to John Hickenlooper, the governor of Colorado.

• _{Thursday, February 15th, 2018}

  11: Cooking High

  The chefs are reunited with the winner of "Last Chance Kitchen" and face Padma, Tom and chef Wylie Dufresne; the Quickfire challenge requires the chefs to prepare a dish incorporating the old saloon-slinging medicinal beverage, sarsaparilla.

• _{Thursday, February 22nd, 2018}

  12: Sunday Supper

  The Voltaggio Brothers reunite on Top Chef for the first time since competing against each other. Their first task is judging the Rocky Mountain Oyster Quickfire to see which chef has the balls to go all the way. Then, they reunite the chefs with surprise visitors from home in an emotionally charged Elimination Challenge where one chef will pack their knives before the next leg of the finals in beautiful Aspen.

• _{Thursday, March 1st, 2018}

  13: A Little Place Called Aspen

  Before the chefs can prepare the catch of the day, they must first actually catch it; the only thing standing between the chefs and the Grand Finale are 200 plates for the chefs and food connoisseurs attending the Food & Wine Classic.

• _{Thursday, March 8th, 2018}

  14: Finale

Season 16

• _{Thursday, December 6th, 2018}

  1: The Fastest 2 Minutes in Cooking

  "Top Chef" heads to the state of Kentucky for season 16. This season, 15 new talented chefs from cities big and small across the U.S. will compete for the sought-after title amid the unique culinary scenes in Louisville, Lexington and Lake Cumberland, before heading abroad for an epic finale showdown in Macau, China.

• _{Thursday, December 13th, 2018}

  2: Bourbon, Barrels and Burgoo

  A very pregnant Gail Simmons asks the chefs to feed her cravings in a special Quickfire delivery. Then it’s time to celebrate two iconic Kentucky mainstays: local cuisine and bourbon. The Chefs head to Makers Mark, the oldest distillery in America to put their spins on a meal full of Kentucky classics including burgoo, Benedictine, mutton, hoe cakes and dumplings. This is a true battle for Kentucky as the chefs navigate their first team challenge – and one chef makes a potentially fatal shopping error. Can they recover or will they be scraping the bottom of the barrel to make it through? Food and travel editor, Nilou Motamed joins the judges this season, and Maker’s Mark’s in-house Chef, Newman Miller, sits on the panel as a guest judge.

• _{Thursday, December 20th, 2018}

  3: Naughty and Nice

  It's holiday time for Top Chef, and Richard Blais and Brooke Williamson help spread the festive cheer by presenting a white elephant Quickfire challenge. Then, the Chefs receive an unexpected gift as Michelin starred super Chef Eric Ripert sits down with them to celebrate an elaborate traditional French Christmas dinner. However, once the last bite is taken, Padma informs the Chefs that they’re missing the final part of the tradition of Le Revillon de Noel...the presentation of 13 desserts. It's a midnight pastry free-for-all as the Chefs try to avoid being on the placed on the naughty list.

• _{Thursday, December 27th, 2018}

  4: Surprise...It's Restaurant Wars

  In a massive twist, Padma's favorite challenge Restaurant Wars comes early this year, but before the chefs gear up for battle, they must first duke it out in an amuse bouche-based Quickfire for Top Chef alum turned James Beard Award winning chefs: Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton. Then, the gauntlet has been thrown and with twelve chefs remaining, three restaurants will be battling for victory. James Beard Award winning restaurateur Caroline Styne joins as the guest judge along with Nilou Motamed. And if this unexpected chaos isn't enough, Tom leaves the Chefs breathless with an announcement that will change the course of the competition.

• _{Thursday, January 3rd, 2019}

  5: Restaurant Wars Part 2

  The mayhem and drama continues of the biggest Restaurant Wars in the history of Top Chef. Tom's announcement of a double elimination piles on even more pressure. Top Chef alum turned James Beard Award winning Chefs Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton join the restaurant crawl along with Nilou Motamed and guest judge and James Beard Award winning restaurateur, Caroline Styne.

• _{Thursday, January 10th, 2019}

  6: Roaring Munchies

  The chefs walk in on an epic battle of Last Chance Kitchen and are drafted into the fight. Once Tom declares a winner, the chefs immediately begin a challenge making dishes based on Prohibition Era cocktails. Chef Ken Oringer joins Padma, Tom and Graham at a Roaring 20's party with Flappers and Dapper Dans.

• _{Thursday, January 17th, 2019}

  7: Carne!

