
Next Level Chef — Season 5
Level the chef up.
About this season
The next evolution in cooking competitions, as Gordon Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!
Episodes (16)
1. Auditions - Pro Chefs
8.0Aired 29 January 2026 • 43 min
The competition kicks off with eight pristine pro chefs who use their fierce expertise to create dishes that will impress the judges in the audition round and secure them a spot in the competition.
2. Auditions - Social Media Chefs
8.0Aired 5 February 2026 • 43 min
Eight social media chefs level up corner store staples and try to cook their way to the top kitchen.
3. Auditions - Home Chefs
8.0Aired 12 February 2026 • 43 min
The auditions come to a close as eight amateur home cooks prove their worth in the kitchen by transforming ordinary ingredients into standout dishes, with love. The home chefs must elevate their culinary skills to impress the judges and earn their chef whites.
4. The Draft/Taco Party
8.0Aired 19 February 2026 • 43 min
It's the Draft! Gordon has a clear vision for his team, Nyesha has been keeping notes and Richard is determined to hang on to his crown this season, but will he draft the winner?
5. Sea Monsters
Aired 26 February 2026 • 43 min
Three enormous fish descend on the platform and the chefs must work together slicing and filleting their catch of the day. But with the pressure on, this is a true test of technique. Who will rise to the top and save their team, and who will face each other in the dreaded elimination?
6. Bowl in One
8.0Aired 5 March 2026 • 43 min
Protein bowls have taken the world by storm and this week the chefs are tasked with creating a show-stopping bowl with color, flavor and texture. But to add to the chaos, the platform moves faster than ever before and does not stop! With ingredients missed, tempers rise and tears fall, and one more chef leaves the competition for good.
7. Service, Please!
8.0Aired 12 March 2026
For the first time ever, the Great Room is transformed into a beautiful restaurant packed with hungry diners and 3 Michelin-starred VIP guests! Gordon, Nyesha and Richard lead their teams, grabbing, cooking and plating, and each team must create one course in a frenetic 40-minute cook. The team with the weakest course will cook against each other in the elimination, where, for one chef, their Next Level journey ends.
8. Mini Gordon
9.0Aired 19 March 2026
Much to the chefs' surprise, when Ramsay welcomes them back, it is Oscar, not Gordon, and this week's challenge is revealed as reimagining kids' classic dishes! The chefs must take these nostalgic flavors and elevate them into culinary masterpieces. It might sound simple, but it's not child's play as one more chef leaves the competition.
9. Ale's Well That Ends Well
Aired 2 April 2026
For the first time ever, the platform becomes a pub complete with beer taps! Proteins must be paired with perfectly poured beer to create delicious dishes. With a classic game of beer-pong in order to win more ingredients, whose dishes will be brew-tiful and whose will fall flat and send them home.
10. Cowboy Cooking
8.0Aired 9 April 2026
The chefs take rustic ranch cooking to the next level.
11. The In-Season Tournament
8.0Aired 16 April 2026
The stakes are higher than ever, because for the first time this season, the chefs are no longer competing on their teams. It's each person for themselves as they fight for their place on the top level. If they fail to cook the best dish in the top kitchen, they compete again in the middle kitchen. Fail there and it's down to the basement to cook one last meal that will make or break their place in the competition. Without a team to save them, who will make it through?
12. Use Your Noodle
8.0Aired 23 April 2026
With only seven talented cooks remaining, the chefs must make a next level noodle dish that honors tradition while elevating this ingredient that is loved all over the world. The chefs are not only cooking to stay in the competition but also to win that priceless Time Token! One more chef leaves the competition
13. A Toast to America’s 250th
10.0Aired 30 April 2026
The chefs cook for a star-spangled cocktail party in celebration of America’s 250th, where they craft a showstopping cocktail and appetizer.
14. The Ultimate Goal
8.0Aired 7 May 2026
With only five chefs left, the worlds of soccer and food are fused in a special, championship-inspired episode. USA Soccer legend Alexi Lalas makes a surprise appearance, and the chefs need to create a world-class fusion dish with ingredients tied to two different countries.
15. Building a Legacy
8.0Aired 14 May 2026
It's the semi-finals which means four chefs are within reach of the finale! The chefs must create a signature dish that they feel defines them, but there is a hidden catch. This is the moment that could define their legacy.
16. The Final Level
8.0Aired 21 May 2026
Season finale.