Netflix's Culinary Class Wars returns for a revamped third season, focusing on restaurant teams. Get ready for a thrilling culinary competition!
- January 16, 2026
AceShowbiz - Netflix is recommitting to one of its standout unscripted series, Culinary Class Wars. The streaming giant has announced the renewal of Culinary Class Wars for a thrilling third season, alongside a significant revamp of its competition format.
This new season will shift the focus from individual chefs to complete restaurant teams, with each team consisting of four members. This transformation aims to elevate the competition, creating a dynamic environment where teamwork, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure become crucial elements.
According to Netflix, the modified format is intended to present the show as "a collective battle for pride, reputation, and survival." Thus, success will hinge not only on individual culinary skills but also on the ability of the entire team to collaborate effectively.
Applications for season 3 will open on January 16 through Netflix Korea’s social media channels. To qualify, applicants must be teams of four chefs who currently work together at the same restaurant; teams composed of chefs from different establishments will not be eligible. However, teams representing multiple locations under the same brand can apply as a unified group.
The renewal follows Culinary Class Wars’ impressive two-year run, during which it consistently ranked on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV shows. The second season concluded with chef Choi Kang-rok emerging victorious in the finale, which aired on January 13. Choi, the only contestant returning from season 1, triumphed over his rival, the so-called “culinary monster” Lee Ha-seong, in a nail-biting cook-off themed “the one and only dish just for me.” His victory earned him the 300 million won grand prize (approximately $200,000) after a unanimous decision from the judges.
Throughout season 2, the competition maintained its excitement, showcasing rising "Black Spoon" challengers against elite "White Spoon" chefs in a series of demanding skill and creativity tests, ensuring that the series remained a fixture on Netflix's global charts.
For the upcoming season, production will once again be handled by Studio Slam, reassembling the original creative team behind the show, including producer Kim Eun-ji and writer Mo Eun-seol. Kim expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from viewers worldwide and pledged to deliver an even more exhilarating format and entertainment experience for fans.