  Lena Waithe surprises the chefs, by challenging them to make their best version of the trademark Kentucky dish, the Hot Brown. Then super-chef Nancy Silverton brings her internationally renowned friend, butcher Dario Cecchini to break down a whole cow for the chefs to utilize along with locally-sourced Kentucky ingredients.

• _{Thursday, January 24th, 2019}

  8: Whatever Floats Your Boat

  With more shoreline than Florida, Kentucky is a hotbed for houseboats. For this elimination challenge, the chefs are split into two teams and tasked with throwing raging party in Lake Cumberland. Mega-chef Emeril Lagasse joins Padma, Tom and Nilou along with Captains Sandy and Lee from Below Deck for some houseboat hysteria.

• _{Thursday, January 31st, 2019}

  9: Music City USA

  The chefs take a road trip to Nashville and cook on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for country music artist Hunter Hayes. Then, they have to dig deep to create a dish inspired by a vibrant music memory. Next, the chefs work on a plate for a full table of Nashville food.

• _{Thursday, February 7th, 2019}

  10: Hoop Dreams

  Top Chef alum Ed Lee drops by for a Quickfire that's part trivia, part culinary creativity; Coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats host a concession-stand cook-off in Rupp Arena; Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis joins the judges.

• _{Thursday, February 14th, 2019}

  11: The Greatest

  The chefs take a turn at fried chicken; chef Art Smith judges a secret herbs-and-spices blind taste test ahead of the Quickfire fry-off; after the finger-licking goodness, the chefs turn their attention to boxer Muhammad Ali, aka the Louisville Lip.

• _{Thursday, February 21st, 2019}

  12: Kentucky Farewell

  Tom ambushes sleeping chefs and challenges them to make a dish using ingredients harvested from their gardens; for the last elimination challenge, the chefs bid on luxury ingredients at a thoroughbred horse auction house.

• _{Thursday, February 28th, 2019}

  13: Holy Macau!

  The final five chefs travel to the Chinese territory of Macau; Graham Elliot, who has a restaurant in Macau, introduces the chefs to a market full of fascinating ingredients and challenges; the chefs throw a party celebrating the Chinese New Year.

• _{Thursday, March 7th, 2019}

  14: The Tao of Macau

  The final four chefs must cook with the smelly durian fruit; the chefs get a tutorial on the traditional cuisine of Macau; for the elimination challenge, the chefs are tasked with blending their own heritage with Chinese flavors.

• _{Thursday, March 14th, 2019}

  15: Finale

  It's the final showdown; the three remaining chefs must create the best four-course meal of their lives; Tom reveals in a twist that only two chefs will get the chance to serve their full menu; only one chef will emerge victorious.

Season 17

• _{Thursday, March 19th, 2020}

  1: It's Like They Never Left!

  Fifteen of the competition’s fiercest challengers return to face-off in the toughest season yet! A mise-en-place challenge set at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles kicks off the battle, where the Chefs size each other up since last competing.

• _{Thursday, March 26th, 2020}

  2: The Jonathan Gold Standard

  This week the chefs honor the late, great Pulitzer-Prize winning food critic Jonathan Gold. Using Gold’s last guide list, the chefs fan out all over Los Angeles to sample the unique taquerias, food trucks, mom-and-pop cafes, upscale eateries and ethnic cuisine only found in the City of Angels. Drawing inspiration from this one-in-a-lifetime culinary odyssey, the chefs create dishes to serve 200 of Jonathan Gold’s friends, family, and restaurateurs that he loved at the iconic Union Station. Noted food writer and personal friend of Jonathan Gold, Ruth Reichl serves as guest judge alongside Padma, Tom and Gail.

• _{Thursday, April 2nd, 2020}

  3: Strokes of Genius

  Comedic superstars Ali Wong and Randall Park swing by the Top Chef kitchen for a Quickfire Challenge tasking the chefs to make the wackiest fried rice they can. Then, the chefs head to the famed Getty Museum to seek inspiration from one of four historical art movements to create a masterpiece on their plate. Guest Judge Ludo Lefebvre joins Tom, Padma and Gail, as well as guest diners Chefs Ray Garcia, Sara Hymanson, Sarah Kramer and Craig Thornton.

• _{Thursday, April 9th, 2020}

  4: You're So Fresh!

