Top Chef

Top Chef is an American reality telvision program airing on Bravo. It made its premiere on March 8, 2006. The current host of the series is Padma Lakshmi; however the first season was hosted by Katie Lee Joel. In addition to Lakshmi, the judging panel includes head judge Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse, and Richard Blais. Previous judges have included Wolfgang Puck, Eric Ripert, Toby Young, Ted Allen, Anthony Bourdain, and Hugh Acheson.

The premise of the show is to find the next great chef. There have currently been thirteen seasons produced, including one All-Star format season.

Format
Each week, the chefs compete in two challenges - a Quickfire and an Elimination Challenge. Sometimes on rare occasions there are no Quickfires. The Quickfire is a shorter or less consuming challenge where the winner typically received immunity in the Elimination Challenge. On rare occasions, the Quickfire can also result in an elimination.

The Elimination Challenge serves as a larger, more focused challenge. The chef with the worst dish is eliminated at Judge's Table after an Elimination Challenge.