Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23: Carolinas revs into high gear by transforming the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway into the starting line for one of the show’s most adrenaline-fueled premieres yet.

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The season, centered primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional episodes in Greenville, South Carolina, dives deep into the region’s rich agricultural bounty, Southern hospitality, and diverse flavors—setting a fresh, high-octane backdrop for the 15 cheftestants.

The action kicks off with the premiere Quickfire Challenge at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch join host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons to judge the chefs under the roar of engines and the pressure of the clock.

This high-speed setting pays homage to North Carolina’s motorsports heritage while challenging the competitors to deliver fast, precise, and creative dishes amid the iconic track’s energy.

As the season unfolds, Top Chef spotlights the Carolinas’ agricultural strengths and culinary traditions. Chefs tackle local staples like sweet potatoes (North Carolina’s state vegetable), okra (a Southern classic that often tests even seasoned palates, including judge Tom Colicchio’s), livermush (a regional pork-and-cornmeal specialty), and fiery elements like Carolina Reaper peppers.

These ingredients highlight the area’s farm-to-table ethos, abundant produce, and bold, spicy profiles that define Carolina cooking.

Filming took place across Charlotte’s emerging food scene—known for its eclectic mix of Southern comfort, global influences, and innovative restaurants—and Greenville’s charming outdoors.

Challenges embrace the region’s history and bounty: from spicy menus featuring hot peppers and sweet potatoes to BBQ cookouts, dehydrated ingredient dishes, and even a fan-inspired Quickfire on Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Guest stars add Southern flair, including crossovers with Southern Charm‘s Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover for new spins on comfort food, comedian Fortune Feimster testing improv skills, and actress Danielle Brooks joining an inaugural Fishing Derby.

The season also nods to resilience, with visits to Asheville showcasing the community’s rebuilding efforts post-hurricane damage while celebrating its outdoor-inspired and farm-fresh scenes.

With supersized 75-minute episodes amplifying the drama, Top Chef Season 23 doesn’t just compete—it celebrates the Carolinas as a vibrant culinary destination. From racetrack sprints to farm-fresh triumphs, this season revs up the competition while putting Southern agriculture and hospitality front and center.

Catch the early premiere episode now on Peacock (available since March 3), with the official Bravo airing on Monday, March 9, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

Top Chef Season 23 airs Mondays on Bravo.