  Kelly Clarkson drops into the Top Chef kitchen for a Quickfire based on her new movie, Trolls: World Tour, where the chefs are tasked with combining colorful ingredients from six different musical ‘lands’ to make one delicious dish. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are split into two teams to create a cohesive, progressive vegetarian meal for Padma, Tom, Gail and James Beard nominated guest judge Jeremy Fox. The catch is they won’t know what ingredients they’ll be working with until the morning of the challenge when they shop exclusively at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

• _{Thursday, April 16th, 2020}

  5: Bring Your Loved One to Work

  In the Quickfire, it’s a true test of communication as the chefs play a game of telephone with their loved ones as they try to reproduce the dish their family member is currently eating at a nearby restaurant. Then, the chefs are tasked with creating a signature product that they will bottle, use on a dish and sell at a food festival. They may get help from their visiting loved ones, but for one chef, the help won’t save them from being sent home. Celebrity Chef Nancy Silverton is the guest judge joining Tom, Padma and Gail.

• _{Thursday, April 23rd, 2020}

  6: Get Your Phil

  Padma gets a real rise out of the chefs when she tasks them to make a Quickfire dish without any All-Purpose flour. Instead chefs must work with alternative flours from Blue Corn and Buckwheat to Coconut and Hazelnut. James Beard Award-Winning Chef Chris Bianco serves as the guest judge for the Quickfire Challenge. Then, the chefs are whisked off to the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall to meet legendary conductor Gustavo Dudamel who is about to celebrate the LA Philharmonic’s 100th anniversary. The Maestro inspires the chefs to treat their flavor profiles like musical instruments, each providing a counterbalance to the other. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs serve Dudamel and members of the LA Philharmonic at award-winning Otium restaurant along with Padma, Tom, Gail and Guest Judge, Bocuse d’Or finalist Timothy Hollingsworth.

• _{Thursday, April 30th, 2020}

  7: Pitch Perfect

  The chefs are challenged to a taco throwdown for the taco king, actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo. For the Quickfire, the only sharp tool they can use is a machete, in honor of one of Danny’s signature characters. Then, Padma informs the chefs that the only way to make it to Restaurant Wars is to survive this week’s qualifying challenge. The cheftestants have to dig deep to create and pitch a restaurant concept complete with a couple of dishes to the judges –Padma, Tom and Gail, along with “Top Chef” Chicago Winner Stephanie Izard and James Beard Award winning Restaurateur Kevin Boehm. The top two concepts will be the restaurants built for the signature Restaurant Wars challenge, while the chef with the judges’ least favorite concept will be eliminated.

• _{Thursday, May 7th, 2020}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  It's Restaurant Wars and this season Padma takes all the limitations off the table as the chefs can make as much food as they want and shop wherever they choose; two chefs are given 48 hours to pick their teams and crate the restaurants.

• _{Thursday, May 14th, 2020}

  9: Cabin Fever

  The chefs head to the mountains outside of Los Angeles to go to a summer camp where they are challenged to an outdoor grilling Quickfire for Padma and "Top Chef" Kentucky winner Kelsey Barnard Clark.

• _{Thursday, May 21st, 2020}

  10: Colossal Coliseum Kaiseki

  With only six chefs remaining, the challenges get even more difficult, when pastry super-chef Sherry Yard awaits the all stars for a dreaded dessert Quickfire; chefs endure a blindfolded taste test to pick their ingredients.

• _{Thursday, May 28th, 2020}

  11: Michael's Santa Monica

  Tom makes his final decision from "Last Chance Kitchen" on who should return to the competition; the chefs take off in a Quickfire with Padma and Jonathan Waxman making a two-course business class dish for an airline.

• _{Thursday, June 4th, 2020}

  12: Lucca

  The final five travel to Italy, where the chefs must make an aperitivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca that pairs perfectly with a Peroni beer; then, they hunt the elusive white truffle which they must use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival.

• _{Thursday, June 11th, 2020}

  13: Parma

  The chefs are treated to a culinary dream trip to Parma, the legendary home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham; the chefs must feature the ingredients in two courses and serve their dishes to a table of 16 Michelin stars.

• _{Thursday, June 18th, 2020}

  14: Finito!

  The final three all stars face off in an epic Italian showdown to cook the meal of their lives in an effort to take home the ultimate title and prize.

