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Since Top Chef is one of the best reality shows ever produced, there are many fans who are invested in the show and its stars. For example, some fans care enough to think Top Chef needs some tough love because of the bad guest judges, missing elements, and Last Chance Kitchen needing to be reworked. On the other hand, Top Chef fans have been given reasons to be proud, including that the show can be heartbreaking in an entertaining way, and the competition is fierce.
Another one of the things that fans love about Top Chef is how much viewers have grown to care about the show’s last two hosts, Kristen Kich and Padma Lakshmi. Similar to how Kristen is set to compete during The Traitors Season 4, Top Chef fans should be excited that Padma is set to star in a fascinating-sounding new cooking show.
Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi Will Be Starring In A Creating A New Cooking Show For CBS
During Padma Lakshmi’s many years hosting Top Chef, she proved just how incredible she was at that job. In fact, looking back on her many years starring in the beloved reality show, there were many reasons why Padma was such a fantastic Top Chef host.
Clearly able to connect with competitors and viewers alike, Padma perfectly balanced being blunt with her critiques and kind with her empathy. Also extremely knowledgeable about food, to say the least, Padma combines expertise and an undeniable star quality.
For all those reasons and more, it was very disappointing for many Top Chef fans when Padma decided to walk away. However, there is great news for those fans as Padma is set to star in and create a new cooking show.
In June 2025, Padma took part in an interview during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen that was partially summarized in a Parade article.
In August 2023, Padma Lakshmi spoke about her decision to give up hosting Top Chef during an appearance on Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast that was summarized by Us Weekly. On top of bringing up the pressures of having to eat so much food as Top Chef’s host, Padma stated that her schedule was too intense at the time. “I had been on location for eight months out of the year. And when I wasn’t on location, I was in pre- and post-production for both my shows. And I was looking at edits of one show while on the set of another show. It was just exhausting and untenable for me to continue that way.”
While talking to Food & Wine executive features editor Kat Kinsman, Padma announced that she was going to be starring in a show for a huge network.
“Oh, my God, I’m doing a show for CBS.”
While that statement would be exciting enough for Padma’s fans, she went on to reveal more.
While it makes perfect sense that CBS would want to hire Padma to host a show for them, her decision to sign on to the new project is more surprising.
The Best Reality Show Hosts of All Time, According to Yardbarker
- Andy Cohen
- Julie Chen Moonves
- Joel McHale
- TJ Lavin
- Ryan Seacrest
- Heidi Klum
- Tyra Banks
- Gordon Ramsay
- Jeff Probst
- Padma Lakshmi
- Anderson Cooper
- Terry Crews
- Guy Fieri
- Alan Cumming
- Phil Keoghan
- Nick Cannon
- Nev Schulman
- Kamie Crawford
- Cat Deeley
- Tom Bergeron
With that in mind, it is fascinating that Padma stated that CBS offered her an amazing deal.
“CBS came to me, and they just really made an offer I couldn’t refuse, frankly.”
It was at that point in the interview that Padma revealed what her true role in the new show was going to be.
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Padma Lakshmi’s Origins, According to Famous Birthdays |
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When Was Padma Lakshmi Born? |
September 1st, 1970 |
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Where Was Padma Lakshmi Born? |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
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How Old is Padma Lakshmi as of July 2025? |
54 Years Old |
During the podcast episode, Padma stated that she was very excited to be creating her new cooking show.
“I have a production company, and I’m a single mom, so I need to go back to work. But I’m very excited to do this because I’m creating it myself.”
After talking about creating it, Padma explained that her new show will be “delicious entertainment.”
On top of calling it “delicious,” Padma stated that her taste would be driving her new show.
“It’s probably got 10 times the crew. We are location scouting and trying to calm the casting director down… But I’m learning as I go. I’m learning on the job. The only North Star I have to guide me is my sense of taste.”
For fans who like shows with big stakes, Padma also explained that her new show was going to have a big money prize.
“We’re looking for sponsors as well. So if there’s anybody who wants to give me a million dollars — because that’s the prize money that we’re giving out, which is four times as much as any other food competition that I can think of. So I’m daunted and I’m excited, and this time, it’s mine.”
Padma Lakshmi’s New Cooking Show Has A Working Title And Stiff Competition
In April 2025, The Hollywood Reporter published an article about Padma Lakshmi’s new CBS cooking show. That article revealed some exciting details about Padma’s new show.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Padma signed a deal with CBS in September 2023.
The outlet also reported that Padma’s show had the working title, America’s Culinary Cup, which could still be changed or remain the same.
More importantly than the title, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Padma’s new show will bring together “the nation’s most decorated chefs.” In a statement that was quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, Padma described what her new show’s competitors will go through as they try to win.
“We’re inviting elite chefs from across the country to represent their unique culinary style and battle it out. This competition echoes the thrill of sports and the American spirit as we cheer on our favorite chefs. I’m very excited to work with CBS and partner with Susan on America’s Culinary Cup.”
Based on that quote, it certainly seems possible that Padma’s new cooking show is going to be fantastic.
