Show Info

Genre(s): Food & Cooking, Reality (Competitive)

Created By: Dan Cutforth
Jane Lipsitz
Shauna Minoprio

First Air Date: November 12, 2008

Summary

Starring Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi, Toby Young, and Gail Simmons

Seventeen contestants compete for the title of Top Chef in New York City for the show's fifth season.

Episode Guide & More Info: More about this show at TV.com

Also On The Web: Official Show Site

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

What Our Users Said

Vote Now!The average user rating for this show is 7.2 (out of 10) based on 5 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Anthony U gave it a5:
After this unremarkable season I think the show should be renamed "Mediocre Chef."

Chris S. gave it an8:
I love this show and I'm not ashamed to say that. However, I am not liking the "Real World-esque" inclusions that they've really pushed into Season 3. I also don't understand why in the initial episodes, they would refrain from showing the dishes of EVERY chef - not just the ones that the producers are trying to set viewers up to love/hate. Each of the contestants brings something different to the realm of food and instead of focusing on asides of the European duo frolicking, flirtatious moments, unnecessary "drama", etc., I'd love to see them cooking and hear more about the backstories of each of the culinary competitors.

Red D. gave it a4:
I don't like the trend that Top Chef, Top Design, and Project Runway are having of getting more experienced contestants. Watching people who already have made a name for themselves is not as interesting or exciting as the first seasons when people were experienced but not already top-of-the-line professionals. The judges are all returning from prior seasons. It will be interesting to see what challenges are created this time around.