Season 18

• _{Thursday, April 1st, 2021}

  1: First Impressions

  “Top Chef” is back with 15 of the country’s best chefs ready to compete in Portland, Oregon. For their first Quickfire Challenge, the cheftestants are immediately thrown into teams and tasked with combining their favorite ingredients together in one cohesive dish for Padma and Portland local Gregory Gourdet. For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs will try not to “quack” under pressure as they’re asked to create a dish featuring one of Portland’s iconic local birds. Their dishes will be served in a blind tasting for the judges and the new dining panel of “Top Chef” all-star winners, finalists and favorites. Season 17 winner Melissa King joins Padma, Tom and Gail at the judges’ table to help decide who will be the first chef to pack their knives and go.

• _{Thursday, April 8th, 2021}

  2: Trouble Brewing

  The Chefs are in for a rude awakening when they enter the kitchen to find Padma and seven hungry all-star chefs – Amar Santana, Melissa King, Kwame Onwuachi, Dale Talde, Gregory Gourdet, Carrie Baird and Richard Blais. In this Quickfire the chefs will have just 30 minutes to serve eight plates of breakfast. And if that didn’t get them buzzing, for their Elimination Challenge, they’ll have to create dishes based on two popular Portland brews – Beer or Coffee. Tom shows up with a twist, leaving the chefs to rethink their dishes hours before service. Amar Santana and Dale Talde join Padma, Tom and Gail at judges’ table.

• _{Thursday, April 15th, 2021}

  3: Pan African Portland

  The pressure is laid on the chefs in the Quickfire Challenge as they are tasked to make a layered dessert. Carrie Baird joins Padma to pick the winner, who will get their dish turned into a Talenti gelato to be sold nationwide. Gregory Gourdet and Kwame Onwuachi take the chefs on a tour of restaurants in Portland that feature food from the African diaspora. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must make dishes inspired by their tour for the judging and dining panel, as well as the restaurant’s owners.

• _{Thursday, April 22nd, 2021}

  4: Thrown for a Loop

  For the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs must create a dish featuring Campbell’s Soup for Padma and guest judge Dale Talde. Then, the cheftestants get thrown for a loop when they find out they won’t be shopping for their Elimination Challenge, because they’ll be picking their fruit right off of the trees in the heart of Oregon’s Fruit Loop and making a savory fruit dish without any vegetables. Melissa King and Carrie Baird join Padma, Tom and Gail at judges’ table

• _{Thursday, April 29th, 2021}

  5: Meet You at the Drive-In

  Amar Santana joins Padma for the Quickfire Challenge honoring Mother’s Day. Then, the chefs will go head-to-head at the first-ever Top Chef Drive-In. Not only will they have to impress Richard Blais, but they will also need to win over the diners.

• _{Thursday, May 6th, 2021}

  6: Stumptown U.S.A.

  The chefs are transported into a magical kitchen forest with their prep tables gone and replaced by stumps for this week’s Quickfire Challenge where they must make a dish featuring Tom’s favorite ingredient – mushrooms. Then in the Elimination Challenge, the cheftestants will be paired up to create a surf & turf dish featuring local fish and game for members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla. But first they’ll get to learn and taste some of the initial foods of the area. With a double elimination on the line, Dale Talde joins the judges’ table.

• _{Thursday, May 13th, 2021}

  7: Feeding the Frontlines

  The winner of the first part of Last Chance Kitchen rejoins the competition just in time for their “second chance” Quickfire Challenge where the Chefs are tasked with redoing a past failed dish for guest judge Melissa King. Then in an emotional Elimination Challenge Chef José Andrés calls in to recruit the chefs to join World Central Kitchen, his nonprofit organization that provides meals for victims of natural disasters, tasking the chefs with delivering over 500 meals to frontline workers at 3 local hospitals in Portland. Kwame Onwuachi will serve as the All-Star guest judge this week.

• _{Thursday, May 20th, 2021}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  With the top eight chefs remaining, it’s time for the perennial favorite - Restaurant Wars. This year, the chefs will serve a seven course tasting menu to the judges and All-Star panel. Gregory Gourdet and Kristen Kish join the judges’ table.

• _{Thursday, May 27th, 2021}

  9: Portland-ia

  For this week’s Quickfire Challenge, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein from the hit comedy series “Portlandia” task the chefs with creating a dish using hipster ingredients using only old vintage appliances and equipment. For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs must develop and create a recipe fit for the home cook, and are surprised when unexpected guests show up to test their recipes. All-Star alumni and cookbook authors Dale Talde and Richard Blais join the judges’ table to help decide which chef must pack their knives.

