Padma Lakshmi announces she is leaving Top Chef

[wapiko]

Padma Lakshmi announced via Instagram and Twitter on June 3rd that she is leaving Top Chef after 17 years.

pic.twitter.com/oGm8y49oTH
- Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) June 2, 2023

"After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.
Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely

Comments

[hellojeds]

Thanks for posting OP! I was also shocked when I saw the news.

No idea who will replace her, but I think Top Chef can go on without her. She's still a little wooden on it (she's much better on Taste the Nation).

Wonder if there are any rumours about her replacement yet? I assume production has known for a while and either has a replacement lined up or are auditioning.

[jinny]

So you like Taste The Nation? I watched like 2 episodes a long while ago. I think it was good, but it didn't draw me right in tbh. Maybe I should watch a few more episodes?

[hellojeds]

I really liked the first season, haven't watched the second one yet. Not only did I find it entertaining but I also learned a ton. Padma is really great in it - you can tell it's a labour of love for her and she's in her element. Very different to her slightly robotic delivery in Top Chef.

[jinny]

Hmm. Okay, great! I'll tune in again then! Thanks.

[muffintiem]

I've always liked her as a host, she genuinely gets on with people, but I can see why she wants to focus on Taste the Nation. It's a really great show and doesn't make nearly enough episodes imo and I love that she introduces the audience to food & culture in the US that they likely weren't aware of until watching. (The Gullah Geechee ep was one of my favorites.)

I don't think Top Chef actually needs a host if she leaves, but I think Melissa King would be a great replacement, if she were up for something like that. I just love Melissa a whole lot and she's been a big part of the Top Chef family since winning so it would be a really natural addition.

[jinny]

Ooh! Yes to Melissa King! I was really happy when she won. I was rooting for her all season!

[hellojeds]

I'd love to see Melissa King too! She's so funny, warm and kind, as well as being super talented.

I really enjoyed the last season of Top Chef with many previous contestants judging. They've been there, done that, and are passing on their feedback with respect and kindness.

[evilfirepixie8]

I spotted Padma's daughter in Taste the Nation and I was surprised how old she is! I imagine that might also be a factor in her leaving, she's growing up so fast.

[tekan]

Granted I haven't watched an episode in a very long time, but I think it'd be fine with someone else hosting. I think there are very few shows that would die with a host change, as long as the host was good.

[wapiko]

For some reason part of me is worried it will go the way of ANTM, but Top Chef has a lot more acclaim and actually focuses on talent over drama and production, so I think you’re right.

[babygivenchy]

I was so sad when I saw this the other day! Love Padma, especially when she would get loose on champagne lmfao hmm Gail could do it. She has hosted other iterations and I love her tasting descriptions. She is kind and sincere.

Ive liked when they have past contestants jump in to guest judge over the past few seasons. mostly charasmatic, fun, talented ones too, so that might work. Idk. Anyway, it will be so weird without her.

[hellojeds]

Something tells me Gail won't go for it, I feel like she's happy to stay on as a judge.

I also loved the past contestants being involved! I've missed that this season, as much as I've loved the melting pot of contestants.

[jinny]

No, omg!!!! Why!!! This is so sad. I love her so much. She's the heart of the show.

I still haven't finished watching this year's new season. I stopped after third episode, and got interested in something else. I watched this since the very beginning. I love this show so much! I would still watch it without Padma, just to check it out, if I like it. The show could go on without her, but I'm not sure if the audience will be the same. It's already dwindled down before this.

This also reminds me of Project Runway, when Heidi left. And the switch to Lifetime. Both things were fine with me. It wasn't a big deal. I kept on watching the show. I've watched that since the beginning as well. But I didn't watch last year's. It's on my list. Maybe I will. Idk. It's not as great now, obviously.