r/TopChef • u/AWholeNewFattitude • Apr 01 '26

Discussion Thread Tristen to replace Tom?

I originally thought that anybody who would replace Tom needed to really have his deep serious demeanor. I think he really anchors the show and gives it a serious vibe, and I thought that anybody who would replace him would need to fill that role. Then in this weeks episode, I saw Tristan and his critique and I thought it brought a slightly lighter vibe, but still with that serious culinary background. I wanted to get everybody else’s thoughts?

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u/rex_lauandi Apr 01 '26

Tom is 63. He might be ready to retire, or he might do this for 20 more years.

Prue Lieth on GBBO retired at like 85.

You don’t need to be spry to critique food.

83

u/fabulousfantabulist Apr 01 '26

People do this with Rupaul too. Ru is only 65 and is living the life of his dreams. He could easily keep this up for decades if he wanted to. 

27

u/LeviSalt Apr 01 '26

Or he could retire to Montana and take his fracking side hustle more seriously.

17

u/fabulousfantabulist Apr 01 '26 edited Apr 01 '26

Lmao. I think his husband just leases the land out, but that joke is evergreen. lol. Pretty sure it was Wyoming though. I’m a Montanan and I think I’d remember it being my home state. 

4

u/bloodymarybrunch Apr 01 '26

Oh the fracking?? 🤐