• _{Thursday, June 3rd, 2021}

  10: Tournament of Tofu

  Ed Lee enters the kitchen and tells the chefs they will be competing tournament style; the chefs duke it out at the Portland Japanese Gardens, where they must create dishes featuring various textures of tofu.

• _{Thursday, June 10th, 2021}

  11: Blind Ambitions

  In teams of two, the chefs each take a turn entering the box where they blindly taste a dish created by guest judge Gabriel Rucker and then must try to re-create it.

• _{Thursday, June 17th, 2021}

  12: The Cheesier the Better

  The final four chefs near the end of their journey in Portland; popular chef and special guest Massimo Bottura has the chefs pull inspiration from his famous parmigiano reggiano dish.

• _{Thursday, June 24th, 2021}

  13: Shellfishly Delicious

  The remaining chefs get an early wake-up call from Padma to go meet Brooke and dig for clams; the chefs honor the area where James Beard spent his summers, creating both a hot dish and a cold dish with one of his favorite ingredients, Dungeness crab

• _{Thursday, July 1st, 2021}

  14: The Next Top Chef Is ...

  After 13 grueling weeks of competition, the chefs must create the best four-course meal of their lives; they'll serve it to an esteemed table.

Season 19

• _{Thursday, March 3rd, 2022}

  1: Primal Instincts

  Fifteen of the country’s best chefs arrive in Houston, Texas, ready to fight for the title of “Top Chef.” The opening Quickfire proves to be the toughest first challenge to date when the chefs must team up to create a cohesive dish that showcases each of their styles, but cannot speak to each other during the cook. The stakes only get higher for the Elimination Challenge as the chefs must perfectly cook primal cuts of beef for a table of distinguished Houston chefs including, Robert Del Grande of The Annie Café as well as Top Chef alums Dawn Burrell and Kristen Kish.

• _{Thursday, March 10th, 2022}

  2: Friday Night Bites

  The chefs are challenged in the Quickfire to put their own spin on the Tex-Mex classic queso, judged by local legend Chef Irma Galvan. For the Elimination Challenge, the competition heads to the field of a high school football stadium. Working in two teams of seven coached by all-star alumni Sam Talbot and Dawn Burrell, they’ll create seven carb-loaded dishes that will be served in a head-to-head battle. The team that scores a touchdown first wins. Tom, Padma and Gail will be joined by award winning Chef Chris Shepherd and Top Chef Charleston winner Brooke Williamson at the judges' table.

• _{Thursday, March 17th, 2022}

  3: Noodles and Rice and Everything Nice

  For their first individual challenge of the season, the chefs are surprised in the kitchen by “Top Chef” Miami winner Hung Huynh and challenged to make an Asian-inspired dish. Nothing, however, on “Top Chef” is that simple. Along with Hung, the judges and renowned chef Kiran Verma, they’ll be serving 100 guests at “Top Chef’s” first Asian Night Market.

• _{Thursday, March 24th, 2022}

  4: Doppelgängers

  The chefs are joined by local chef Chris Williams in the Quickfire Challenge. He tasks the chefs to put their own twist on a biscuit dish in honor of his great grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. Then in the Elimination Challenge, the chefs find themselves pushed out of their comfort zones by chef Wylie Dufresne when they’re tasked to work in teams of two to create two dishes that look exactly the same, but taste completely different. The pressure is on because this is a double elimination.

• _{Thursday, March 31st, 2022}

  5: Don't Mess With BBQ

  The chefs meet Brooke Williamson at Houston's J-Bar-M, where she tasks them with putting their own spin on a brisket dish for some of the best BBQ pit masters in Houston and their guest judge, pit master Greg Gatlin.

• _{Thursday, April 7th, 2022}

  6: Texas Trailblaze-hers

  The chefs must create salty-sweet desserts that will inspire a new flavor of Talenti gelato; in the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must draw inspiration from the lives of some of Texas's most influential women.

• _{Thursday, April 14th, 2022}

  7: Swallow The Competition

  The chefs expand their horizons in a master class on Nigerian flavors guided by local chef Ope Amosu and all-star Kwame Onwuachi, and need to make a stew that pairs perfectly with traditional Nigerian swallows.

• _{Thursday, April 21st, 2022}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  The chefs are put to the ultimate test; they have to build restaurants from the ground up; Top Chef's signature challenge levels up yet again, requiring the chefs to satisfy their VIP counter and a dining room full of guests.

