Season 21 of Bravo's 'Top Chef' will be filmed in Wisconsin, with new host Kristen Kish
Chris Foran
The next season of the Bravo reality show "Top Chef" will be shot in "the heart of Wisconsin," the cable channel announced Tuesday.
For its 21st season, "Top Chef" also will have a new host: Kristen Kish, a seasoned chef, cookbook author and cooking-competition TV show host and producer, including winning the Season 10 edition of "Top Chef." (And she has Midwestern cred: Born in South Korea, she grew up in Kentwood, Michigan.)
Kish succeeds Padma Lakshmi, who hosted "Top Chef" for the past 19 seasons and left to pursue her many other projects including the Hulu series "Taste the Nation."
Bravo described the new season's setting as "the energetic and unique culinary scenes in Milwaukee and Madison. With a backdrop of picturesque landscapes, acres of farmland, miles of shoreline and vibrant urban communities, the cheftestants will explore the fresh flavors and local bounty of this rising culinary destination."
In its statement, Bravo quoted Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, saying in part: “We’re proud to be known here for our rich food culture, talented chefs and exceptional local ingredients. I know our diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer.”
According to Bravo, the show is in partnership with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and being made in cooperation with Travel Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, Destination Madison, Destination Door County, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.
Season 21 of "Top Chef" reportedly will be filmed later this year, and air in early 2024 on Bravo and the Peacock streaming service.