Next Level Chef Season 4 2025: Episode Guide, Judges, and $250,000 Prize Details
Next Level Chef Season 4 Overview
Next Level Chef Season 4 premiered on February 13, 2025, on FOX, marking another high-stakes chapter in Gordon Ramsay’s culinary competition series. This season introduces 24 contestants across three categories: professional chefs, home cooks, and social media influencers, all vying for a $250,000 grand prize and a year-long mentorship. The season opener focused on Social Media Chefs, with eight contestants battling through three kitchen tiers to secure a spot in the competition.
Judges and Mentors
Returning as mentors and judges are:
- Gordon Ramsay (executive producer and Michelin-starred chef)
- Richard Blais (Top Chef All-Stars winner)
- Nyesha Arrington (celebrity chef and restaurateur)
This season, the judges take a hands-on approach, joining contestants in the kitchen for select challenges. Richard Blais emphasized the heightened competition, stating, “This is the year where the gloves come off”, while Nyesha Arrington praised the contestants as “absolute heavy-hitters” with exceptional creativity.
Season 4 Premiere Recap: Social Media Chefs Audition
The premiere episode, titled “Social Media Chef Auditions”, tested eight influencers across three kitchen levels:
- Basement Level: Contestants used low-quality tools to create “midnight meals” from leftovers. Top dishes included Jeff’s crispy fish nachos and Bobby’s turkey neck fritters. Ilena was eliminated for undercooked salmon arancini.
- Middle Level: Chefs crafted viral-worthy dishes. Meg’s coconut-curry haddock and Bobby’s schnitzel impressed judges, while Jake’s lamb rice led to his elimination.
- Top Level: Finalists faced high-pressure cooking. Becca’s hoisin-glazed scallops shone, but Keith’s steak and mashed potatoes resulted in his exit.
Advancing Chefs: Bobby Hicks, Becca Guevara, Meg Sheley, Jeff Kim, and Mistie Knight.
Eliminated: Ilena, Jake Goldberg, and Keith Garrett.
New Twists and Challenges
- Mentor Involvement: For the first time, judges cook alongside their teams in select rounds.
- Expanded Categories: Social media chefs face scrutiny for presentation and timing, while home cooks must elevate comfort dishes.
- Kitchen Gauntlet: Contestants race against the clock to grab ingredients from descending platforms, adding chaos to creativity.
Meet the Contestants
Social Media Chefs
- Bobby Hicks (@thisfellow): Known for retro recipes and viral hacks.
- Becca Guevara (@becca_guevara): Combines bold flavors with visually stunning plating.
- Mistie Knight (@mistieknight): A Las Vegas magician-turned-food influencer.
Professional Chefs
- Beatrice Heirigs (@beatricethetenacious): An 18-year-old prodigy with fine-dining expertise.
Home Chefs
Details to be revealed in upcoming episodes.
Prize and Judging Criteria
The $250,000 prize hinges on:
- Creativity: Balancing trends with technical skill.
- Adaptability: Excelling in varying kitchen conditions.
- Presentation: Crafting Instagram-worthy dishes under time constraints.
Gordon Ramsay warned contestants: “Give me your best shot and take me down”, highlighting the season’s intensity.
How to Watch Next Level Chef Season 4
- Airing Schedule: New episodes air Thursdays at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX.
- Streaming: Available next-day on Hulu and FOX Now.
- International Viewers: Check local listings for broadcast details.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
Fans praised Bobby’s resilience after he dropped ingredients mid-challenge, dubbing him “The Comeback King”. Meanwhile, Keith’s elimination sparked debates on whether presentation outweighed taste. Follow the drama using #NextLevelChef and #GordonRamsay on Twitter and Instagram.
FAQs
Q: When does Next Level Chef Season 4 end?
A: The finale is expected in April 2025, with 12 episodes total.
Q: Are past winners returning?
A: No, Season 4 features entirely new contestants.
Q: How are the kitchen levels different?
A: The basement has basic tools, the middle level mimics home kitchens, and the top level offers professional-grade equipment.
External Links
Next Level Chef Season 4 continues to push culinary boundaries, blending high-stakes drama with innovative cooking. Tune in weekly to see who climbs from the basement to the top!
