Netflix has officially greenlit a third season of the hit South Korean cooking competition Culinary Class Wars, announced on January 15, 2026. The series, which has captivated global audiences with its intense culinary battles, will return with a fresh twist: a shift to a team-based competition. Unlike the individual-focused challenges of previous seasons, Season 3 will feature groups of four chefs from the same restaurant competing together for pride, reputation, and survival in the kitchen.
The announcement comes on the heels of Culinary Class Wars Season 2's massive success, as the show has consistently dominated Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Show rankings for two years. Viewers have praised the franchise for its escalating tension, inventive rules, and high-stakes drama, which have kept the core appeal of pitting elite veterans against bold newcomers while evolving the format each time. Netflix credited the incredible worldwide support for Season 2 as a key factor in moving forward with Season 3.
Producer Kim Eun-ji, part of the original creative team from Studio Slam alongside writer Mo Eun-seol, expressed gratitude for the show's momentum. “Thanks to the incredible support from viewers around the world through Season 2, we’re grateful to move forward with Season 3. We’ll do our best to deliver an even more exciting format and entertainment that lives up to expectations,” she said in the official announcement.
Applications for Season 3 are now open through Netflix’s social channels. Teams must consist of four chefs currently working together at one establishment. Restaurants under the same brand but across different locations may apply as a single team, but individual applicants or groups from multiple restaurants are not eligible. This team-oriented approach promises to raise the stakes further, emphasizing collaboration, restaurant reputation, and collective performance under pressure.
The renewal highlights the enduring popularity of Culinary Class Wars as a flagship Netflix unscripted series from Korea. Since its debut in 2024, the show has blended dramatic survival elements reminiscent of Physical: 100 with world-class cooking, drawing in both food enthusiasts and reality competition fans.
Who won Culinary Class Wars Season 2?
Season 2 of Culinary Class Wars concluded recently, crowning Choi Kang-rok as the champion. The Seoul-based chef, known for his mastery of braising techniques and humble demeanor, took home the ₩300 million prize (approximately $200,000) after a gripping finale. Choi, who had previously competed in Season 1 but was eliminated early, made a triumphant return as a "hidden" elite chef. His journey represented a powerful redemption arc, showcasing growth, perseverance, and deeply personal cooking that resonated with the judges.
In the final challenge, themed around creating "the one-and-only dish for myself," finalists presented dishes reflecting their identities and experiences. Choi's udon broth featuring sesame tofu stood out for its emotional depth and technical precision, earning unanimous approval from the judges, including renowned figures like Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae. Judge Ahn Sung-jae praised the honesty in Choi's approach, noting how it captured the essence of authentic culinary storytelling. Choi's win marked his second major competition victory, following his earlier triumph on MasterChef Korea Season 2 in 2013. Despite past restaurant setbacks and a low-profile career, his success on the show underscored the power of skill and sincerity over fame.
The season featured intense matchups between White Spoon veterans and Black Spoon underdogs, with standout moments from contestants like "Culinary Monster" (Hasung Lee), who finished as runner-up. The finale delivered high drama and emotional payoffs, solidifying Season 2's reputation for pushing boundaries in format and contestant talent.
Stay tuned for future updates about Culinary Class Wars Season 3, including casting developments and potential release details. The first two seasons are currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Source: Netflix
