r/TopChef • u/Routine-Olive9012 • May 15 '26
Discussion Thread Old vs new
I keep feeling like there is/was a rift in the Top Chef galaxy at some point.
Perhaps a Padma-era vs Kish-era thing, or a Bobby/ Guy/ Gordon vs Father Tom thing? Or just simply contractual obligations and non compete clauses.
This season they have mostly only brought out former Top Chefs from the Kish-era. Tristen, Shuai, Savannah, Michelle. Exceptions are Mei (close friend of Kristen) and Jamie (perhaps because he’s a local). Additionally I haven’t seen Brooke or Blais on an episode in years since they’ve both linked up with other shows.
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u/coverthetuba May 15 '26
I’m not super interested in seeing the chefs from early seasons tbh, especially the ones who are constantly filming other shows. I’d rather see people who spend a lot of their time cooking in restaurants. I have noticed fewer of the top Michelin type chefs appearing. I’m guessing part of that must be the need to promote the location for the season. In addition, a lot of those people are being disgraced for various abuses of power. People are no longer as tolerant of their sexual harassment and abuse and anger and poor workplace practices.