• _{Thursday, April 28th, 2022}

  9: Freedmen's Town

  The chefs are tasked with creating a monochromatic plant-based dish for their Quickfire Challenge; for the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating dishes that speak to their souls for a block party fundraiser.

• _{Thursday, May 5th, 2022}

  10: Dinner in Zero Gravity

  The competition reaches new heights as the chefs voyage to the Houston Space Center; they'll have to create a stellar new menu item that they would crave if they were on a multi-year mission to Mars.

• _{Thursday, May 12th, 2022}

  11: Family Vacation

  It’s time to hit the beach. The Chefs head to the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston Texas, but they won’t have any time to relax. Chef Shota Nakajima is here to present them with their next Quickfire Challenge: using the freshest gulf shellfish to create a seafood tower with one hot and one cold dish. Then, for the Elimination Challenge, Padma announces that along with alumni Sheldon Simeon and Adrienne Cheatham, the chefs will be feeding a family of special VIPs, who are expecting them to cater to some very specific tastes.

• _{Thursday, May 19th, 2022}

  12: We're on a boat

  After saying goodbye to their loved ones and another fellow competitor, the chefs receive an ominous gift from Tom, who tells them to get up early and meet him at the docks. They'll have to find their sea legs quickly because for their Elimination Challenge each chef must create two fresh fish dishes to hook their guest judges Stephanie Izard and Daniel Boulud. The catch? They'll be fishing for all of their protein themselves.

• _{Thursday, May 26th, 2022}

  13: Cactus Makes Perfect

  The final four chefs are headed to Tucson. For their last Quickfire Challenge, they’ll make the trip to El Charro, the oldest family-run Mexican restaurant in the country, where legendary chef Carlotta Flores challenges them to create a dish featuring her Carne Seca. In the final Elimination Challenge, alum and Tucson local Maria Mazon wants the chefs to embrace the desert lifestyle and create two dishes – one sweet and one savory – using the classic Sonoran ingredients: cactus and chiltepin. With an impressive assortment of locals and “Top Chef Seattle” winner Kristen Kish joining the judges table, the heat is on.

• _{Thursday, June 2nd, 2022}

  14: The Final Plate

Season 20

• _{Thursday, March 9th, 2023}

  1: London Calling

  To celebrate the 20th season, "Top Chef" returns for an international showdown in London; sixteen competitors, including previous winners and finalists, face off in the fiercest showdown the culinary series has seen.

• _{Thursday, March 16th, 2023}

  2: Rice, Rice Baby

  In the Quickfire, the chefs are challenged to make an amuse-bouche with unexpected ingredients that must fit on a Ritz cracker; the competition heats up as the chefs head to Alexandra Palace, where they must create rice dishes for 100 guests.

• _{Thursday, March 23rd, 2023}

  3: Cheeky Pints and Pub Bites

  In lieu of a Quickfire, Tom and Gail surprise the chefs with an old-fashioned pub crawl around Central London. Pints are consumed and food is devoured until the judges reveal the Elimination Challenge. In teams of two, the chefs are tasked with recreating and elevating a classic pub dish. And to top the pressure, two chefs will pack their knives. Guest judges Brett Graham and James Cochran join Padma, Tom and Gail as well as a room full of guest diners.

• _{Thursday, March 30th, 2023}

  4: Spurred Lines

  Master chocolatier Paul A. Young joins Padma to judge the Quickfire Challenge. They task the chefs with creating a beloved English classic: the biscuit. The chefs head to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a football-themed team challenge. They must impress guest judges Aquiles Chávez and Tottenham’s own Ledley King in up to three rounds of fast-paced challenges featuring favorite English ingredients. The teams that succeed are safe, while the rest are relegated and must compete again. In the final round, the three chefs from the losing team will battle it out. Who will be safe, and who will be kicked to the sidelines?

• _{Thursday, April 6th, 2023}

  5: Holiday Vacation

  In this week’s extra-sweet Quickfire, the chefs are tasked with creating a celebratory dish featuring honey and mead in order to win over Padma and guest judge Adam Handling. Then, the chefs escape the city and head to the Kent countryside. The cheftestants create a festive family meal featuring their favorite holiday dishes for judges Padma, Tom and Gail, along with Top Chef Mexico judge Martha Ortiz.

