Next Gen Chef introduces 21 under-30 contestants competing inside the Culinary Institute of America when the Olivia Culpo-hosted series premieres September 17, 2025.
A fresh batch of culinary stars is ready to heat up the kitchen in Next Gen Chef, which premieres September 17, 2025 on Netflix. The new unscripted series heads inside the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America, where 21 chefs under the age of 30 will compete in a high-pressure culinary showdown to determine who deserves the title of the next generation’s leading chef.
Hosted by Olivia Culpo, the series will challenge young culinary talents through a series of rigorous tests designed by the institute itself. Judges Carlton McCoy and Kelsey Barnard Clark will evaluate the chefs’ creativity, technical skills, and resilience as they push through one-of-a-kind competitions.
The 21 contestants come from an impressive range of backgrounds, spanning prestigious restaurants, pop-ups, and private chef work. Competitors include Abby Kirn, 30, a private chef; Alicia Herranz, 22, an R&D chef at Restaurante Barro; Andrew Sargent, 29, sous chef at Per Se; Courtney Evans, 25, sous chef for 3rd & Fernwood; and Eli Kochman, 24, chef de partie at Chleo.
Also competing are Ilke Schaaf, 23, line cook; Jacob-Bao Nguyen, 30, private chef and owner of Than Thai Pop-Up; Javauneeka Jacobs, 27, chef at Frontera Grill; Joaquin Cariaso, 23, sous chef at Charlie Palmer Steak NYC; Karla Perez, 21, tournant at Blue Hill at Storm Barns; and Keyana Jadali, 30, private chef.
The lineup continues with Khan Bataa, 27, sous chef at Hamdi; London Chase, 29, junior sous chef at Essential by Christophe; Max Centauro, 28, sous chef at Carriage House NYC; Nikki Patterson-Nash, 29, private chef; Peter McTiernan, 25, executive chef at Dio Mio; and Sam Driscoll, 26, chef de cuisine at Tavern on State.
Rounding out the competitors are Sam Etienne, 28, private chef at Rose Catering; Sam Seideman, 20, private chef and student; Sidney Rubenstein, 21, private chef for the New York Jets; and Zachary Ethan Atkins, 26, a traveling chef.
Behind the cameras, Next Gen Chef comes from a powerhouse production team. Executive producers include Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Nan Strait, Dan Volpe, Pip Wells, and Tina Nicotera Bachmann for Alfred Street Industries; Michael Simkin, Erik Osterholm, and Carrie Kaylor of Ultra Boom Media; LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron of Fulwell Entertainment; along with Dr. Tim Ryan of the Culinary Institute of America.
The series, produced by Alfred Street Industries, UltraBoom Media, and Fulwell Entertainment, will feature eight 45-minute episodes. With its high stakes, elite judging, and rising culinary talent, Next Gen Chef promises a fierce and flavorful competition when it debuts September 17 on Netflix.
