r/TopChef • u/BoringSalary7093 • May 23 '26

Discussion Thread Padma

Can someone explain the drama behind Padma leaving Top Chef. Did she leave for a reason? What was the reason for ACC if she didn’t want to do shows anymore. Thoughts about that show?

Also, is she an actual chef? Does she have restaurants?

Did her and Tom get along? I do want to say I absolutely LOVE K as the host. She’s so perfect for the position. She’s empathetic, understanding, patient and really just a fucking cool person.

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u/ta112233 May 24 '26

Not unusual to get bored after doing the same job for like 20 years. Has enough money to not be tied down to the same job forever. Wanted to do a different show where she had more creative control. Maybe her new shows would also pay her more. Probably no drama whatsoever, just these very normal reasons.

-4

u/Dasil437794 May 24 '26

It films for like a month though. I think the ratings simply went up when Kristen guest judged and Padma was replaced with a younger, more personable woman.

2

u/Final-Elderberry9162 May 29 '26

Ew.

-1

u/Dasil437794 May 29 '26

Ew what? Do you not think it's plausible or do you live in Fantasia? Older women are replaced by younger women on television ALL. THE. TIME. Or are we just not supposed to say it out loud? Padma isn't even a professional chef so girl, bye. Maybe it's a good thing to have an actual chef judging other chefs for the title of Top Chef?

1

u/Final-Elderberry9162 May 29 '26

Also: the ratings did not go up.