Top Chef Season 14

Top Chef Season 14 has become appointment viewing on and for anyone who enjoys watching people under real pressure. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. 69 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. The production never lets the format go stale. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

Top Chef Season 14 arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Top Chef Season 14 understands that the format only works if the people in it feel real. Season 14 of Top Chef includes 14 episodes. It aired from December 2016 to March 2017. This season stars Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons. Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2016. Top Chef Season 14 understands the difference between manufactured drama and the real thing, and leans on the latter. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If the format appeals to you at all, Top Chef Season 14 is one of the stronger examples of it. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. Tom Colicchio is a big part of why it works, but the format itself is the real star. The kind of thing that generates strong opinions in every room it is watched in.

🎬 Top Chef Season 14 — Episode Guide

Something Old, Something New

2016-12-01

Southern Hospitality

2016-12-08

The chefs join the judges for a traditional shrimp boil; the newcomers face off against the returning chefs to put a spin on a low-country family meal; after dining with chefs Carrie Morey and BJ Dennis, each team creates a family-style feast.

Choke Holds and Clammy Hands

2016-12-15

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.

The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes

2016-12-22

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.

Smoke 'em If You Got 'em

2016-12-29

A Southern Legend

2017-01-05

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 Ba...

Booty

2017-01-12

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.

Restaurant Wars

2017-01-19

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.

For the Kids

2017-01-26

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.

E10

Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies

2017-02-02

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.

E11

Adios Charleston, Hello James Beard

2017-02-09

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.

E12

Cooking Away in Margaritaville

2017-02-16

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.

E13

Trial By Fire

2017-02-23

The three remaining chefs head to the Yucatan Peninsula where Chef Roberto Muñoz Zurita challenges them to make a dish showcasing the flavor, complexity and heat of the legendary local habanero using ingredients from the local market. Culinary legend Jeremiah Tower gives the chefs a lesson on tradit...

E14

Comida Final

2017-03-02

The final two chefs face-off to serve the best meal of their lives and earn the coveted title of Top Chef. The finalists will cook an epic four-course progressive meal with the help of three sous chefs, comprised of two eliminated chefs and one from their restaurants back home. The pressure is on as...

📡 Where to Watch Top Chef Season 14

🎬 Top Chef Season 14 — Episode Guide

🎭 Cast of Top Chef Season 14

📋 All Seasons of Top Chef

Never Lose Track of Top Chef