• _{Thursday, April 13th, 2023}

  6: Top Chef Is No Picnic

  The chefs are shocked when they discover this week’s Quickfire Challenge is the midseason finale of Last Chance Kitchen. They enjoy afternoon tea as they help Padma and Tom decide on who should return to the competition. The chefs take a trip to Highclere Castle for the Elimination Challenge, where they must work together to create and serve an elevated picnic basket. Will the teams be able to produce high-end picnics that can impress Padma, Tom, Gail and guest judge and notable pastry consultant Graham Hornigold? Who will be asked to pack their picnic basket and go?

• _{Thursday, April 20th, 2023}

  7: Hands Off

  The chefs learn Gaggan Anand is the guest judge; they must create a dish inspired by an emoji and are tasked with creating a plate with a message that's visually stunning and can be eaten without utensils.

• _{Thursday, April 27th, 2023}

  8: Street Food Fight

  Guest judge Judy Joo surprises the chefs by challenging them to create delicious street food-inspired dishes. For the fastest Elimination Challenge in series history, the chefs must get inspiration from the new Fast X movie for the largest and fastest mise en place race. Top Chef Canada judge David Zilber sits in as the guest judge along with Padma, Tom and Gail.

• _{Thursday, May 4th, 2023}

  9: Restaurant Wars

  It’s Restaurant Wars, and this season, the perennial favorite is back with a twist! The chefs split into two teams of four and are tasked with creating a restaurant concept and tasting menu. To add to the pressure, they must debut their restaurants at three Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth, and the judges will have a full view of the kitchen. Unbeknown to the chefs, Jimi Famurewa, the Chief Restaurant Critic for the Evening Standard, is seated in the dining room and later joins Padma, Tom and Gail at the judges’ table.

• _{Thursday, May 11th, 2023}

  10: Thali Time

  There’s nothing like preserved fish in the morning, which is exactly what the chefs have to cook with for this week's Quickfire Challenge. The chefs enjoy a night off as famed chef Asma Khan treats the cheftestants and Padma to an Indian thali dinner. For the Elimination Challenge, they must use six different flavor profiles to create their own Thali platter to impress a panel of chefs from India and judges Padma, Tom and Gail.

• _{Thursday, May 18th, 2023}

  11: Battle of the Wellingtons

  Coming into the final stretch before the finale. It’s full steam ahead as the remaining six chefs are tasked with creating a steamed dish for their Quickfire Challenge. In one of the hardest Elimination Challenges yet, the chefs are put in teams of two and must create not one, not two, but three different Wellingtons to serve 20 diners, along with Padma, Tom and Gail. The two chefs from the losing team will pack their knives.

• _{Thursday, May 25th, 2023}

  12: Goodbye, London!

  As the journey in London comes to a wrap, the final four chefs welcome back the winner of Last Chance Kitchen. For this week’s Quickfire, the chefs are joined by guest judge Sam Bompas, who challenges them to create a dish featuring jellies and molds. For their final Elimination Challenge in England, they’re tasked with creating trompe-l’œil dishes, where the plates must literally fool the eye and taste like something completely different than what they look like. Who will make it to the finals in Paris, and who will bid adieu?

• _{Thursday, June 1st, 2023}

  13: Champions in Paris

  The final four land in Paris, the culinary capital of the world and home of the 2024 Olympics. In the Quickfire, they compete in the infamous Wall Challenge. Unbeknownst to them, their partners are no strangers to competition and are U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The chefs must work with their mystery partners to create identical plates in hopes of impressing Michelin-starred guest judge Greg Marchand. For their final Elimination Challenge, they must create a Michelin-worthy dish using one of France’s most humble ingredients: the Champignon de Paris. To help determine who will make it to the finale is a star-studded table of diners.

• _{Thursday, June 8th, 2023}

  14: Fin.

  The finalists are on top of the world as they’ve made it to the finale in Paris. The final three will have the opportunity to cook the meal of their lives for Padma, Tom and Gail, along with a table of culinary luminaries. The guests include Marcus Samuelsson, May Chow, Daniela Soto-Innes, Clare Smyth, Simon Rogan, Ángel León, Food & Wine magazine’s Hunter Lewis, Michelin Guide’s International Director Gwendal Poullennec and “Top Chef France” Judge Hélène Darroze. The chefs lay it all on the table in their final challenge, but only one will take home the ultimate title of “Top Chef” World All-Star.

Season 21

• _{Wednesday, March 20th, 2024}

  1: Chef's Test

  Top Chef heads to Wisconsin with 15 new chefs, new rules and new host Kristen Kish. With no Quickfire Challenge this week, Kristen, Tom and Gail each task five chefs with cooking a dish they believe is a worthy test of being a good chef.

