Culinary Class Wars Season 3
ICYMI: Netflix just announced that the popular cooking competition series, Culinary Class Wars, is officially returning for Season 3. Since it first hit our screens, the show has been a global Top 10 favourite, and we know you can’t get enough of it either. But this time around, the upcoming season promises a surprise that’ll make it feel fresh, even for longtime fans.
New competition format to shake things up
Chefs from Season 2.
Image credit: @netflixkr via Instagram
Season 3 of Culinary Class Wars is set to retain its iconic and exciting kitchen battles, but for the first time, it’s moving to a team-based format, where 4 chefs from the same restaurant will have to band together.
Since these chefs already know each other, they could have better teamwork and chemistry, which might give them an edge in the competition. But more brains and more hands could also mean more drama, with clashing styles and opinions making the kitchen even tougher to survive. We’re honestly excited to see how it all plays out.
Past contestants may return for the upcoming season
Chef Choi Kang-rok – the champion of Season 2.
Image credit: @netflixkr via Instagram
Chefs Choi Kang-rok and Kim Do-yun didn’t make it to the finals in Season 1, but were brought back in Season 2 – the former even went on to take the crown. Looks like Season 3 might do the same, with contestants from the last season potentially returning for another shot at glory. Nothing’s official yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it happens.
Are the 2 judges returning for Season 3?
Image credit: @netflixkr via Instagram
For now, it’s a bit up in the air. One of the judges, Baek Jong-won, has been surrounded by controversy involving his company, TheBorn Korea, which has faced allegations related to food regulation breaches, among other issues. While he did complete filming for Culinary Class Wars 2 – as production had already started – he has since announced a pause on all broadcast activities.
As for Ahn Sung-jae, chances are looking much better. He’s a fan favourite among viewers – known for being strict, but also fair and genuinely invested in the chefs’ growth. If anyone’s likely to be back judging those intense kitchen battles, our money’s on him.
When will Season 3 be released?
Image credit: Netflix
Season 1 debuted in September 2024, while Season 2 started filming in March 2025 and premiered in December 2025.
Netflix hasn’t dropped an official premiere date for Culinary Class Wars 3, but a casting call went up on Netflix Korea’s socials after the renewal announcement, so it’s safe to say that we can expect new episodes sometime in end-2026 or early 2027.
We’re already counting down to Season 3
While we’ll have to wait a little longer for an official release date, the new team-based twist and the possibility of familiar favourites returning already have us excited. Until then, it might be time for a rewatch to tide us through.
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Cover image adapted from: @netflixkr via Instagram