Kristen Kish to replace Padma Lakshmi as the new Top Chef host
Kish will step in for the show's 21st season, which will be filmed in Wisconsin
Aux News Kish
Former Top Chef champion Kristen Kish has been named the new host of the venerable cooking competition show, filling in for departing host Padma Lakshmi, who left the show at the end of its most recent season after spending 17 years on the hit Bravo series. Lakshmi said she chose to leave so she could follow “other creative pursuits,” like her Hulu show Taste The Nation.
As for Kish, she’ll step into the kitchen for the show’s 21st season, which is going to be filmed in Wisconsin—home of such culinary delights as Culver’s cheese curds, Culver’s frozen custard, and Culver’s ButterBurgers (also birthplace of The Onion, so maybe they could do some kind of challenge with onions?). Or, as Bravo’s official release puts it (via Deadline), Wisconsin is home of “picturesque landscapes, acres of farmland, miles of shoreline, and vibrant urban communities,” which could also describe Illinois, Wisconsin’s hated neighbor to the south.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who rules, added in a statement of his own that Wisconsin is proud of its “rich food culture, talented chefs, and exceptional local ingredients,” and that he knows the state’s “diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers, and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer.”
Anyway, Kish is obviously a veteran of the show, having won season 10 and appeared occaisionally as a guest judge, and she said in a statement that she’s “thrilled” to join longtime judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons as they “get to know new incredible chefs and see what they cook up.” She adds that it “feels like coming home.” Other than Top Chef, Kish’s TV experience includes Fast Foodies and Restaurants At The End Of The World.
Season 21 will presumably air on Bravo at some point next year.
26 Comments
Great choice. I was never really a Padma fan to begin with (she always came off as full of herself). I like that Kristen has a good personality and is actually a chef. Looking forward to season 21.
I think Padma did a fantastic job, but I also think Kish is a stellar replacement.
Yeah this works.
Padma’s always better unscripted. When she’s reading lines, it comes off as stiff, like when she introduces a challenge or how she narrates her show Taste the Nation. When she’s just chatting with people, she comes across as a lot more relaxed and genuine.
That’s fair. She would occasionally come off as really hating to read the scripted stuff haha
Padma is the best, I’d describe her as self-assured, never full of herself. Never put being liked as her top priority, which is refreshing in modern celebrity.Kish will be a great as well though!
Padma was stunted in the early seasons when it seemed like she was just reading off of a script and offering very high-level commentary on food that didn’t really add anything to Tom, Gail, and the rest. At some point (over a decade ago), they let her be herself and she has been a very good host IMO.
Seems like a good choice. She’s no Padma, but nobody could be.
YES!! Excellent choice.
I’ve never seen the show, but I ADORE Kish and her show on Nat Geo about restaurants at the ‘end’ of the world. Maybe I’ll dive into this too.
I watched a couple of episodes of that Nat Geo show, because the premise was firmly in my wheelhouse, but found it pretty underwhelming. Not to mentioned overly scripted/staged, even by the conventions of the genre.Not that that necessarily has anything to do with whether she’ll be good on Top Chef – I guess we’ll see.
Top Chef is a great show mostly because, unlike most reality shows (competition or otherwise), it’s not trashy. The contestants all want to see each other succeed and they’re constantly helping each other even though it does nothing for their own game. The worst part about Top Chef is the occasional sponsored challenge, but even then, those can be so silly it’s kind of charming.
top chef is one of the best tv shows, period, reality or otherwise. really helped me fall in love with food. that natgeo show is also coincidentally maybe the best food/travel hybrid show i’ve seen since bourdain. she’s gonna kill it in this role.
You should watch the show. Absolutely worth checking out. It’s ‘reality TV’ but essentially the ideal of that concept. It doesn’t manufacture drama nor create storylines. It lets the chef’s and the competition shine and you get some great and poignant moments. The final challenge is the chef coming up with the entire menu for one final night and the dishes tell the stories of their lives. It’s great stuff and even if you’re not into cooking shows it’s still really enjoyable.
Makes sense! No notes!
When Padma left, Kish seemed like the obvious choice to me. Glad to see that come to fruition. She was one of the most fun contestants to watch and in the years since, she’s built up quite the media resume.
She was my #1 pick and I’m thrilled they made it happen. Kish, on top of being an excellent chef, has such a magnetic TV personality that just draws you in. She’s been great in every show I’ve seen her do. It’s a natural fit and Top Chef couldn’t have picked a better host.
Challenges:- something with cheese- elevated fish fry- something with cheese- supper club-style dinner- something with cheese- something with beer- something with cheese- something with beer & cheese
How you gonna leave out bratwurst like that?
You left out “Something with beer cheese.”Early news around WI indicates the show will be filming in Madison, Milwaukee, and Door County (the Peninsula Northeast of Green Bay). As a Badger alum, I could see them doing some manner of a “Jump Around” challenge for Camp Randall Stadium. Would not be at all surprised if the Governor’s mansion (which has a beautiful lakefront) hosts a challenge.I would love to see a Top Chef -style fish boil in Door County. Bratwurst / sausage challenge would also be an easy idea.
you forgot Brandy
Long pork (Dahmer) challenge for sure.
I stopped watching this show ages ago, but Padma always was a dry bore with zero personality, without any honest interest in the contestants and their dishes. Kish is actually is from this world, upbeat and engaging, so this change should’ve occurred much sooner.
That’s a great choice, I enjoyed her hosting on Fast Foodies and the new Iron Chef that was on Netflix.
I want them to bring Buddha back to see if he can get the threepeat!
Fantastic pick. If you like Kristen and haven’t watched it, Fast Foodies is a REALLY fun show.