• _{Wednesday, March 27th, 2024}

  2: Living the High Life

  Top Chef Colorado winner Joe Flamm joins Kristen for the Quickfire Challenge, tasking the chefs to create a dish featuring hops.

• _{Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024}

  3: Take it Cheesy

  The chefs must make a dish featuring Door County cherries and a mystery ingredient; for the Elimination Challenge, the chefs put on a Cheese Festival where each chef will be responsible for creating a dish featuring one of 13 different cheeses

• _{Wednesday, April 10th, 2024}

  4: The Wright Way

  The chefs hit the road and take the Frank Lloyd Wright trail to Madison; for the elimination challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating dishes in teams of two that feature duality and celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright's legacy as "America's Architect."

• _{Wednesday, April 17th, 2024}

  5: Supper Club

  While in Madison, the chefs receive a message alerting them that they'll be shopping for their quickfire challenge, but they do not know what the challenge is.

• _{Wednesday, April 24th, 2024}

  6: Chaos Cuisine

  The chefs are shocked by a Last Chance Kitchen surprise that changes the game. Milk Bar's Christina Tosi joins Kristen for a sweet Quickfire that requires the chefs to create a dairy-forward dessert. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must serve a dish that exemplifies chaos cuisine.

• _{Wednesday, May 1st, 2024}

  7: Sausage Race

  Bryan Voltaggio joins Kristen for a two-part Quickfire Challenge testing the chefs' flambé and charring skills. Amar Santana heads to the kitchen with the famous Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs divide into two teams and compete in a head-to-head race at American Family Field (home of the Brewers) where they'll serve sausage-forward dishes to a panel of experts, including former Brewer Ryan Braun and actress Brittany Snow.

• _{Wednesday, May 8th, 2024}

  8: Restaurant Wars

  Split into two teams, the chefs are tasked to conceptualize and create two restaurants that feature a three-course progressive menu with at least two options for each course.

• _{Wednesday, May 15th, 2024}

  9: The Good Land

  Kristen is joined by judges Tom and Gail for this week's Quickfire Challenge as the chefs are tasked to create dishes featuring cranberries in a unique way. The chefs are then treated to a special meal prepared by celebrated Indigenous chefs and guest judges Sean Sherman and Elean Terry. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must prepare modern dishes using only indigenous ingredients.

• _{Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024}

  10: Door County Fish Boil

  Celebrating a Wisconsin classic, this week’s Quickfire Challenge has the chefs participating in a meat raffle. Guest judge and chef Art Smith joins Kristen, Tom and Gail to determine which protein dish reigns supreme. For the Elimination Challenge, the heat is turned up when the chefs host their very own Door County fish boil to 100 hungry guests, including six “Top Chef” All-Stars at Grant Park Beach.

• _{Wednesday, May 29th, 2024}

  11: Lay It All on the Table

  A familiar face returns to the competition from “Last Chance Kitchen.” In this week’s Quickfire challenge, the chefs must put their detective skills to work when Tom cooks up a dish that Kristen and Gail couldn’t resist and left little on the plate after tasting it. The chefs ask Tom a series of yes and no questions to determine what ingredients they need to recreate the dish. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs leave it all on the table when they’re tasked with serving their creations directly on a tabletop to Kristen, Tom, Gail, and guest judge and two Michelin star chef Curtis Duffy.

• _{Wednesday, June 5th, 2024}

  12: Goodbye Wisconsin

  In this week’s Quickfire Challenge, the chefs are tasked with identifying as many ingredients as they can in a blind taste test. For the Elimination Challenge, they must create a dish that exemplifies their culinary growth throughout their time in Wisconsin. The judges are joined by returning guest judge Paul Bartolotta.

• _{Wednesday, June 12th, 2024}

  13: Set Sail

  The final four chefs arrive in Curaçao for their last Quickfire Challenge and must create a dish highlighting fish and cheese to impress Kristen, Tom, Gail and local guest judge Helim Smeulders. The chefs then set sail on Holland America Line’s Eurodam where they enjoy a meal prepared by chef and Fresh Fish Ambassador Morimoto. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are tasked with showcasing different preparation styles of fish. “Top Chef” alum Ed Lee joins Kristen, Tom and Gail at the judges’ table.

• _{Wednesday, June 19th, 2024}

  14: Cruising to a Win

  The three remaining chefs must create the best four-course progressive meal of their careers; the chefs will present their dishes to a lineup of culinary greats.